My husband, James S. Drew (Jim) became an organ donor in May 2001, after suddenly suffering a totally unforeseen brain aneurysm rupture. He was about to turn 44 years old. We were together for 22 and a half years and married for almost 19 years. Jim was an artist, painter and printmaker; we met in art school in 1978, and were partners in doing art projects, as well as in life. Coincidentally, he and I had talked about organ donation a year before his passing, after the death of another family member. I knew unconditionally that Jim would support this decision, because he was a very giving person during his life; plus, he had the organ donor designation on his driver's license.
Jim's donation helped six people with major organs — heart, liver, kidneys, lungs — and his pancreas went for islet-cell research. My family and I felt strongly (and still do) that agreeing to donate Jim's organs helped us deal more positively with our grief over losing him in such an untimely way. We were treated so well during the entire donation process. I heard from three of his recipients after the donation; it was a bittersweet but uplifting experience to know they all were able to live life again with Jim's help. It made me know I made the right choice to donate Jim's organs, although there was never any doubt. I would not hesitate to do this again if the opportunity ever presented itself. I also have the "organ donor" choice on my driver's license.
I knew unconditionally that Jim would support this decision, because he was a very giving person during his life; plus, he had the organ donor designation on his driver's license.
