His Time Ran Out
Rob Mack’s time ran out before he was able to receive the kidney transplant he needed to survive. His wife, Rhonda Major-Mack, of Columbus, feels it’s her responsibility to discuss donation with her community because African Americans like her husband are three times more likely than white Americans to need a kidney transplant.
Rhonda Major-Mack advocates for organ, eye and tissue donation so others don’t lose a loved one while they wait for a transplant.
“When I’m talking to people about donation, I remind people that my husband died waiting for a kidney transplant and he was diabetic – then they make a connection,” Rhonda said. “Diabetes can lead to dialysis and a breakdown of organs. I don’t want anyone else to lose a loved one waiting for a transplant because they simply didn’t know.”
Mack looks for ways to dispel myths that keep minorities from registering as organ, eye and tissue donors. One of the main myths she busts is the fear that medical professionals will not do everything to save a patient’s life if they are an organ donor.
Rhonda says she educates her communities on this misconception to help them understand medical professionals work hard to save the life of every individual. She says African Americans don’t realize the opportunity for donation isn’t even discussed until a time of death is declared in a hospital.
“Hospital staff and medical professionals don’t even know that people are registered organ donors until after someone has died,” Rhonda said. “I encourage my community to discuss the decision to donate with their families so there is no fear of the unknown.”
“People don’t believe the need for a transplant could directly affect them,” Rhonda said. “I’m a mom, wife, real everyday person from Columbus, Ohio whose loved one died waiting for a transplant. I tell people in salons that if more people registered as organ donors, Rob’s life and the more than 112,000 still waiting for a transplant could be saved.”
Rhonda believes every registered donor is a hero and hopes you say yes to donation. Register as an organ, eye and tissue donor today.