Become an Organ Donor
Perhaps you have a family member, close friend or colleague who is living with cystic fibrosis. Or maybe you're a runner who is looking to add some meaning to your next marathon. Or you might have been moved by the story of the Esiason family's own battle with CF. Whatever your motivation, welcome. We offer a variety of ways for you to get involved and to make a difference in the lives of the 30,000 Americans living with CF.
Although there have been advances in medical technology and donation, the demand for organ, eye and tissue donation still vastly exceeds the number of donors.
- More than 123,000 men, women and children currently need lifesaving organ transplants.
- Every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list.
- An average of 21 people die each day because an organ was not made available for transplant.
- In 2013, there were 14,257 Organ Donors resulting in 28,953 organ transplants.
- In 2013, more than 47,000 corneas were transplanted.
- More than 1 million tissue transplants are done each year and the surgical need for tissue has been steadily rising.
- According to research, 98% of all adults have heard about organ donation and 86% have heard of tissue donation.
- 90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor.
Learn the Facts:
Despite continuing efforts at public education, misconceptions and inaccuracies about donation persist. Learn these facts to help you better understand organ, eye and tissue donation:
Fact: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race, or medical history.
Fact: All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others.
Fact: If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life. Organ, eye and tissue donation can only be considered after you are deceased.
Fact: When you are on the waiting list for an organ, what really counts is the severity of your illness, time spent waiting, blood type, and other important medical information, not your financial status or celebrity status.
Fact: An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care, respect and dignity.
Fact: There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation.
Fact: Information about an organ donor is only released to the recipient if the family of the donor requests or agrees to it.
Updated: 2015