In the last 10 years, five people have died in my mother’s-side extended family. Serious medical conditions in others have caused us time and again to consider the Great Beyond.

Now, an uncle, who happens to be one of the sweetest and humblest men I know, has been put on the heart transplant list. Thanks to medication, his heart functions. Barely.

All I ask is that you seriously consider becoming an organ donor, in the interest of my mother’s brother, his wife, his kids, and his grandson, not to mention all of us nieces and nephews and siblings and in-laws who love him.

Please. Visit beadonor.ca (Ontario) or organdonor.gov (USA). Talk to your loved ones. And consider helping to save up to 8 lives! And please… don’t take too long: my uncle is waiting!

Thank you.