We have been taught that as each day may be our last, to live it to the fullest. So why not make the most of it even after you have passed on by giving someone else a chance to live just a little longer?

The Integrated Program on Organ Donation or IPOD is a foundation that functions as an organ retrieval service provider which was organized to help address the shortage of supply of organs, kidneys included, which account for the highest demand. Created in response to the growing disparity between living and deceased (or after life) donation, IPOD is composed of professional and highly ethical organization made up of highly respected doctors and individuals well-respected in the field of transplant medicine, who have established guidelines on integrated organ donation and allocation based on currently accepted international standards. Among the general objectives of the group is to provide a continuous supply of organs from after life donors that is equitable, just, ethical, and morally responsible.

According to the Philippine Renal Disease Registry Report for 2008, a whopping 97 percent of donations came from living donors. Given this, it was no surprise that the Philippines has only averaged 15 deceased (or after life) organ donors each year from 1999 to 2007.  The report also revealed that 10,000 to 12,000 Filipinos develop end stage renal disease, half of which were eligible for kidney transplant.  Out of 5,000 patients eligible for kidney transplant, less than 10 percent actually undergo surgery because of insufficient organ supply.

IPOD envisions a Philippines where everyone says YES to after life organ donation and where no Filipino will die waiting for an organ. The organization also aspires to enhance public awareness and acceptance of deceased organ donation.  A 24/7 service facilitating deceased organ donation, IPOD assists in placing donated organs for transplantation with the donor/recipient computer matching process with a centralized electronic data base.  As a result, IPOD eliminates or reduces the black-market trade in organs, allowing Filipinos to live their lives with dignity, without having to resort to selling body parts to make ends meet.

One donor can impact up to seven lives because one can actually donate organs and tissues including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas, bone/tendons, and the cornea of the eyes. Everyone, regardless of age or health, is a potential donor. 

There are also other ways to help. By signing up as an IPOD volunteer, you could do individual counseling, speak during IPOD sponsored outreach educational programs for lay audiences, or assist the office staff.

Being an IPOD volunteer also takes on a deeper dimension by choosing to be an actual IPOD donor. By signing up to be an organ donor, you will be part of the growing number of Filipinos who stood up and said YES to after life organ donation. And more importantly, you will give a chance to the thousands of Filipinos waiting for a new lease in life. By being an organ donor, you choose to save lives; you choose to do your part for your fellow man; you choose to be a hero.

So, fill out that card and be part of a bigger picture. You will never know whose life you will save.

To know more about IPOD, contact 416-IPOD(4673) / 238-6087  or log on to http://www.ipodonation.org/.