Organ donation takes healthy organs from one person and transplants them into another. People of all ages and background can be organ donors. Those under age 18 must have permission from parent or guardian to become a donor. Those 18 or older can sign and carry a donor card. All potential organ donors should also let their family know their wishes.

 

Experts say that the organs from one donor can save or help as many as 50 people. Organs you can donate include:

Choosing to restore another person to good health not only positively impacts their life but their family and friends’ lives as well. Organ donation is an amazing gift – it is the gift of life.

 

Almost 100,000 men, women and children currently need life-saving organ transplants. It is crucial that we spread the word about the importance of organ donation and sharing your decision to donate with your family.

 

According to the Donor Network of Arizona website there are 1,662 people in Arizona waiting for an organ transplant today, of those an overwhelming 1,165 are in need of a kidney transplant.

 

While there is a critical need for kidney donation, kidneys along with livers can be transplanted from a living donor. To be a living donor you need to be in good general health; and free from high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, kidney disease and heart disease. Your individual circumstances will be discussed privately with the doctor and you will be tested to determine compatibility.

 

The identity of all parties is kept confidential. The donor and the transplant recipient may receive such information as age, gender, occupation and state of residence. The donation agencies facilitate anonymous correspondence and meetings initiated by either the donor family or recipient and agreed to by both parties. For more information visit www.donoraz.org

When someone living with kidney failure receives a kidney transplant their life changes; they can eat different foods, they have more energy, and most no longer have to schedule their life around the hours they have to be tied to a dialysis machine.

 

Success has been achieved in curing diabetes with a pancreas transplant or utilizing cells extracted from the pancreas (islet cells) that produce insulin. Although only a small number of intestinal transplants have been performed, this treatment holds great hope for patients whose intestines have been severely damaged through illness, trauma or birth defects.

 

Donated tissue replaces bone, tendons and ligaments lost to trauma, cancer and other diseases. Corneas can restore sight to the blind. Skin grafts help burn patients heal and can often mean the difference between life and death. Heart valves repair cardiac defects and damage.

 

Each year thousands of Americans could benefit from an organ transplant. The public may be misinformed about some aspects of the organ donation issue. Here are the facts that should help you better understand the organ donation process.

 

Fact: Anyone can be a donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.

 

Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.

 

Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ donation can only be considered after you are deceased.

 

Fact: When you are on the waiting list and an organ becomes available, the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information is considered, not your finances or celebrity status.

 

Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.

 

Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.

 

Fact: Anyone can be an end-of-life donor regardless of age, race, or past medical history.

 

Fact: As an organ donor, you can donate multiple organs such as the kidneys, heart, liver, lungs, intestine and pancreas. As a tissue donor, you can donate corneas, skin, bone, bone marrow and heart valves. You may specify what organs and/or tissues you wish to donate on your Uniform Donor Card