Why Become An Organ Donor?

The need for organ donors has never been greater. In the United States, there are more than 112,000 people currently in need of organ transplants. And each year, thousands of people die while waiting for a transplant, because no suitable donor can be found for them. But you can help.

Benefits of Organ Donation

Perhaps you are considering becoming an organ donor, but are not completely sure why you should. There are many benefits of organ donation, for all parties involved.

For Donors and Their Families

• The power to save lives. Registering to become an organ donor is a charitable act that costs nothing. It allows a donor to save up to 8 lives through organ donation, and to save or improve the lives of up to 50 recipients through tissue donation.
• The ability to comfort grieving families. It is always difficult to lose a loved one. Many grieving families of organ donors can take comfort in the fact that their loss may help to save or improve the lives of others.

For Transplant Recipients

• A second chance.  For organ donor recipients, a transplant often means a second chance at life.  Vital organs such as the heart, pancreas, liver, intestines, kidneys and lungs can be transplanted to those whose organs are failing.
• Improved quality of life. For some, an organ transplant means no longer having to be dependent on costly routine treatments to survive.  It allows many recipients to return to a normal lifestyle. For others, a cornea or tissue transplant means the ability to see again or the recovery of mobility and freedom from pain.

Why You Should Be an Organ Donor

Here in the New York metropolitan area, there are nearly 8,000 people waiting for an organ transplant. Yet, in 2010, there were only 242 deceased organ donors. Such a disparity leaves many potential organ transplant recipients without much hope for a better future.

When you register to become an organ, tissue and cornea donor, you are doing a great service to your community at no cost to yourself. You can help save or improve the lives of these patients, who might otherwise have no chance at living a normal life.

Do the sensible thing: become an organ donor, and help make a difference. REGISTER TODAY to give the gift of life!