National Organ Donor Day

Most people know that February 14 is Valentine’s Day, but at the same time, they also celebrate National Organ Donor Day. It was created to show the highest degree of love and compassion found in people. It reminds us of those who donated their organs to save others. Among them were relatives who wanted to help save the life of a loved one.

History

For medical reasons, a person may need an organ transplant. According to the laws, the operation can be carried out only after obtaining the consent of the donor or the next of kin in the event of death. In most cases, the second option is more commonly used. In the first, people usually donate a kidney, part of the liver, lungs, pancreas, or intestines.

In 1905, the first successful corneal transplant took place. The donor was the Czech E. Zirm. The first kidney transplant was done in 1950, with R. Herrick donating for his twin brother. He became a living donor. The news quickly spread around the world, but doctors were still cautious about using such methods. Over time, the fear began to disappear. Today, an organ transplant is as common an operation as hundreds of others.

Interesting Facts

• In 2010, a team of experienced doctors performed a complete face transplant, marking a real breakthrough in the history of medicine.
• The oldest donor is a 107-year-old woman from Scotland who donated her organ to an elderly man from West Virginia.
• In 2014, a British woman decided to voluntarily give her kidney to a complete stranger. She learned how many people needed such operations and hoped to prolong the life of one of them.

How to Celebrate

Not everyone can afford to give up a vital organ, but on this day, it will be enough just to donate blood. Find the nearest donor center. With this simple act, you can save someone who desperately needs help. Those with enough money can support charity work and help those undergoing long-term treatment. It is important to remember that every year the number of people in need of transplantation is growing.

When is National Organ Donor Day in 2025?

National Organ Donor Day is observed on February 14 each year.

Observations