I figured that since my birthday is in ten days, I should probably renew my vehicle registration with the State of Michigan. This is something I always look forward to doing since I am a law-abiding citizen who is completely obedient to the fair and sensical laws of my state. :icon_puke_l:

While renewing, I saw a link for adding my name to the Michigan Organ Donor Registry. I thought to myself, “Gee, Self, this is a wonderful idea in case God calls me earlier than expected!” Actually, my thoughts were quite a bit more morbid than that, but I will spare you the sick details of my sordid mind.

My viewpoint is this: instead of rotting away while taking up valuable and limited real estate, I thought that my tissues would be better used for the benefit of others. Even if they couldn’t be used, I would rather them be burned to smithereens so I don’t use up that valuable real estate, so I might as well offer up what I have. It’s difficult to be a part of that whole Reduce, Reuse, Recycle thing if I’m rotting away in a box.

Another thing to consider is that I have beautiful organs…at least I do, now. My liver hasn’t been yooperized just yet. I am putting forth some effort to keep the pickling process at bay. My heart is super strong and healthy, as are the rest of my organs.

To add some seriousness to this issue, there are many people out there who need vital organs. These are people who can be cured if they can just get the heart, the liver, or whatever else they may need. Almost all tissues can be used (provided you have cared for them).

Caring for yourself is part of the equation. So many tissues and organs go to waste because we just don’t take care of ourselves. Smokers can’t donate lungs. Cirrhotic drinkers can’t donate livers. Obesity is another horrible condition that is most often preventable or treatable with lifestyle changes (heart disease and fatty liver infiltration are incredibly common in obese patients). Not only will caring for yourself reduce the chance of you needing an organ, but it will ensure that you can provide the gift of life to others.

In the State of Michigan, I am reassured that my decision is the final decision:

Michigan law does not require family consent to carry out your wishes to be an organ donor. However, discussing organ donation with your family will help keep everyone informed about your wishes, avoiding any confusion or delays.

By filling out the online Michigan Organ Donor Registry form, you may help save a life, and you’ll even get a pretty nifty heart sticker to put on your driver’s license.

If you don’t reside in Michigan, you can click here to find out about organ donor registration in your state.