Many people hope to have a positive impact on others during their lifetime, but 25 U of M students believe that chance will come after their own deaths.
"It is grim, but some students know people whose lives were saved by an organ transplant, so they were willing to get involved," said Lisa Eldin, the faculty adviser of Tigers for Organ Donations (TOD).
TOD is The University of Memphis chapter of the national organization Students for Organ Donations. Its formation began in early January, when the president of the Vanderbilt chapter encouraged pre-health advisors across the state to get students involved.
Eldin said that she was impressed by the quick response she received from students, especially from members of Alpha Epsilon Delta and the Pre-Law Society.
After signing up student members and creating a constitution, Tigers for Organ Donations officially became a registered student organization (rso) during the second week of February.
Katie Lizarraga, assistant coordinator of student activities, said that TOD was able to have rso status because it was original in its purpose to serve the campus, and it provides any student with an opportunity to join.
"We have a wide variety of organizations that cater to the students," Lizarraga said.
"And, Tigers for Organ Donation makes the selection even better.""It provides students with yet another way to help people," Lizarraga added.
Complying with the theme of the national organization, TOD's mission is to raise awareness of organ transplants and donations on campus and in the community.
According to John Latta, president of TOD, 85 percent of Americans approve of organ donation, but only 20 percent go through with the process.
"Our main objective is to close that gap and to answer people's questions about the process. There are so many misconceptions about what organ donation is all about," Latta said.
He said TOD plans to have information booths around campus and bring organ recipients to speak to students.
Will Richards, a senior anthropology major, said that with the right information more students may consider giving their organs away.
"I know that organ donation is viable for research and saving lives, but the only other information I've seen is on the back of a driver's license," Richards said.
In Memphis, there are 53 people, ages 18-34, on a waiting list for an organ transplant.
Most organs and tissue are from donors who are declared brain dead. Kidney and bone marrow transplants are the few exceptions where living people can donate.
But Latta said students do not have to register to become a donor to be a part of the organization. Membership information can be obtained in Scates Hall in Room 107 or by e-mail.
