Benefits of Being An Organ Donor

Listing yourself as an organ donor is one of the most selfless acts that we can do as human beings. To do so means that you are giving someone else a second chance at life. There are thousands of people with chronic diseases who are waiting just for that chance. Diseases such as cancer can damage organs and lead to someone needing a transplant in order to survive. And transplants aren't just for adults. Children and babies need them as well, especially those born with certain diseases or conditions that affect organ function.

Most states offer organ donation information and sign-up lists through department of licensing bureaus. This means you can sign up to be an organ donor when you renew your drivers license - or you can just walk in and do it. There are also places online where you can add your name. You will often receive a special card to carry with you. It identifies you as a potential organ donor if you've been in an accident that isn't survivable. Enlisting ourselves as donors is a smart way to take away the pain and uncertainty of our families trying to make the decision for us. Letting your preferences be known can mean the difference of saving another human being's life.

There's obviously immense value in donating your organs and giving someone else life. This simple yet powerful act of kindness will help a family in need. If you want to score some good karma points, this is a truly heroic way to do so.

Many people fear that their loved ones will have to be responsible for the costs associated with donating their organs. But that isn't true. Donor families incur no costs at all with organ donation procedures. Another myth regarding organ donation is that doctors won't work as hard to save a person's life if they know the victim is an organ donor. Again, this is most definitely not true. Doctors have a responsibility to save lives - regardless of organ donor status.

Some of the most commonly donated organs include the heart, kidneys, and lungs as well as the liver. Tissue donation, cornea donation, and even bowel donations are also in high demand. One person can save many lives and enhance many others.