KATHY MITCHELL AND MARCY SUGAR | Annie's Mailbox She's unsure about organ donorship laws
Dear Annie: My husband and I recently had wills drawn up. My husband wishes to be an organ donor. I am hesitant, because I heard somewhere that the surviving spouse absorbs the financial responsibility for this procedure. At the risk of sounding selfish, I do not want this handed to me, nor do I want to subject my spouse to such a financial obligation.
Is it true that the surviving spouse gets the hospital bill following organ donation? Connecticut Couple
Dear Connecticut: No, it is not true. All costs associated with organ donation are assumed by the recipient, not the donor. Any hospital bill that a surviving spouse receives is for medical care given to the patient before death. All costs related to actual organ donation are paid for by the organ procurement organization and/or transplant center, and eventually, by the recipients of the organs and tissues.
Organ donation is a generous and selfless act. Those who are interested should write to: The Living Bank, P.O. Box 6725, Houston, Texas 77265, or call (800) 528-2971 (www.livingbank.org).
Dear Annie: My wife and I enjoy your column and read it daily. You haven't yet written about our problem, so I hope you will print my letter.
I do not like animals in our house. It is not because I hate pets. We have many friends and relatives with pets, and I respect and understand the companionship and enjoyment the animals provide. However, I am uncomfortable having animals in the house. I dislike the animal dander, the possibility of "accidents," and the additional noise and activity.
Last night, my wife informed me that our daughter and son-in-law bought a dog. They reside in another state and visit us every few months. This time, they plan on bringing the dog along. I hardly slept at all last night with this on my mind. My wife says not to make a fuss, but I feel they should make arrangements with a kennel or have a sitter stay with their dog. I have always looked forward to seeing my daughter and her husband, but the thought of having this dog in my house makes me dread the whole visit. How should we handle the situation? No Dogs in Chicago
Dear Chicago: Your daughter should have been considerate enough to ask in advance if it was OK to bring the dog. Since she didn't, it is perfectly proper for you to inform her that you are uncomfortable with the dog in your home and would prefer that she make other arrangements. You might want to check into local motels and see if any will accept pets.
Keep in mind, however, that your daughter may not come unless the dog is welcome, too. If you wind up with Rover in spite of your efforts, try to make the best of it.
Dear Annie: Please allow me to alert your readers to a potential hazard of tanning booths. I recently went for a 10-minute session and used a lotion sold by the salon to accelerate the tanning process. The lotion increased the temperature of my skin, and I wound up passing out. I fell, broke my ankle and will be on crutches for 12 weeks, followed by additional surgery and physical therapy. All of this for a tan! Fairdale, Ky.
Dear Fairdale: Tanning booths can be hazardous if you are not careful about the products used and how long you are in the booth. Thanks for the warning.
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