Tuskegee's ghosts: Fear hinders black marrow donation

[deadparrot]

(CNN) -- In 1982, transplant surgeon Dr. Clive Callender and his colleagues sat down to took a look at African-American organ donation numbers, and they were grim.

While blacks represented about 12 percent of the U.S. population, they represented only about 3 percent of organ donors.

This was terrible news for African-Americans in need of an organ, who were much more likely to make a genetic match with another African-American donor.

Callender knew he had to try to change those numbers. And knew it would be a huge challenge. "People along the road said we wouldn't be successful," he said. "But I was well accustomed to adversity, to reaching for unreachable stars and impossible dreams."

http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/02/07/bone.marrow/index.html?eref=yahoo

[brer cat]

1. Why is this dying on the vine?

This is so important. People, especially children, are saved by marrow transplants. I understand probably as well as any non-participant Tuskegee's ghosts, but we must get beyond that. Why are we not discussing "how" on DU? :shrug:

Recommended and kick!

[goclark]

2. We are African American and are 100 % for organ donations

My aunt died a few years ago at the age of 93. She donated her body to medical sciences and we were so pleased.

We have indicated such in our Wills.


My Mother had a Cornea Transplant in 2003 and it has been a blessing.

K and R