I just read your op-ed (Sharon Best, Op-Ed, June 6, 2007) regarding organ donation, family consent and research. I am particularly interested because I work for Northwest Kidney Centers and while we provide dialysis treatment for people whose kidneys no longer function, we also promote organ and tissue donation in the greater community.

It was a short article and probably did not go into the detail you wanted, but I must say I am confused as to what you really wanted to say. It seems that you were discussing three main issues. One being the issue of family consent. As you probably know, Washington state now has a first-person consent law such that no family member can prevent their loved one from becoming an organ and/or tissue donor after death, if it is their loved one's wish. Personally, I am grateful for this law because, while my parents and partner would allow it, my brother would not honor my wishes upon my death.

Regarding research, I'm sure you are aware that you can decide whether or not you would like your organs or tissues to be used for transplant-only, research-only, or both. This can be done on-line, when one registers to become a donor on the Living Legacy Registry.

Would your concern about tissues being used for "for profit" biotechnological research be lessened if you checked the "transplant only" box when you register to be a donor?

Syrenka L. Slettebak

Community Health Education

and Volunteer Programs Coordinator

Northwest Kidney Centers