As a result, I did not immediately consider the fact that my father’s vision was rejuvenated by the cessation of another person’s life. As in any other transplant, my parents were given information about the people from whom each cornea came. We found out that each individual had led a life shortened by a traumatic disease or event that ravaged the rest of his body – but left the corneas unharmed and usable for transplant. We were excited for my father’s improved vision and health – but upon learning of the donors’ histories, took pause at the thought of another family’s loss.

According to the official United States government web site for organ and tissue donation and transplantation, www.organdonor.gov, “Over 92,000 people are waiting for the gift of life. Each day, about 74 people receive organ transplants. However, 18 people die each day waiting for transplants that can’t take place because of the shortage of donated organs.”

We learn in Jewish tradition of the value of "p'kuach nefesh," the saving of a life. There are many lifesaving opportunities we may have in our lifetime – organ donation is one such example. All four branches of Judaism support and encourage organ donation. Particularly, the Union for Reform Judaism has been a long time advocate. President and CEO of the New York Organ Donor Network, Elaine Berg, noted in a June 9, 2006 Forward article, “There seems to be no hesitation on the part of the Jewish community to partake in the miracle of transplantation when an organ is needed to live. Tragically, however, there seems to be a lack of understanding that the benefit of receiving an organ cannot exist without a commitment to organ donation. From an ethical perspective, the miracle of organ donation embodies the highest level of mitzvah — what Maimonides characterized as giving anonymously…if it is possible to donate an organ to save a life, it is obligatory to do so — even when it comes to cornea transplantation, as restoring sight is considered to be lifesaving.”

My dad will be able to continue to pursue his goals and visions in life because of the selfless act of organ donation. I encourage you to consider signing up to become an organ donor. Please visit www.organdonor.org.

• Declare your wish on your driver's license.
• Join the donor registry if your state has one.
• Include donation in your advance directives, will, and living will.
• Tell your family. They can be your advocate should you become a donor candidate.
• Tell your physician, faith leader, and friends.
• Complete a donor card and carry it in your wallet.