The Process and Blessing of Becoming an Organ and Tissue Donor - Marion Shuck

Marion lost her husband suddenly several years ago, but she was so thankful he was an organ donor. Marion shares his life-giving organ donation story and how impactful it has been. You can sign up to be a donor at any age, and shockingly, more than 100,000 people are still on the waiting list in the U.S. for an organ transplant! Marion advises people to have their wishes about organ donation made clear before their passing. You don’t want your family members to make that decision for you during a time of crisis.

More on becoming an organ and tissue donor in the U.S.:

Becoming an organ and tissue donor in the United States is a straightforward process, and it’s a generous decision that can save or improve the lives of many people. Here’s how you can become a donor:

1. Register as a Donor:

   • State Registry: You can register with your state's donor registry. Most states offer the opportunity to sign up when you obtain or renew your driver’s license or state ID.
   • Online Registration: Alternatively, you can register online through websites like Donate Life America, which is a national non-profit alliance that manages the organ, eye, and tissue donor registry in the U.S.
   • National Registry: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) maintains a national database, but registration is typically done through state registries.

2. Indicate Donor Status on Your Driver’s License: When you register as a donor, a symbol is added to your driver’s license or state ID card, indicating your donor status.

3. Inform Your Family and Loved Ones:

   • It's important to inform your family and loved ones about your decision to be an organ donor. While your registration legally authorizes donation, involving your family makes the process smoother and ensures your wishes are honored.
   • Discussing your decision helps prevent any surprises and ensures that your family understands your wishes, which can be comforting in a time of grief.

4. No Age Limit or Health Restrictions:

   • There’s no age limit to organ and tissue donation.
   • Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissues can be donated. Even people with chronic conditions or illnesses can be potential donors.

5. Understand the Process:

   • Organ and tissue donation only occurs after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and death has been legally declared.
   • The donation process is handled with respect, and it does not disfigure the body or prevent open-casket funerals.
   • There’s no cost to the donor’s family for organ or tissue donation.

6. What Can Be Donated:

   • Organs: Including kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, pancreas, and intestines.
   • Tissues: Such as corneas, skin, veins, heart valves, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

7. Consider Living Donation:

   • You can also become a living donor for certain organs, like one kidney or a part of the liver, lung, intestine, or pancreas.

The decision to become an organ and tissue donor is a personal one and can have a profound impact on the lives of recipients. It's a form of giving that epitomizes altruism and compassion. Remember, it’s essential to regularly review and update your donor status, especially if you change your mind about donation.