organ-donations

Recently- while trying to purchase a two-six of Wiser’s Deluxe on a spectacular deal- I was carded. Yes, anyone over the age of 25 learns to take this situation as a compliment, but what happened didn’t exactly make me thank my vaguely-youthful stars. I was denied. Now, this wasn’t just “me and the power-tripping, obese liquor store guy” awkward- there were 4 employees (two younger than I was), hanging around the till and watching the “We ID to keep YOU safe” commercial play out. No, I’m not one of those “awesomely intelligent” boozers who leaves their ID at home, I am instead a victim of a poorly made Driver’s License. Admittedly, it’s got a good 4 years of use to it, but why make something that official that can rip and tear so easily? (No wonder fake IDs are so damn prolific). Back to me and my obese friend: my ID was vaguely hard to read where the full birthday was written out, but the “83″ in the right corner was still goin’ strong, and really, isn’t the year all that matters (especially with a grace period of 7 years over the minimum?)… Apparently not, according to the sumo wrestler holding my rye hostage. It took me a good 3 minutes to realize I wasn’t getting rye-tarded that day, and after a good amount of stares and eye rolls from the audience of my Shakespearean-esque tragedy, I left the Liquor Depot with my teetotaling tail between my legs. My first call was- wait for it- to my mother, to whom I promptly let loose a tirade replete with a vernacular that would put a cheated-on, drunken lesbian outside of Lick to shame. Her answer: “Stop swearing,” and, “get a new license!”

So I did.

Avoiding ICBC like the plague for obvious reasons- sorry Landon- I entered the Richmond branch with low expectations; I was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. First off, the wait wasn’t nearly as ridiculous as you might imagine: I do love the random alpha-numerical “next up” method they use to prevent customers from getting too antsy. Secondly, the ID replacement card cost me nothing! While my card unfortunately still expires a year from now, I thankfully didn’t have to pay for the shotty, child-labour-made (I’m assuming) faultiness of my old card. To warn you: the photos now come out in black and white and with the “no smile” nazism of the passport now applying to Driver’s Licenses, your mug shot ends up looking like just that… but, more like one from the days of Cowboys and Indians.

ALL THIS ASIDE. The actual purpose of my article is to promote the the transplant option that comes along with your new card. Next to their website (which is http://www.transplant.bc.ca by the way), is an interesting statistic that while “85% of BC residents have intentions to register… only 16% have taken the time to do so.” Logging onto the website, I was happy to find that my 16-year old self had in fact properly filled out the form and checked all the boxes I could (the website offers you to donate for all transplants and research, only for transplants, or for only specific organs). Personally, I don’t care which one you check, but taking the 20 seconds it requires you to fill out this form could literally save or benefit dozens of peoples’ lives- you don’t need to follow ER to know that.

NOW, there is one catch many of you are itching to yell about: the recent (ish) ban on gay-organ donation. For those of you new to this law, last year there was a “ban” put on accepting the organs of gay males in Canada. As a result, I’m sure lots of us have stopped checking that oh-so-important box or have possibly unchecked it from feeling unwanted and discriminated against. I understand that instinct: feeling singled out seems like one old trend that does not need to make a comeback. HOWEVER, do refer to this article from the Globe and Mail to get a more detailed description of the situation.

As you will see, the “ban” is more a setting of harsher inspection rules and testing for organs donated by gay males: they’ll still let us save lives… wow… THANKS! While I do vaguely understand the statistic-obsessed-right-wing mindset that went into this decision, I do not agree with it. But, what I agree with even less is being either lazy or vindictive with one’s donor card… don’t make sick people in need pay for the infuriating logic of the federal government.

Take it all, I say. Leaving a gorgeous body was cool for James Dean, but possibly giving eyesight back to a 10-year old is a whole deal “cooler” in my books. So, grab your care card number, click on the website and register- let us know when you have! Good deeds aren’t just for Boy Scouts!

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