Donating your organs is one of the most selfless gifts a person can give to someone in need. By donating you are literally giving a piece of yourself to someone so that they can live a full life. You are essentially donating life. The types of transplants that can be performed have expanded tremendously over the last few years, giving countless adults and children a second chance at life.

You may be surprised at how many different organs and tissues can be transplanted. There are only a few limitations on what you can and cannot give.

What Organs Can Be Donated?

The primary organs most commonly transplanted include:

  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Lung
  • Kidney
  • Pancreas

variety of tissues can also be donated, including:

  • Skin
  • Heart valves
  • Tendons
  • Bone
  • Veins
  • Cartilage
  • The middle ear
  • Corneal and scleral tissue from the eye

Living Organ Donation

Whether or not it’s a family member, friend, or stranger in need, a living donation is one of the most amazing experiences a person can go through. Seeing the joy and hope that a donation can bring to someone in need is truly an experience unlike anything in life. Common living organ donations include a portion of the liver, one kidney and one lung. Tissue transplants can include the following:

  • Skin after surgeries such as abdominoplasty
  • Bone after a hip or knee replacement

Deceased Organ Donation

We know as well as anyone that no one likes talking about deceased organ donation. I mean, who likes to think about death? But the reality is that this type of donation is the ultimate final act of giving that a person can do. It is giving life and bringing hope to a person who is truly in need.

Unlike a living donation, up to eight organs can be donated when a donor passes away, which can bring new life to patients waiting for miracles. One of the biggest concerns with this type of donation is whether or not an open casket service is possible. The answer is yes.

Whether you plan on giving an organ to someone in need now, or providing a gift to patients in need after you pass on, you can make a difference. Organizations like Gift of Hope can answer all your questions. Remember, this is a decision that you don’t need to make alone. We are here to walk you through all of the joys and difficulties of the donation process. Register to become an organ donor today and let your legacy live on through the men, women and children you can save.