Understanding

Becoming A Donor

Share Your Life. Share Your Decision. Two simple steps make a lifesaving difference:

Step One: Share Your Life. Make the decision to become an organ and tissue donor, and register. Register Now >> 
Step Two: Share Your Decision. Sharing your decision to be an organ and tissue donor is as important as making the decision itself. At the time of your death, your family will be asked about donation. Sharing your decision with your family now will prevent confusion or uncertainty about your wishes later. Carrying out your wish to save other lives can bring your family members great comfort in their time of grief.

Tips for telling the family of decision to donate:

Family discussion is important, because all families will be approached about donation upon the death of a loved one. Family consent is always obtained before any organ or tissue recovery efforts begin. When the deceased has shared their wishes about becoming a donor, the family invariably will honor those wishes. Signing the back of a driver's license or registering on your state donor registry are additional ways individuals can express their wishes, which can then be expressed to the family.

Many people are not sure how to begin a discussion about donation with their family. Here are some tips:

• Begin by telling your family that they are an important part of a personal decision that you want to share with them.

• Share with them why you want to become a donor. Explain that organ and tissue donation is consistent with your life values and feels like the right thing for you to do. It is the most selfless gift one can give, a lasting legacy. 

• Explain how one person can really make a difference. One donor can potentially help 50 people. Donation can dramatically improve - even save - the lives of those suffering from organ failure, bone defects, burns or blindness.

• Explain that most religions support donation. Generally, all religions agree that donating to benefit others is a demonstration of faith and love for one's fellow beings.

• If concerned about cost, explain that there is NO cost to the donor family. Organ and tissue donation is a gift.

• If your family is concerned about an open casket, there is no need to worry. The body is not disfigured from donation. The body is treated with the utmost respect and dignity with the removal of the organs.

• When families are sharing information about a living will and durable power of attorney, information about organ donation should be included.