About Organ Donation
Organ transplantation may be the only successful treatment for many patients suffering from end-stage disease of the kidneys, heart, lung, liver, pancreas or intestines. Transplants of tissues such as cornea, skin, veins, bone, and heart valves are performed to treat a wide range of medical problems. Such transplants are possible only following an organ and tissue donation.
Although advances have been made in awareness, legislation and medicine, the current demand for transplants significantly surpasses the number of organ donations. The United Network for Organ Sharing, which manages the national transplant waiting list, reports there are more than 96,000 patients awaiting a transplant in the United States. In Michigan, 3,180 residents were in need of a life-saving organ transplant as of June 1.
Organ and tissue donation can bring comfort to families suddenly confronted with the death of a loved one, because even though it is a time of immense sadness, they know their loved one's gift gives new hope for a healthy life to someone else. Each donor has the ability to save and enhance the lives of up to 50 people.
In 2006 in Michigan, a record 1,091 organ and tissue donors gave the gift of life, saving and enhancing the lives of thousands.
Share your life by deciding to be an organ and tissue donor. And share your decision with your family now. In Michigan, contact Gift of Life Michigan at 800- 482-4881 with questions regarding organ and tissue donation, or nationally call 800-355-SHARE.
