Organ Donor Advocate Helps Mobilize Teens to Sign Up as Donors, Empower His Generation to ActBy Andrea Blackstone

Organ donation need not be a taboo topic; parents can include their teens in discussions about it. “More than 2,100 children under the age of 19 are in need of organ transplants,” according to Mid-America Transplant. (https://www.midamericatransplant.org/news/the-most-frequently-asked-questions-about-pediatric-transplants) This reality underscores the need to discuss organ donation more with people of all ages.

Liam Horner, 20, was first introduced to the topic of organ donation by his father, a firefighter. When his mother,  Lisa Spicknall, began working for Donate Life Maryland (DLM), Horner was fully introduced to the topic of organ donation.

“I then, in my junior year of high school, had the opportunity to intern with the organ procurement organization for Maryland, Infinite Legacy,” Horner recalled. 

He wishes more parents would discuss the topic of organ donation. They can save more lives than they realize by becoming an organ donor, according to Horner.

“One organ donor can save up to eight lives with organ donation and enhance up to 75 more with tissue donation,” he said. “By signing up as an organ donor, we are helping each other.”

Spicknall, the Executive Director of Donate Life Maryland, shared the organ donation process with Horner, how myths and misconceptions can cause fear among people asked to be organ donors, and why becoming an organ donor is important. Since Horner’s mother is an advocate for organ donation, her ability to educate and share information is key.  

“As a family, we have always been very open about various topics, including organ donation. Ensuring Liam is educated, especially about donation myths and misconceptions, is important. Liam has always been very receptive and open to communicating. He asked many questions about the process and the importance of donation. These conversations have empowered Liam to have confidence in his decision to become an organ donor and to help advocate for organ donation,” Spicknall shared.

Horner signed up to become an organ donor when he obtained his learner’s permit at age 15 and 9 months, which is the legal age in Maryland to sign up to be an organ donor.
“Luckily, I was educated when I got my learner’s permit as the agent at the MVA was unaware that teens could sign up as an organ donor before they were 18,” Horner stated.        

He added, “When you are asked at the MVA, ‘Do you wish to be an organ donor?’ teens are missing out on the gift of helping others, due to the lack of education. Generally, the first exposure teens have to organ donation is at 15 and 9 months, at the MVA. The impact teens may have on others is more tremendous than they realize. Education is key to ensuring teens understand the impact and importance of organ donation.”

Conversations about deceased donors do not scare Horner. 

“What is scary is the over 100,000 people on the waitlist that may die optimistically waiting for that lifesaving organ transplant,” he shared. Horner remains motivated to share factual information about organ donation with friends who want him to clarify information, especially when they discover where his mother works.

“My friends have asked questions about who can be a donor, how the process works, and we have discussed myths and misconceptions surrounding organ donation, specifically if doctors and first responders will save people if they are organ donors. I have had conversations with my friends that doctors and first responders have no idea if someone is an organ donor. Even if it is on your license, they are not checking that; it has to be checked by either Donate Life or the organ procurement organization, and that they do everything they can to save you,” Horner said.

Horner stressed that teens can help others by signing up to donate when they start driving.

“That very same kindness may be returned to you in the future. We never know what will happen to us, and if we may be the one in need of an organ transplant,” said Horner. “Organ donation is giving the gift of life to someone who is in need. It is the ultimate act of charity for everyone involved.”

Register to join Marylanders who have already said “yes” to designating as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Visit https://www.donatelifemaryland.org/how-to-register to learn more about Donate Life Maryland and the process of becoming a donor.