One person can save eight lives through organ donation, and enhance 50 lives through a tissue donation.
Over 200 people in Western North Carolina are waiting for an organ transplant - some are waiting on a heart while others are waiting on a kidney or liver. Approximately 18 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant, and organ donation may give them a new chance for life.
Others find help from tissue transplants. Corneas from an eye donor help people see clearly again. Bone transplants strengthen spines after surgery. Ligaments can help worn knees work again. Human heart valve recipients can improve their health through this gift of life.
All of these things happen because people choose to donate life through organ, eye or tissue donation.
Register to be a donor, or learn more about donation at www.donatelifenc.org.
Your nurse can also provide you with more information about organ, eye and tissue donation; just ask him or her for the advance directive packet. The organizations listed below can assist you with additional help in making the right choice for you.
LifeShare of the Carolinas: 800-932-4483
United Network for Organ Sharing: 888-TX-INFO-1
