The Gift of Life: The Reality Behind Donor Organ Retrieval

In her account of her time putting together organ and tissue procurement from deceased donors in 152 hospitals, Graf, 43, imparts some of the medical finesse required to deal with the complexities of transplant, and heart-wrenching recollections of cases that remain with her.–Barbara Turnbull”Toronto Star” (03/18/2017) Drawing on her experience as a transplant coordinator, the author leads the reader through the modern world of organ transplants. Even in states like New Jersey where the law strongly encourages donation, demand for organs will always be much larger than the supply, and the time critical nature of organ harvesting places additional pressures on those involved, from recipients, medical staff and the soon-to-be-bereaved. Although the work begins clinically with the definition of brain death, the author acknowledges that the process is inherently emotional, presenting ethical quandaries even professionals may struggle with. These issues are explored through a series of anecdotes, and while the author is clearly on the pro-donation side, the book does not shortchange the challenges [faced by] the families of the donors. The author’s prose is straightforward and clear; professional jargon does not sabotage clarity. The context is quite specific, not just American but East Coast, but Graf does a competent job of using particular experiences to fuel larger conversation. One flaw may be the book’s brevity. At just over 200 pages, there are profound limitations to the depth to which the author can explore the issues; some readers may come away wanting more.– (03/24/2014) Seriously, the book should be read by anyone contemplating becoming an organ donor, any of the 121,274 folks waiting on the transplant list, or family and friends of the former. Scratch that, this book should be read by anyone looking to make a lasting gift… With Graf’s intense review of the transplant procurement and transition process we are allowed to contemplate the feelings of organ recipients, organ donor families, and even occasionally, the clinical staff.– (02/16/2014)

Registered Nurse and first time author Traci Graf has worked in several unique areas of medicine. Starting with a 16-year career as an Operating Room nurse; then moving to nursing in a Psychiatric Emergency Room (Crisis Response Centre); followed by a career as a Transplant Coordinator and now as a home health care Case Manager. She enjoys being a nurse and helping empower patients to take control of their healthcare.