First published 2024-10-08 10:44:03
A father of three is urging residents in the Permian Basin to register as organ donors, highlighting the urgent need for life-saving transplants. Jason Dominguez, who has been searching for a kidney donor for the past year, shares the emotional toll that his condition has taken on his family. He emphasizes that many people are unaware that their decision to register as donors could save lives, rather than simply thinking about what they might be giving up.
Statistics from Donate Life Texas reveal that nearly 40% of Texans waiting for organ transplants are Hispanic, yet a significant portion of the population remains unregistered. Each year, around 6,000 people die while waiting for an organ, underscoring the critical need for more donors. Irma Primo, who received a kidney transplant nearly a decade ago, echoes this message, expressing gratitude for her donor and emphasizing the willingness of people in the community to help others in need.
Dr. Anand Reddy of the Permian Basin Kidney Center notes that while the number of Hispanic individuals waiting for kidney transplants is rising, matching donations from this demographic are not keeping pace. He encourages potential donors to get tested and assures them that donating a kidney generally does not impact their own health. Dominguez remains hopeful about finding a match, envisioning a future where he can provide a better life for his children.