People who choose to become organ and tissue donors see it as a way to make a difference in the world. They say it feels good to know they can help others.

So why should you say "yes"? Because you could save the lives of up to 8 people – ordinary people with families and jobs, hopes and dreams – and improve the lives of up to 50 others, too. It is like saying "yes" to life itself. That is why all major religions support organ and tissue donation, viewing it as the ultimate act of charity.

When you donate, there is no cost to your family. (All donation-related expenses are paid by recovery agencies.) The donor family pays only for medical expenses incurred before death is declared and for funeral expenses. Furthermore, your choice will never interfere with your medical care, because organ and tissue recovery occurs only after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted and death has been legally declared.

Thanks to the generosity of donors nationwide, thousands of people receive organ and tissue transplants every year. But over 100 people who need life-saving organ transplants are added to the national organ transplant waiting list daily, and many do not receive the organ transplant they need in time. To learn more about the organ and tissue recipients and living donors featured on this web site, visit Faces of Donation. Their stories will inspire you!

Essentially, your "yes" can help ensure that every potential transplant recipient has a chance to receive a life-saving organ, or maybe the tissue needed to restore eyesight or the ability to walk. Your gift is the gift of life!