The most powerful and purposeful action you can do takes less than five minutes.
#LeaveYourLegacy
Donation is for Everyone – You Can Make A Difference in the Lives of Many
Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history. Registering as a donor will not impact the medical care received during life – when admitted into a hospital, the number one priority is always to save your life. Organ and tissue donation is only an option for those who have passed away.
Religions Approve
All major religions in the United States support donation and see it as the final act of love and generosity toward others. An open casket funeral is possible for donors. There is no cost to the donor or their family for organ or tissue donation. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with respect and dignity.
Why It’s Important for Hispanics to Donate
Hispanic Americans need organ transplants and are underrepresented among organ and tissue donors
Frequently Asked Questions
The body’s tissues include bone, skin, heart valves, connective tissue and veins. Organs include the heart, lungs, kidneys, intestines, pancreas and liver.
Making the commitment to donate differs from state to state. Visit RegisterMe.org to find out how to become a donor.
Your family members make the final decision about donation if you have not registered your wishes to donate. Talking about donation does not mean talking about death. Talking about donation is talking about life. It is discussing the opportunity to leave a legacy through helping others, while also making sure your family knows your wishes, too.
There is no cost to donor families for donation. Families pay only for medical care provided to the donor before death and for the donor’s funeral expenses.
No. Donation does not interfere with funeral or burial arrangements, including open-casket viewings. Also, donation does not affect the timing of the funeral or burial arrangements. Please watch this video to learn more about how Legacy Donor Services Foundation works with funeral homes to honor loved ones.
Yes. Specific tissues may be donated and others excluded, depending on the wishes of the donor or the donor’s family.
No. The Gift of Life can be given at any age. The donor’s general health and physical condition are taken into consideration, and tissue from any donor is tested and evaluated to determine its usability.
Donation for research or education are additional options. Universities, medical centers and biotechnology companies are in need of human cells, tissues and organs. Research and education are instrumental in promoting scientific advances and improving patient care in many medical fields including biochemistry, cardiology, ophthalmology and transplantation.
All major religions support donation as a compassionate expression of generosity and love. During the National Donor Sabbath (observed each November), religious leaders discuss donation in sermons and classes.
No. The National Organ Transplant Act makes it illegal to sell human organs and tissues. The law does allow recovery organizations to charge reasonable fees to cover costs incurred during the recovery process.
Join Our Community
Legacy Donor Services Foundation provides volunteer outreach and educational programs across Florida. Become a part of our community and support our mission by coming to one of our events or contacting us to become a volunteer. If you are a transplant recipient or would like more information about donation, be sure to connect with us through social media.
Be Someone’s Hero
Where the Gift of Life Goes
Skin
A thin layer of skin from the back can save the lives of patients suffering from catastrophic burns by reducing fluid loss and providing a protective covering, which helps reduce the risk of infection.
Connective Tissues
The fibrous connective tissue covering large muscles (called fascia lata) are used for soft tissue repairs. These are often due to serious trauma or sometimes sports-related injuries. Connective tissues can also be used for bladder and incontinence procedures.
Grafts
Grafts are primarily transplanted in teenagers and young adults who are facing the loss of a limb, or even life, due to disease, injury or cancer. These grafts typically include bones, tendons, cartilage or supporting connective tissues.
The Heart
The valves of the heart save lives. Valves are used primarily in babies and children born with heart valve defects or injuries. The pericardium (a sac around heart) is used to correct inner ear problems, to repair eyelids and for various dental procedures.
Ribs and Cartilage
Doctors often use ribs and surrounding cartilage in the facial reconstruction of trauma patients and to treat infection or cancer.
Bones
The bones (primarily from arms, hips and legs) can be used to save lives. Doctors need bone for spinal fusions, to stabilize fractures, to promote growth in spinal and cervical injuries, in the replacement of knees and hips, and to correct defects that can cost lives.
Veins
A primary vein from the leg (the saphenous vein) can be used in bypass grafting surgeries to restore blood flow to the heart or extremities.
Tendons
The tendons of the knees, lower legs and heels are used to repair damaged tendons due to sports injuries and to restore mobility.
Volunteer Opportunities
We practice what we preach. Complete your information below and join our amazing volunteer community.