Yet, there is hope.

Americans can become donors when they visit their local License Branch to renew their license. At that time a red heart is printed on your license, which indicates your desire to give life in order to save another.

Assisting families of those who have chosen to become a donor is Indiana Organ Procurement Organization (IOPO). The nonprofit agency is dedicated to raising awareness of organ, tissue, and eye donation transplant throughout state. A IOPO transplant coordinator or another trained specialist is available to explain donation process after a loved one passes, and will answer any questions family may have. They also keep in contact with families and assist them throughout grieving process.

Families are offered a memory box that holds precious mementoes and keepsakes along with a Gift of Life Donor Medal to honor donation from their loved one. Later in year IOPO hosts a memorial service in remembrance of donors in December. This is a special occasion when donor families, recipients, transplant coordinators at IOPO and those who support organ and tissue donation join together to celebrate lives of those whose gift has saved another life.

For more information on organ donation or Indiana Organ Procurement Organization call 1-888-ASK-IOPO (1-888-275-4676) or go to their website at www.iopo.org Information is also available from Indiana Coalition on Donation at http://www.shareyourlife.org. 317-685-0389.

References & resources: Indiana Coalition on Donation http://www.shareyourlife.org/

Indiana Organ Procurement Organization, 1-888-ASK-IOPO (1-888-275-4676), www.iopo.org

Melody Schubert is a reporter & travel writer who looks for the intriguing & often overlooked features & destinations that express the heart of a region. She writes for print & online media, and may contacted through the Editor at www.usatravelmagazine.com.

Here are simple ways on how to clean those tracheostomy apparatus/gadgets: •clean inner tube at least one a day •use a small bowl, a small brush, liquid soap, a gauze pad and scissors •make use of a mirror to guide you in finding right position wherein you can see your face and most importantly your throat •always remember to wash your hands with soap and water before touching trach •carefully unlock inner tube and remove it by pulling it gently out and down •gently and carefully put a wet inner tube inside outer tube and then again carefully lock inner tube in place. •Clean dirty tube by means of soaking it in a liquid soap diluted in water. Afterwards gently scrub it using a small brush. However, if tube is extremely dirty it is advisable to soak it in 3% hydrogen peroxide and then brush it. •Rinse tube thoroughly and preferably in a running water and then make sure that soap as well as hydrogen peroxide has been completely rinsed off tube.

And lastly, don’t forget to see your doctor if ever you experience shortness of breathing or call 911 for emergency cases.

Author’s Bio: Jinky C. Mesias is a lover of simple things and of nature. She spends most of her time reading and writing poetry which she hopes to post someday.

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