In 2015, a man named Christopher Dempsey learned that a co-worker's cousin was gravely ill and needed a liver transplant. He knew that if that was him or one of his own family members, he'd want someone to help, and decided he would get tested to see if he was a match.
He was. He donated half of his liver to a complete stranger, and now—less than two years later—they have gotten married!
There are over 120,000 people living in the United States waiting for an organ transplant, and an average of 20 of them die each day waiting. Even if you're not ready to make the kind of sacrifice that Mr. Dempsey did, you may want to consider planning for the future.
One organ donor could save up to 8 lives and help heal more than 50.
Organ Donation Facts
Maybe you're on the fence about organ donation because you have concerns about how the process is handled. Hopefully these facts will help you decide.
- Anyone and everyone can be considered a potential donor! Regardless of age, medical history, or ethnicity, you could save someone in need.
- Organ donation is supported by most major religions in the U.S.
- Open-casket funerals are still possible for organ and tissue donors.
- Being an organ donor does not preclude you from good health care. If you are injured or sick, the priority will always be to save your life.
- There is no cost to the donor's family or estate.
- Healthy people over 18 can also consider living donations.
Are you a Registered Organ Donor?
95% of Americans are in favor of being a donor, but only 52% are officially registered (as as few as 27% of New Yorkers are registered). Signing your license or a donor card is not enough. You must officially register with your state, which you can do on the Donate Life website.
Already Registered? There's more you can do to help! Spread the word about organ donation through social media, educate your friends and family, or even help through fundraising.