Alexa Kersting's short life was an inspiration to many for her stoical grace and her enthusiasms, which included singing, dancing and art. The West Fargo girl died last week, at the tender age of 14, while waiting for a lung transplant.
Every day, 17 people die while waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. That shouldn't happen. For all the marvels of modern medicine, transplant recipients still are helpless without donors. "Transplants save lives, and we all have the power to save lives - if we make the decision," as Ann Paschke of the United Network for Organ Sharing said.
Make that decision - and tell family members. Better yet, sign up as an organ donor when you renew your driver's license. Spare some family the unnecessary grief of mourning a child who died while waiting for help to arrive.
Forum editorials represent the opinion of Forum management and the newspaper's Editorial Board
