In this newsletter, we often like to promote opportunities to give back to the community. This month, we would like to honor those who have donated the greatest gift of all: life. Organ donors, both living and deceased, provide families across the country with hope. That everyday Americans are willing to give up so much, often to total strangers, is moving beyond words. Thankfully, the numbers speak for themselves. In 2016 alone, more than 33,600 transplants successfully brought renewed life to patients in the U.S. That’s over 33,000 families able to take their loved ones home from the hospital safe and sound. Countless lives changed for the better that year, all thanks to an estimated 15,800 donors who were willing to give part of themselves to help another. Most heartwarming of all, over half of our nation’s total population — 56 percent of us — have registered to donate life. Thank You, Donors LIFE GIVERS We could all use a vacation, and if you’re looking to bond with your grandkids, a trip might be the perfect answer. It’s fun for you, and getting away from Mom and Dad for a while is thrilling for any kid. But before you board a plane to Italy with your granddaughter or rent an RV for a trip to Yellowstone with your grandsons, there are a few things you need to check off your to-do list. TRAVELINGWITH THE GRANDKIDS? Letting their kids go on a trip without them can be nerve-wracking for parents. Don’t view parental worries as an implication that you are an irresponsible grandparent. Instead, think about how you felt when your own children were young, and take steps to alleviate the parents’ concerns. If your daughter asks you not to be on your phone while in crowded public places because she’s concerned you might lose sight of her child, promise to keep the phone in your pocket. If your son-in-law wants regular updates, make time before bed for your grandchild to call home and tell her father about all the fun she’s having. A little compromise can lead to less stress and more fun for everyone. Pack Necessary Documents You need to have some form of ID for your grandkids. Older kids can use a driver’s license, but if you’re traveling with little ones, find a copy of their birth certificates. You also need copies of insurance Don’t Let the Parents Worry
and prescription cards and a notarized letter from the parents granting you permission to authorize medical care in case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to have a letter of permission for your grandkids to travel with you. Make sure the letter is signed by all legal guardians, especially if your grandchild’s parents are divorced. You don’t want to accidentally cause a custody dispute.
Plan a Trip You’ll Both Love
When planning your itinerary, ask yourself if your grandkids will have fun, too. You might be excited to visit an art museum, but a younger child might not appreciate it as much. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit museums or historical sites! In fact, most of these places offer kid-centric activities, like scavenger hunts, that can help a younger audience engage with the environment. Just be sure to think of your grandchild first when planning. There’s nothing like the adventure of travel to bring generations closer together and create lasting memories. These tips will help you ensure those memories are good ones. Happy travels!
Despite this widespread generosity, the need for donors is still incredibly high. Every day, 22 people die waiting for a transplant that never comes. The majority of people on the waiting list are people on dialysis, in desperate need of a kidney transplant. The wait times can be as long as five years. Becoming a registered donor helps meet one of the most critical needs in our nation and has a lasting positive impact on families and communities. Those who have done so are nothing less than heroes, and we at Gillette Law Group salute their selflessness. Our firm holds this issue very near and dear to our hearts. To donors and their loved ones everywhere, thank you.
If you would like to register to save and heal lives, you can visit RegisterMe.org. For more information, visit DonateLife.net.
2 | GilletteLawGroup.com
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