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How becoming an organ donor can help others

Being an organ donor is no easy choice, but it's certainly an honorable one. It's something that can save many lives and allow you to make an impact on the world even after you're gone.

Those two things were personified Saturday afternoon when Daniel Mendoza, a war veteran, attended the funeral of 16-year-old Emily Ramm. Daniel did not know Emily at all, but she became a big part of Daniel's life when he received one of Emily's kidneys in a transplant, something he was in desperate need of. Emily donated her other kidney and her liver, as well, to two others. This is something that seems to be helping her loved ones during the grieving process.

“It just makes me feel so good inside to know where she is, know where she’s living,” Tara Vasey, Emily’s aunt, shared with KOMO news.

If you're unsure about how becoming an organ donor works, get info from your parents, your health teacher or school nurse. Then, if it's something you decide you do want to do, let your parents know. Make sure to register with your state donor registry (if your state has one) and if you're on the verge of getting your license, be sure to indicate that you want to be a donor (as your identification card is how this preference will be made known to others). You can learn more about becoming an organ donor and read stories by visiting OrganDonor.gov.

Do you think it's important to be an organ donor? Share you thoughts in the comments.

We want to hear from you! Send us your weirdest body questions here (seriously, we'll answer anything!) and it just might get featured.

by Sydney Adamson | 8/30/2016
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