Little boy inspires others to boost organ donation

Little boy inspires others to boost organ donation

Web Desk
December 20, 2022

Little boy inspires others to boost organ donation

Turtle Mountain Chippewa Indians introduced organ donation to tribal IDs.
Native American transplant patients make up less than 1% of the U.S. population.
New Mexico waitlisters are 1/5 Native American.

Greyson Parisien failed. The North Dakota tribe is influenced by a youngster who loved “Frozen,” paper ripping, and his dad playing the guitar. In November, Turtle Mountain Chippewa Indians added an organ donation box.

Indians donate fewer organs. Tribes are cultural. Time, distance, and insecure internet delay remote regions. “We need additional donors,” remarked Joan Azure.

“You want everyone to live, but your child to live.”

Native American transplant patients make up less than 1% of the U.S. population. New Mexico waitlisters are 1/5 Native American. The Dakotas have 5% Native, American organ recipients. After cardiac surgery at 5 months, Greyson needed a blood pump. He returned to his North Dakota reservation after a heart transplant.

Online, tribe members tracked Greyson’s care. Boxy spectacles, bow ties, khakis, mohawk. After his September 2019 pneumonia death, the community seeks answers. 21-month-old Greyson is honoured through parades, powwows, and talks. Joan Azure’s grandchild celebrates heart week.

Turtle Mountain Chippewa Indians introduced organ donation to tribal IDs. The tribe waived the $10 ID fee and pushed registration in November.

“Today is an important day that everyone, especially Native nations, will remember for decades,” tribal Chairman Jamie Azure said, beaming with arms stretched to the heavens.

The tribe may be the first of 574 Native American tribes to find organ donors. Susan Mau Larson hopes more tribes join. Several groups promote organ donation among tribes.

Values can complicate these talks. They’re in tribes, gatherings, and hospitals. Guidelines: Identified decision-maker. Tell, don’t explain. Relatives. Shh! Any decision, comfort families.

Darryl Madalena encourages Southwest tribal members to become organ donors by linking renal condition to donating and receiving. He asks if tribes’ increasing reliance on Western care will be forbidden. Organ donation!

Native American liaison Madalena says western medicine is part of their tradition. “One thread can harm Natives” Madalena’s work is inspired by his late girlfriend, Hopi woman Mylia Phouamkha. Madalena has 2-year-old Micca.

Madalena, a Native American liaison for New Mexico Donor Services, said western medicine is part of their culture. “One thread can impair Natives’ health.” Micca’s dad said “OK.” Madalena was called morbid. Jemez Pueblo believes in wholeness.

It’s taught, he said. The Chippewa disagree, said Joan Azure. Rollette County has 40% organ donors vs. 65% statewide.

Larson emphasized education, means, and opportunity. 80 kilometers separate Turtle Mountain and the DMV. Reissuing tribal IDs every two years increases organ donation options. Studies show identical-gene organ donors are best. One-fourth of Native American diabetics need kidneys.

Greyson lived in Rochester, Minnesota, far from Turtle Mountain. Coralynn’s portrait was on a “Not all Heroes Wear Capes!” parade float. Greyson’s relatives sought a Turtle Mountain elder after his death. “Waasizo Gichi Anong Ningaabii’ Anong” ended the elder’s prayers.

Even at his roughest moments, his grin showed brightly, and his presence brought delight to all. His courage inspired many.

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