Frequently Asked Questions & Myths About Donation

There are some misleading myths about donation and transplantation. To make an informed decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor, begin with the truth. Your decision can make life worth living for someone in need, and that's a FACT.

Myth: Transplants don't really work. They're experimental.
Fact: Transplantation is a standard medical procedure, and one year survival rates for kidney recipients are almost 96%; for heart recipients, over 86%; for liver recipients 88%.

Myth: It costs money to donate.
Fact: Donor families are not charged for the costs associated with organ and tissue donation. If a family believes it is has incurred any additional costs associated with donation done in conjunction with Legacy of Life, please contact us. Costs of the recovery procedure associated with donation are to be covered by the donor program.

Myth: Donation is painful for the donor's family.
Fact: Studies show that donation most often provides immediate and long-term consolation. Donation can be especially comforting when the death is unexpected and the donor is young.

Myth: Wealthy people can buy organs. That's not fair.
Fact: It is against the law to buy or sell organs or tissue. For people on the national waiting list for organs, matching is based on blood and tissue type, medical urgency, time on the waiting list, and geographical location. There is no way to buy a place on the national waiting list.

Myth: Doctors may let a patient die so they can transplant organs to their other patients.
Fact: Doctors who treat patients at the time of death have nothing to do with donation or transplantation of those organs and tissues. Every effort is made to save the patient's life before donation can be considered.

Myth: Donation disfigures the body and delays the funeral.
Fact: Donation surgery includes careful reconstruction of the body and doesn't interfere with traditional funeral plans, including open-casket services. (Note: specific or unique funeral plans should be discussed prior to consent for donation.) Most donations must take place within 24 hours after death, so typical funeral arrangements are not impacted significantly.

Myth: Donating organs and tissues goes against religious beliefs.
Fact: Most major religions support donation and have provided statements for their worshipers. Click here to learn more.

Myth: Signing a donor card is pointless.
Fact: Signing a donor card, and discussing your decision with family members, is the best way to assure that your personal wishes will be carried out.

Q. Should I mention my desire to be a tissue donor in my will?
A. Telling your family of your wishes is crucial because donated tissue must be retrieved as soon as possible after death. By the time a will is read, it is too late. However, leaving a financial contribution to the eye and tissue bank in your will ensures that our vital work can continue.

Q. When is tissue removed?
A. Cornea and tissue removal is performed shortly after death with sensitivity and respect by highly trained personnel. Typically, tissue recovery is commenced within 24 hours of death. The sooner tissue is removed, the more beneficial it is for recipients.

Q. How does the donor family benefit from tissue donation?
A. Donation frequently comforts a grieving family. Making a gift of renewed life can honor the donor and bring solace to the survivors.

Q. Do recipients know the identity of their donor family?
A. Gifts of sight and life are made anonymously. It is customary to honor the confidentiality of the donor and the recipient. Any introductions are coordinated through donor programs if both parties agree.

Q. How is tissue determined to be suitable for transplant?
A. Tissue is evaluated for safety and quality. It is also tested for HIV and other infectious diseases. Only tissue that is determined medically suitable is provided for surgery. In some instances, when tissue is not suitable for surgery, it is made available for educational and research purposes. Legacy of Life follows the standards of the American Association of Tissue Banks and complies with FDA laws related to tissue transplantation.

Q. How is donated tissue used?
A. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people receive life saving or life enhancing tissue transplants. These gifts are made possible by donors and their family members who consent to donation after the death of a loved one. One tissue donor can benefit a hundred or more patients in need of surgical procedures!