FACTS ABOUT ORGAN, EYE AND TISSUE DONATION
- Your commitment to donation will not interfere with your medical care.
- People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.
- All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.
- Donation should not delay or change funeral arrangements. An open casket funeral is still possible.
- There is no cost to donor’s family or estate for donation.
- In the United States, it is illegal to buy or sell organs and tissue for transplantation.
- Living donation is an opportunity to save a life while you are still living. It is not covered by your donor registration. Living donors can provide a kidney or a portion of their intestine, liver, lung or pancreas to a waiting patient.
What can YOU make possible?
Organ, eye and tissue transplants offer patients a new chance at healthy, productive and normal lives and return them to their families, friends and communities.
Nearly 120,000 men, women and children currently await lifesaving organ transplants and hundreds of thousands more are in need of corneal and tissue transplants. On average, 22 people die each day because the organs, they need are not donated in time. Fortunately, one donor can save or heal the lives of more than 75 people.
Registering as a donor is a gift to your family, giving them certainty of your decision to help others in need. It is also a symbol of hope to those awaiting a lifesaving or healing transplant.
Learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation and register today at YesTheyWantMe.com