In this sense, family members of donors urge awareness regarding this act of love for others, which can save or improve the quality of life of other people whose health is compromised or at risk.
“We may need an organ to save the life of a family member, or we may lose a family member who can save other people’s lives. None of these situations is desired, but they can be transformed into an act of love and hope, a new chance at life or a better life for people whose only alternative is a donor”, says one of the relatives, Carlos Cáceres.
Carlos lost his wife, Aurora, who after a stroke (stroke) was brain dead. Both Carlos and his children said yes to the donation and, finally, the liver, kidneys and corneas were transplanted to recipients who today, thanks to this noble gesture, lead a better life.
Another testimony is that of Diego Alderete, 31, from Villarrica, who on November 9, 2020, had an accident on his motorcycle. “I had an open fracture of the tibia and fibula of the left leg, with the loss of nine centimeters of the tibia. Consequently, he needed the bone transplant,” he recounts.
He indicates that, before the transplant, which he was able to access thanks to a donor, he felt great uncertainty and fear, since his ability to walk again depended on that. “With the passing of time, I am recovering, thanks to God, and to the professionals who accompany me, almost all my life is returning to normal,” says Diego.
At the same time, the young man urges to donate organs to save and transform lives, “which was what happened in my case,” he insists. Alderete was transplanted a year and four months ago.
The magic of being able to be a donor
According to the “Anita Law” 6170/18, every person over 18 years of age is considered an organ donor after their death. If someone does not want to donate, she must state it in writing to INAT.
Everyone can be a donor and has the right to donate, regardless of age. When a person considers the possibility of being a donor, the first thing he has to do, and the most important thing, is to communicate his decision to his family and closest friends.
Currently, there are 263 patients on the donor waiting list: corneas (182), kidneys (68), heart (7), liver (6). So far in 2022, 1,511 transplants have been performed, according to INAT data.
Those interested in being a donor can purchase their card by downloading the form at the following link https://www.mspbs.gov.py/inat
September 12, “National Organ and Tissue Donor Day”
The date was installed in commemoration of the anniversary of the death of Dr. Marco Aurelio Aguayo Rodríguez, the first cadaveric donor in the country, a Paraguayan doctor, who donated his kidneys and corneas.
That day, a commemorative act will be held in the session room of the municipal board of Asunción, at 10:00 (Dr. Villamayor almost Mcal. López). While, in the Faculty of Medical Sciences of the National University of Asunción (UNA), they will deliver posters and donor cards. The main message will be one of thanks to organ and tissue donors.
