The Myths and Facts About
Organ Donation

“Organ donation can mean the gift of life for a person who would otherwise die.”

Organ donation is often misunderstood. Advances in medicine and technology have given us life saving techniques that were previously only written about in science fiction novels. Hearts, lungs, livers, bones, the pancreas, corneas from the eyes and many other organs and tissues are used to save many people’s lives today. Some organs and tissues can be donated without harm to live individuals such as bone marrow, sections of the liver and the kidneys. Unfortunately, other organs are only available when people die, usually in the form of a tragic accident.

Donations of this type are taken from people who are considered brain dead. This means that the brain ceases all functioning while other vital functions are continued by the use of life support systems.

As we continue to advance, medical breakthroughs will create more opportunities for people to experience recovery through the use of organ donation.

Myth: I am too old to donate my organs

Fact: No one is too old to become a donor. Donors come in all ages and sizes. Tissue and organs are carefully examined to ensure that they are medically sound to be donated.

Myth: If something happens to me, I am too old to receive a transplant

Fact: As we continue to live longer, more transplants are being done on older individuals. In 1999, a heart transplant was successfully performed in Canada on a 79-year old. Other organs such as kidneys and livers have been given to people in their 60’s and 70’s. If there are more donors available, the list of criteria qualifying people to receive transplants will grow. Factors that are reviewed may include age, but overall health and match capabilities are major determining factors.

Myth: If I choose to become an organ donor, all I need to do is sign a donor card

Fact: Becoming a donor is a personal choice AND a family choice. Even if a potential donor has signed a donor card and has notification on a drivers license or ID card, the family is contacted before donation takes place. Discuss your wishes with your family.

Myth: If I become a potential donor, the medical personnel treating me will not work to save my life

Fact: Doctors will work as hard to save the life of an organ donor as a non-organ donor. The teams involved in transplantation are separate from the hospital personnel that is treating you. Once an individual is determined to be a potential donor because of brain death, there are many tests that have to be done to verify that a person is actually brain dead to protect the individual.

Myth: Wealthy people and celebrities receive organs before anyone else

Fact: When it comes to organ donation the list goes by the severity of the case and the ability to match a potential donor with a client. People who are in the most serious condition are considered first.

Myth: I will be responsible for costs associated with the donation

Fact: You will not be held responsible for any costs associated with donation or transplantation. You should also know that it is illegal to sell organs in the United States or to profit from donating an organ for transplantation.

Myth: Donation will destroy the body

Fact: Organ donation is performed like any surgery. The body will be left intact giving the family the option of having an open casket funeral for viewing purposes.

Myth: If I sign up to become a donor I will have to donate all of my organs

Fact: You can state specifically which organs you would like to donate. Your wishes, or those of your family if they are left to make that decision, will be followed.

Organ donation can mean the gift of life for a person who would otherwise die. Some family members feel comfort from knowing that their loved one lives on by saving the life of someone else.

Organ donation is a very personal decision that should be discussed with the people closest to you.

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