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CATHOLIC SABHA NEWS :

The Organ Donation (Awareness Building Programme)

On 16th of June, the Catholic Sabha, Ashoknagar unit organized a programme for the parishioners on Organ Donation. The resource person was Dr. Amit D’souza- Nephrologist from Fr. Mullers Hospital, Kankanady.

The programme commenced with the formal function. The M.C. Mr. Winson invited the dignitaries on the dais- Fr. Aquin Noronha -parish priest, Fr. Royston Lobo, The assistant PP, Dr. Amith Dsouza- resource person, Mr. Rolphy D’costa- President, Catholic Sabha- Mangalore Pradesh (R), Mr. Patrick D’souza,-President- City Episcopal Varado, Mr. Isaac Furtado- vice president, Mr. Ronald Colaco - president of Catholic Sabha, Ashoknagar, Mrs. Noreen Pinto and Sr. Jyothi- superior of St. Joseph convent.

Mr. Ronald Colaco gave the welcome address and the lamp was lit. This was followed by a speech on the importance of pledging our organs by Mr. Rolphy Crasta. Fr. Aquin Noronha lauded the members for organizing such a need based programme. Mrs. Noreen Pinto introduced the chief speaker of the programme.

During this programme, they also celebrated the 91st birthday of Mrs. Lucy Monteiro who is a founder member of Catholic Sabha of our parish. After cutting the cake, they wished her well. Also since it was Father’s Day, all fathers present were honoured with a rose.

Dr. Amit gave a power point presentation on the current scenario of organ donation and how many people are in need of organs. He also spoke about the different parts that could be donated while living and when a person is brain dead. He explained the actual process and the ethics involved in brain dead organ donation and clarified a lot of our misconceptions. He also mentioned that by donating organs people can live fulfilling lives and need not worry, but there is an acute shortage of organs and those suffering from kidney and other problems have to wait for a very long time.

Later Mrs. Debbie Locker shared her testimony as a kidney donor, and the paperwork and procedures involved in getting clearance. She also mentioned that while many people could pledge their organs, it would be better if there could be a proper compilation of data in our parish and when a person dies the group in charge could meet the family members and convince them to donate the organs of their loved ones. She added if anyone needs guidance and encouragement regarding kidney transplant her husband and she would be willing to guide them with the documentation and share their experiences with them to motivate them to donate their kidney.

At the end the vote of thanks was delivered by the secretary Mr. Wilson Dsouza.