Tissue Donation

A Family Guide to Tissue Donation

Every day, thousands of Americans are waiting for tissue transplants. Many are for surgeries that people we know, or are close to us, may have even undergone. Giving the gift of life and healing is an opportunity to further enhance your loved one’s legacy. Very often, donor families share that they have found great comfort in the donation of their loved one’s organs and/or tissues. At LiveOnNY, we respect your decision to consider tissue donation, so the following information is provided for your guidance.

Zack's Story

Zack - tissue donor

When Zack passed away at age nine from complications due to cerebral palsy, his mother, Sherah, consented to organ, eye and tissue donation. She had never considered donation before but was moved by the idea that Zack could help others. He went on to donate his eyes and tissue.

Not long after he passed, Sherah received a letter from one of Zack’s cornea recipients thanking her and her son for giving him the gift of sight. Zack did most of his communicating through his eyes and Sherah finds comfort in knowing that someone else is benefiting from those eyes and that her son is now soaring free of restrictions and pain.

Sherah speaks openly about donation to anyone who will listen and encourages other to register to save a life. “Donation is a gift of kindness,” said Sherah. “It is truly a blessing to know that our boy, who had so many challenges in life, was able to help others by being a donor.

Example of tissue uses

  • Corneas: may restore sight and can be used in reconstructive surgeries
  • Heart Valves: replace failing valves in the heart, a majority of heart valves are used in children and women in childbearing age
  • Tendon and Ligaments: return mobility and stabilize joints such as knee reconstruction
  • Bone: has many uses including spinal fusion, hip and knee repair, facial/jaw reconstruction following trauma or tumor removal
  • Veins & Arteries: used to increase circulation in heart bypass and limb salvage surgery
  • Skin: used as temporary burn dressing and reconstructive surgeries, including reconstructive breast surgery after a mastectomy

Facts about tissue donation

  • The body is always treated with dignity and respect.
  • While tissue donation can impact the body's appearance, generally, open casket services can be arranged. We will work closely with the funeral home chosen by the family to ensure that they may have the service of their choice.
  • Most major religions support organ and tissue donation.
  • Costs directly related to the recovery of tissues will not be charged to the family.

Who can donate

A series of questions will be asked about every donor to evaluate medical suitability. We know the questions may be very personal, but they are necessary. The medical records of the donor will also be requested and reviewed to help determine suitability which is a vital step to ensure the safety and success of the transplants for future recipients.

After the donation

A letter outlining what was donated and general information about tissue use will be mailed within a few weeks of the donation. Since tissue donation may impact the lives of many people, corresponding with or meeting the recipient(s) is not possible.