My 13-year-old sister died in 1980 from a kidney disease that rendered every other organ in her body ineligible for transplant except for her corneas. Ironically, she had very poor eyesight as another symptom of her condition but her unaffected corneas were transplanted into two of the youngest recipients in Alberta. Two children literally regained their sight because of my sister's gift.

My mother had a progressive kidney disease that she was diagnosed with at the age of 35. After years of medication, she needed to start haemodialysis in 1982 while she waited for a kidney donor. On a foggy night in November two years later, a young man had a motorcycle accident and his grieving parents discovered that he had signed his organ donor card on the back of his driver's license. They supported their son's wishes and agreed to donate his organs. I sincerely hope that their decision to donate helped them heal and make some sense out of their tragic loss as it did for us when we donated my sister's corneas.

My mother had 12 wonderful and productive years because of that young man's generosity and his family's support. She was able to meet all 6 of her grandchildren - something she likely thought she wouldn't be able to do. Eventually, her kidney disease crept into her transplanted kidney and she ended up on peritoneal dialysis for 4 years until her death in 2001 at the age of 64.

My family has been on both the receiving and giving end of this process. In the 80's, when my sister donated her corneas and when my mother received her kidney, signing your donor card was not a voluntary exercise: it was a visible and inherent part of the process of renewing your driver's license. Public awareness was high. Organs were more available to those who needed them. Fewer people died while waiting on the transplant list. Medical professionals discussed the issue of donating in appropriate and sensitive situations more readily.

I know that organ and tissue donation will not be right for everyone but I support this proposed legislation wholeheartedly. It shows excellent vision on this critical issue that has the power to touch so many lives. A strong organ donation program can bring health, happiness and purpose to the cycle of life. It certainly did for our family.

Sue Good

Stouffville, Ontario