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I tested HIV positive earlier this year. One of my first questions to my new specialist was what do I do with my organ donor card? I was very upset at losing the ability to give the gift of life after death. I have received numerous transfusions from the generous public and I was always so proud of being an organ donor and promoter. Thank you for giving me that hope back!
I filled out the paperwork â?? rather uncomplicated process, and now am a registered donor for the NDRI programme. It was a rewarding feeling to â??give-backâ? to science and hopefully this small step will help towards the cure for HIV!
P.S. if you could, please add to my message or your article that donor documents can be downloaded from the NDRI site - http(COLON)//ndriresource.org/Human-Tissue-Services/HIV/35/ thanks!
Thanks for the info, Tim! I'm calling as soon as I write this. Several years ago I contacted the local medical schools to inquire about donating my body and was informed none accepted HIV+ donors. No one knew of any programs like NDRI's. It's good to know this body will eventually be of use to someone.
The AIDS and Cancer Specimen Resource also acquires, stores and distributes tumor tissues, biological fluids, and associated clinical information from patients with HIV-associated malignancies to the scientific community. If people are interested in donating specimens they are encouraged to visit the AIDS Malignancy Consortium website for more information (acsr.ucsf.edu).
Helpful NDRI program article. Had wanted to donate my body to medical school's student cadaver work,but was rejected because of HIV. Am interested in donor packet.
It is wonderful that an organization like NDRI has a programmatic focus on HIV. It is important to note, that there has been an HIV-specific organ donation program in existence since 1998 - The National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium (www.hivbrainbanks.org). With projects in New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Galveston, this consortium has enlisted over 2000 volunteers for the mission to find better treatments for HIV and HIV-related disorders.
Gwaych
I considered being a post mortom donator. However, I see most organizatons provide for the cremation of the deceased. That gesture would remove the burden of financial responsibility to a family that is already grieving the loss of a loved one, along with the release of the deceased from their care. In other words, I'm not going to donate unless you help my family with a simple cremation. And, don't tell me how it would help others. My one other didn't care, infecting me, knowing he was HIV+!
November 11, 2012 • Orlando