By Adán Bean, Spoken Poet
I’ve lived in East Atlanta for over a decade, and what has kept me here is the strong sense of community. It may not be the center of attention, but when people come here, they quickly realize it has everything they need. For me, it’s not just about going to my favorite breakfast spot or live music venues; it’s about the people. Whether you know anyone or not, walking into any space in East Atlanta makes you feel like you belong. That sense of belonging made me reflect on how I could give back to my community, and registering as an organ and tissue donor became one way to do that.
When you first get your driver’s license, where you can easily register to be an organ and tissue donor, organ donation is probably the last thing on your mind. At that age, you feel invincible, and the idea of needing or donating an organ seems distant, almost irrelevant. I felt that way for a long time. It wasn’t until my early thirties that organ donation became a very real and personal issue for me, as I witnessed friends and collaborators in Atlanta’s creative scene directly impacted by it.
Jojo Martin, a singer in his late twenties, was on dialysis, waiting for a kidney transplant. His health struggles affected his ability to perform. Seeing how organ failure impacted someone so close to me was eye-opening. When Jojo finally received a kidney from a friend, his life transformed. D.R.E.S tha Beatnik, a local legend and MC, is still waiting for a kidney. Witnessing their experiences made me realize that organ donation isn’t an abstract concept, but something that can affect any of us.
Recently, I was selected to be part of the Infinity campaign with LifeLink of Georgia. LifeLink of Georgia is the state’s organ recovery organization, and partners with hospitals to support and guide families as they establish their loved one’s legacy through organ and tissue donation. One organ donor can save eight lives and improve dozens more through tissue donation. Visit mystorycontinues.com today to see my video and register to become an organ donor.
Through organ and tissue donation, we can give others the chance to continue their journey—to keep living, creating, and making memories. It’s not just about giving someone a second chance; it’s about enriching our community and helping those around us live fuller lives.
