Global Issue
Organ transplants aren’t only a technically challenging operation for surgeons, they involve a complicated process of finding volunteers willing to donate part of themselves in order to save someone else. This is especially true in Japan, where out of the 14,000 patients on waiting lists, only 300 a year will receive life-saving donations.
The issue facing children
An even more delicate subject matter, rarely discussed, is that of child organ transplants. It isn’t always possible to use a fully-grown adult’s organs in a developing body, thus the only other option is finding children (and supporting families) willing to help the afflicted child.
This is even harder than finding adult donors as the parents or guardians of a healthy child might not be willing to let their little one’s organs be taken out from his or her growing body. In addition to this, the healthy child might not even understand what would be asked of them, further complicating an already dire situation.
Second Life Toys
Aside from the problem of finding suitable organs for transplantation, one of the main dilemmas faced by children in need of healthy organs is that of understanding. We are trying to change this! Anyone can participate in their colorful campaign by donating not organs, but old stuffed toys.
There are two ways of getting involved:
1. Send a donor toy or donate one that needs fixing. A picture of the toy must be supplied to the organization first in order for them to check its condition. This will then help us find a suitable match and avoid the possibility of the broken toy rejecting the new body part (see form below)!
2. Adults want to support? Great!! Hop on our donation page to join the Auction Game and bring home the most unique plush toy in the world. This is all part of the Charity Auction and the winning amount will be sent directly to the World Children Transplant Fund.
“Whoever saves one life, saves the world entire.”
― Thomas Keneally