Bravery is often defined as facing danger or difficulty with courage. Just by registering as an organ donor, you can save lives and show a level of bravery that people all over the country need. Organ donation is a selfless act that benefits many in need, and the first step to becoming a donor is signing up for the national registry.

What is Organ Donation?

Organ donation is the process of donating organs and tissues for transplantation. As mentioned, it’s a selfless act that can save lives, and one organ donor can save up to eight lives through organ transplantation. Tissues such as corneas, skin, heart valves, and tendons can also be donated to help other patients.

Why Should You Sign Up?

The need for organ donors is constant and urgent, as there are currently many thousands of people waiting for an organ transplant in the United States alone. Joining a Donor Registry is the first step toward helping these individuals. Signing up also ensures that your wishes regarding organ donation are known, and can help expedite the process should you ever become an organ donor.

As the name suggests, a donor registry is an online database that lists potential organ donors. By registering, you are formally expressing your intention to be a donor and consenting to the posthumous donation of your organs if medically possible. Upon registering, you will either receive a donor card or have the option to store the information digitally, such as in a wallet or on your phone.

How do I Sign Up?

The process of joining a donor registry is simple. To start, locate the appropriate website and fill in the required information. This usually includes your name, age, contact information, and other details that will be kept secure. After submitting the form, you should receive a card or digital ID that confirms you’ve registered.

Once you’re registered, you can be confident that your wishes will be honored if something were to happen. Your information will be stored in a secure database and only used with your consent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I donate while alive?

A: Organ donation isn’t all about passing away, and ‘Can You Sell Bone Marrow?’ is a common question in this field. The answer is yes, you can donate while alive. You may be able to donate a kidney, part of your liver, or bone marrow during a living organ donation.

Q: What factors can affect donation?

A: Your age, medical history, and lifestyle are all factors that can affect your eligibility for organ donation. Generally, donor organs must come from someone who is a healthy weight and living a healthy lifestyle, with no history of health issues such as cancer or diabetes.

Q: Why is it important to share my decision?

A: If you decide to become an organ donor, it is important to share your decision with family and friends so that they know how you want your organs to be used in the event of your death. Your decision gives others a chance for life-saving transplants and can provide hope to people who have been waiting for a donor.

Contact a donor registry today to become a hero to somebody!