About donation
Help heal and save lives
Through organ and tissue donation, we all have the ability to help heal and save lives. While discussions about organ donation can be uncomfortable, these decisions are important to have with your family. Registering to become a donor helps ensure your wishes are honored.
Types of donation
Organ donation
One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal more than 75 lives through tissue and eye donation.
Organs that can be transplanted include the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, pancreas and intestine.
There is no financial cost to the family for organ, tissue and eye donation. Donor family members often state that their loved-one’s decision to be a donor was a gift to them and the recipients of their organs.
Tissue donation
Thousands of people are waiting for the gift of tissue to improve their life. The donation and surgical recovery of donated tissues includes skin, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, bone, heart valves and corneas. UW Organ and Tissue Donation works with organ and tissue donors during the time of donation.
Tissue recovery services are managed through our partnership with Versiti, a non-profit organization with expertise in the screening and recovery of human tissue for transplant, research and education. Cornea recovery services are coordinated with our partner Eye Banks.
Donated tissue is used to help heal burn patients, serious abrasions, hernia repairs and in reconstructive surgeries for patients such as breast cancer survivors. Bone is used in orthopedic surgeries to facilitate the healing of fractures or to prevent amputation. Heart valves are used to replace defective valves. Tendons are used to repair torn ligaments in knees or other joints. Veins are used in surgeries. Corneas can restore sight to the blind.
Living donation
Living donation happens when a living person donates a kidney or part of their liver to someone who needs a transplant. Living donation services are managed through the UW Health Living Donation Program.
Why register to be a donor?
Donation decisions often come at times of stress or even sadness. Even when you talk with your family, they may forget or not feel comfortable with the decision. Registering as a donor in your state means your name will be added to an electronic registry and gives your legal consent. When you register to become a donor, you can help your family feel confident in honoring your wishes.