Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medecine, one of the great success stories of the latter half of the 20th century. They are the best possible treatment for most people with organ failure. In Switzerland, the probability of becoming a receiver is much more important than of becoming a donor. For some people this means waiting, sometimes for years, and undergoing difficult and stressful treatment. For too many yet, it means they will die before a suitable organ becomes available because there is a desperate shortage of donors. Organ transplants are dependent on the generosity of donors and their families. The majority of donors are those who die of brain haemorrhage or trauma (generally as a result of car accidents). Donated organs, and/or tissue, and the families that donate them are a precious resource. As a result of this gift the lives of hundreds of transplant patients are saved.
 
Healthcare professionals are trained to provide families losing a dear one  with appropriate advice and support throughout the donation process and beyond. The body delivered after the removal of the necessary organs is almost intact. It is, of course, easier for a person willing to donate after death, to carry a signed "Swiss-Transplant" donation-card (distributed to all participants) which is legally considered as a testament.  Some donations (kidney, liver section, tissue etc.) emanate from living individuals. The option of donating organs/tissue is generally offered to the closest next of kin to abide by genetical acceptancy.
 
Kidney, heart, liver and lungs transplants are the most commonly performed. As medicine advances, other vital organs such as  pancreas and small bowel are also being used. Tissue such as cornea, heart valves, skin and bone may also be donated. There is no upper age limit for most transplant donors, some of whom my be 70 and even 80!
 
In Switzerland, over 40'000 with an incurable diabetes await a salvatory graft. Unfortunately, with only 12,2 donors per million inhabitants our country is an end-runner compared to other European countries. 1'159 were still hoping for a transplant in 2005 with only 90 donors. Medical research is working on animal alternatives (porc insuline for diabetes) , but nothing can replace a human organ. In the United Kingdom there are 300 transplant centers. Geneva and Vaud have united to create one and only center.
 
Our aim today is to raise awareness about the success of transplants and the urgent need for more organ donors,  to make it easier for people to learn more and, most important, encourage them to talk about their wishes with their family and friends. 
  
Gracie