Suzy Miller of Donate Life America spoke with Dr. Gloria Horsley at the 2015 Association for Death Education and Counseling Conference about the many benefits of becoming a donor. A leading tissue, eye and organ donation organization, Donate Life America is one of the most well-established donor organizations in the country. “A very good friend of mine…received a heart transplant,” Miller shares with Dr. Horsley. That transplant saved her life. It’s what allowed her to see her daughter graduate from high school, get married and even allowed her to live to have grandchildren.

Miller knows that it was the selfless gift from a grieving family that made this life possible for her friend, and what inspired her to work with Donate Life America. In many instances, there’s only a small window for a family to decide to donate the organs, tissues and/or eyes of a loved one. While there are options for people to register as donors while they’re alive, it’s often ultimately a decision to be made by their families. This is why it’s so important to discuss your wishes, and put them in writing, as soon as possible.

The Gift of Life

Donate Life America is a registry that allows you to record your legal consent to donate. It’s one of the best, easiest and most effective ways to have your wishes known. You can register for your state, and many states have partnerships with the DMV so that your donation preference is clearly listed on your driver’s license. However, this is not a substitute for open discussions with your family, but rather complementary to them.

Find out more about donation at the Donate Life America website and discover how many lives you can save and/or improve with such a gift.

Gloria Horsley

Dr. Gloria Horsley is an internationally known grief expert, psychotherapist, and bereaved parent. She started "Open to Hope" to help the millions in the world with grief. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Clinical Nurse Specialist, and has worked in the field of family therapy for over 20 years. Dr. Horsley hosts the syndicated internet radio show, The Grief Blog which is one of the top ranked shows on Health Voice America. She serves the Compassionate Friends in a number of roles including as a Board of Directors, chapter leader, workshop facilitator, and frequently serves as media spokesperson. Dr. Horsley is often called on to present seminars throughout the country. She has made appearances on numerous television and radio programs including "The Today Show," "Montel Williams," and "Sallie Jessie Raphael." In addition, she has authored a number of articles and written several books including Teen Grief Relief with Dr. Heidi Horlsey, and The In-Law Survival Guide.

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