X-Message-Number: 7025
Subject: Re: Moving slowly closer to signing up
Date: Mon, 07 Oct 1996 13:59:56 -0500
From: Will Dye <>

In #7014, I wrote that I put "call 1-800-TOP-CARE" under the organ 
donor section of my renewed drivers license.  In #7018, Steve Bridge 
kindly took the time to post a fairly long message, essentially pointing
out that this arrangement is woefully indadequate, and must be changed 
to a full signup.  As usual, I unequivocally agree with Steve.  

My original post was not clear enough:  I put the number on my license, 
as a spur-of-the-moment decision, SOLELY to avoid having to change it 
again when I finally get signed up.  Renewing one's license is about 
a half-day ordeal in Nebraska.  My letter (which was addressed to Brian 
Wowk and cc'ed to Cryonet) was to inform Brian of what I did, just in 
case I died before I was properly signed up.  I simply didn't want 
Brian to be completely caught off-guard if he got a phone call about 
a cadaver named "Will Dye".  He might think it was a practical joke.  :-)  

Also in response to my post, Mike Perry says in #7020:

	I would not feel good about not trying to save a person's life 
	if I could, even if doing so would create a hardship for me, 
	and even if the person said, "please don't bother--I don't want 
	to burden you." 

I appreciate your kind thoughts.  As you note, however, no organization 
can afford to take on charity cases without endangering their patients.  
The #1 threat to patients is that the organization will run out of money.  
I know that you'd do the right thing, but to ease any ill feelings you 
may have, I'll say it again:  I knew the risks.  

Both Steve and Mike suggested I sign a "Declaration of Intent".  Certainly 
this will be done when I sign up.  At this time, getting anything 
formally arranged, such as a signed document, needs to be done in such a 
way that I'm not doing it behind anyone's back.  I only did the Driver's 
license thing because it was handed to me without advance warning.  

I'm continuing to make small steps.  That's why I titled the post 
"Moving slowly closer...".  I hope that things are not brought into 
action before these intermediate steps become a full signup.  

--Will


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