TULSA, Okla. — With many people on transplant waiting lists, a new documentary is designed to raise awareness about kidney transplants.
Ascension St. John Medical Center wants to tell the story of one couple’s journey. “Confession of the Good Samaritan” It will encourage more people to donate their kidneys.
WATCH: A couple talks to 2 News about their transplant journey.
Tulsa kidney donor talks about documentary to raise awareness about organ donation
Hayley Lewis, who heads Ascension St. John’s Kidney Transplant Center, told 2News that the center’s average wait time is 22 months. But it’s far from the norm.
People across the country wait on average 3 to 5 years, but in metropolitan areas it can be as long as 7 years.
Unfortunately, approximately 17 people die every day in the United States while waiting for a transplant, Lewis said. She said the wait can take a severe emotional toll on patients and their families.
“They can be really disappointed,” Lewis said. “We can start treating patients, they’re all excited and motivated to get things going, and we can get it done very quickly. Patients are put on a list and they wait and expect to hear back.” And as we know, sometimes years can go by without a call for a transplant. ”
But why is the wait so long? There are various factors. But Lewis said, simply put, demand outstrips supply.
Lewis said she understands there are many reasons why some people don’t donate, including religion and culture, but she said there are misconceptions about organ procurement organizations.
“Some people may feel, ‘Oh, they’re not going to take care of me in the hospital the same way they would if I said I was an organ donor,’ which of course is a complete lie,” she explained. .
“We take great care in the care of our patients, and organ procurement organizations only intervene if the patient or family agrees to donate,” Lewis continued.
There are 213 people on the kidney waiting list at Ascension St. John; More than 580 people are waiting across Oklahoma.. There are over 88,000 people nationwide.
“I think I’ve done it about 27,000 times.” [transplants] Last year it was America,” Lewis said. [we] We need to go a little further. ”
Despite the challenges facing the kidney transplant system, there are reasons for optimism.
Half of all transplants ever performed in the U.S. have occurred in the past 15 years, Lewis said, and the number of transplants will reach 1 million by 2022. Currently, more than 400,000 people have received transplants and are functioning.
Everyone is born with two kidneys, but you only need one. Lewis emphasized that donations can make a big difference.
Circle Cinema will host a private screening of the film on Wednesday night. A free public viewing is scheduled for Thursday at 7 p.m.
For more information about the kidney waiting list, click here.
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