Overrides that choice

I am a proud donor mom and, as such, a reluctant warrior. My only son Brady died from a brain aneurysm 15 years ago this coming 4th of July. He was only 30 years old. Who knew that middle age could be 15?

Brady had elected to be a donor on his Arkansas driver's license. I'm actually not sure I could have made a decision regarding his donation on the spur of the moment at the time of his death. While I'd like to think I would have done so willingly, Brady had already lifted that emotional burden from me and given his own directive. That was so like him, and never would I have gone against his wishes.

Brady was able to donate his organs, tissue and corneas. One woman is now a grandmother. One young teenager is now married. Two people have been given the gift of sight. Can you imagine? The stories are all touching.

In other words, in his final hour, he gave lifetimes.

You must know someone who has been a donor or recipient, or know someone who is desperately clinging to life on a transplant waiting list.

Arkansas House Bill 1679 will ignore someone's personal choice to be an organ donor and allow someone else--perhaps someone in an emotional frame of mind, and trust me, it is emotional in that moment--to override that decision. This will not only mean that personal choices can be disregarded, but that even fewer lifesaving organs will be available for those awaiting another chance at life. Nothing about this bill seems right to me ... and it certainly wouldn't have to Brady. The real tragedy would be that chances are great that none of his recipients would be living today.

Please protect the rights of........

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