Humanizing Organ Donation: Three Perspectives
Despite their diverse professional and personal backgrounds, Dr. Alexandra Shingina, Abraham “Abie” Rohrig, and Dr. Alin Gragossian connected through their faith in organ donation. In a recent ODAC webinar, each individual discussed their unique role: a surgeon, a donor, and a recipient.
Surgeon – Dr. Alexandra Shingina:
During a liver transplant fellowship at the University of Washington, Dr. Shingina saw the necessity of organ donation first-hand. One organ donor can save eight lives, yet seventeen people die each day waiting on an organ transplant. With 11,000 names originally on the waiting list, and 12,000 more individuals added in 2020, Dr. Shingina insisted that the need for donors has never been greater. During the webinar, she outlined the standard organ donation procedure. In the United States, organ transplants are categorized as either deceased-donor transplants (DDTs) or living-donor transplants (LDTs). For instance, if a possible donor is fatally wounded, the donor’s body is artificially supported in hopes of a DDT. Then, officials from an Organ Procurement Organization determine if the organs are fit for transplantation. However, if the deceased is not registered as an organ donor, their family must decide whether or not the organs are donated. In contrast to DDTs, LDTs involve contributing half of the donor’s organ. Both procedures carry risks, which can take the form of hernias or bacterial infections. Despite the dangers of the donation process, Dr. Shingina has observed it rewarding for everyone, physically and emotionally.
Donor – Abraham “Abie” Rohrig:
Abraham Rohrig discussed his journey during the organ donation process, which began after reading the Vox article “Why I Gave My Kidney to a Stranger.” To start the process, Rohrig had preliminary testing to ensure he was a suitable candidate for organ donation. After passing preliminary tests, he matched with a 22-year-old fellow New Yorker diagnosed with lupus. Although Rohrig’s family initially opposed his decision, his friends and relatives supported him by helping him recover. With their help, Rohrig’s physical recovery was smooth. Still, he faced another obstacle: the cost of the procedure. He described how his insurance only covered surgical expenses, with the donor required to pay any additional fees out of pocket. Inspired by his own experience, Rohrig wanted to ensure that potential donors were not discouraged, so he crafted a petition for government compensation for organ donation costs. After writing to the New York State Legislature and appearing on Good Morning America, Rohrig succeeded, with the petition being signed into law by Governor Hochul.
Patient – Dr. Alin Gragossian:
After going into heart failure, Dr. Alin Gragossian became a doctor-turned-patient. Although she was in critical care, Dr. Gragossian continued her Emergency Medicine Residency residency and subsequent fellowship. Fortunately, she was able to have a heart transplant and conclude her fellowship within the same month. As a patient and a doctor, Dr. Gragossian had an extensive support system of fellow residents and family members during her 6-month recovery period. Dr. Gragossian recalled that her heart transplant had been a challenging yet transformative experience. After a full recovery, Dr. Gragossian wanted to share her story and gratitude with those who helped her. As a result, she began writing a blog, volunteering for organ donation organizations (such as Gifting Life and Live On NY), and lecturing about her transplant. More than anything, however, Dr. Gragossian highlighted the connections she had made as a result of her operation. With her donor, Lucy, and a fellow doctor who underwent an organ transplant, Coby, Dr. Gragossian stated that she found rewarding relationships that continue to allow her to engage with the organ donor community.