Your love lives on
Organ donors save lives
Check out the latest “Love Lives On Podcast” with Carter and Summer to learn how their organ donors gave them a new future.
“I was about 6 months old when I got my new heart.”
Summer, 12
“Thank you for giving me a second chance at life.”
Carter, 17
Their future. Your legacy.
Organ and tissue donors build a better future for all of us. When you sign up to be a future organ donor, you can be secure in the knowledge that your generosity and support will last for generations to come. That you’re giving back to your community. And that someday, your gift will save a life.
How to talk to your family about organ donation
The topic of organ and tissue donation can stir up a lot of emotions, especially with the people who love you most. Try out some of the talking points below to initiate a meaningful conversation with your family.
Frequently asked questions
One person can save and heal more than 75 lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.
Every individual has the right to sign up to donate their organs, eyes and tissues at the time of their death. Anyone can register. Your age or health does not prevent you from registering. Most health conditions do not prevent donation and age is not a factor – the oldest organ donor was 100 years old! Medical advances now allow people with chronic conditions, cancer, HIV and hepatitis to donate. Don’t rule yourself out – check the box.
Watch these videos:
When you register as an organ, eye and tissue donor you are making a legal decision that will be honored after your death. It’s important to talk with your family so they can be aware and prepared to honor your decision.
When it comes to waiting for a transplant, we are all created equal. Wealthy or famous individuals cannot and do not get bumped up higher on the national transplant waiting list.
These factors are used to determine the best candidate for an available organ:
- Blood type
- Body size
- Severity of patient’s medical condition
- Distance between the donor’s hospital and the patient’s hospital
- The patient’s waiting time
- Whether the patient is healthy enough for surgery
Read this blog post to learn more.
LifeSource is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation in the Upper Midwest. It’s our privilege to serve the 7 million people who live across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and portions of western Wisconsin by delivering life-saving transplants and life-altering tissue donations to those in need.
Just as importantly, we walk alongside donor families throughout their donation journey and beyond. We provide ongoing support and resources in the months and years following donation, including donor family and transplant recipient letter and meeting facilitation, annual remembrance events, interactive grief support workshops, a healing garden honoring organ donors, collaborative donor family quilts, and many other opportunities for healing, connection and remembrance.
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.