Most months I try to share one of the many reasons that it is so good for your health to get regular massages. This month is Organ Donation Awareness Month and I felt this would be a good time to bring up a subject many people seem to have difficulty talking about or acting on, but the need for organ donors is great.

Did you know you are more likely to need a transplant than you are to be an organ donor? To become a deceased organ donor in BC a person must be on life support in a critical care unit, with no hope of recovery. Only 1% of deaths in BC occur in a way that would enable someone to become an organ donor.

Today, misconceptions and inaccuracies about organ and tissue donation continue to exist. Don’t rule yourself out! It is even possible for people with medical conditions, including cancer, to be an eligible donor. Register your decision and let the specialists determine if it is safe for you to donate. Please, register your decision today, talk to your family about it and continue to spread the word about the powerful impact of donation. The unfortunate truth is many Canadians, including children, die waiting for a transplant. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. There is no age limit to who can be an organ donor, in fact, the oldest organ donor in Canada was 92 years old and the oldest organ donor in BC was 79. You will need to sign the registration form for any child under 19 years of age.

A decal on your driver’s licence or care card is no longer enough. If you’re not sure if you are registered, or to register, go online to transplant.bc.ca with your Personal Health Number or call toll free 1-800-663-6189.

I challenge everyone who thinks they are on the registered donor list to take a minute, go to transplant.bc.ca, or call the toll free number and confirm that you’re on the list.