Busting myths,
saving lives!
Did you know that right now there are more than 100,000 people waiting for a life-saving transplant, and that many myths and misconceptions are contributing to the shortage of organs? I’m on a mission to bust the myths and highlight the facts.
Every organ donor is a selfless hero.
Become a hero and register today
Last year, 258 organ donors in the Upper Midwest shared 874 organs for transplant – saving the lives of people like Coyle. Today, only about 50% of Minnesotans have registered as an organ donor. Registering as an organ donor is a personal decision with a big impact. Join the national donor registry online today – it’s quick and easy!
Image: Coyle, kidney recipient, with his dad
Mythbusting with Bigfoot
Some people will believe anything when it comes to donation, so let’s set the record straight with the real answers to the most frequently asked questions!
This is one of the most extreme myths I hear, but here’s the real deal: medical professionals are there to save YOUR life. Organ donation is only considered after all life-saving efforts have been exhausted. In fact, less than 1% of people actually qualify to become donors. That’s because in order to be considered for donation, a person must be in a hospital on a ventilator and either declared brain dead or suffer cardiac death.
Organ donation is a rare, complex process that’s managed by one of 55 special, federally-designated nonprofit medical organizations called organ procurement organizations or OPOs. LifeSource is the OPO that manages the donation process in the Upper Midwest, which means being responsible for:
- Managing all logistical and clinical aspects of donation in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin
- Supporting donor families during and after donation
- Providing information and educating the public about every aspect of the donation process
- Removing barriers and fighting against misleading information to ensure people have access to accurate information and resources
Watch this short video to learn more about the different steps in the donation process.
Possibly! Most health conditions don’t prevent donation. Ongoing medical advances now allow people with various chronic conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, to donate. Don’t rule yourself out – register today! Watch this video to learn more.
All major religions in the United States support organ, eye and tissue donation and consider it a generous act of caring. The religious and spiritual beliefs of donors are always respected. Watch this video to learn more.
No – donation is free! If you decide to be an organ donor, you and your family will NOT have to pay for any medical expenses associated with the donation. Your local organ donation organization, LifeSource, will pay for all medical costs associated with organ donation. Those costs are then passed on to the recipient’s transplant center as part of the cost of their transplant.
Join the national organ donor registry
Regardless of your age, health, religion, gender or race, everyone can share the gift of life. Use this secure form to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor.
This registration is a binding, legal document of gift. You affirm the information provided is accurate. You agree upon death to donate all eligible organs and tissues for transplant, education and research.* The National Donate Life Registry is managed by Donate Life America. You can update or remove your registration or specify more detailed donation preferences at any time at RegisterMe.org.
*Per the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA) in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin, registration for organ, eye and tissue donation (anatomical gift) includes donation for transplantation, therapy, research or education.
A generous donor gives a little boy a second chance!
Watch this powerful short story and don’t miss your chance to become a hero by registering today.