one further contribution

My father, the most brilliant, loving, funny, special man on earth is gone. His body is still alive, but there is no sign of brain activity at even the most basic levels necessary for surival.

The Nematol (drug used to induce com) has been removed so that brain function (or lack thereof) can be assessed objectively without any compromising medication. Once his body clears the Nematol, the medical team will remove his ventilator and check for signs of apnea (the body's last attempt to breath on it's own - but also an indicator of at least some very basic brain function). Then, they will measure the blood flow to his brain by tracking it with a radioactive isotope. Results from both of these tests are necessary to legally confirm brain death.

We have given the medical staff direction not to resuscitate dad in the event his heart stops before brain death is confirmed.

We also very much hope that Dad's body will hold on long enough that he can make one further contribution to this world by giving his organs to other patients who can still survive.