How Does the Donor Program Work?
Gift of Life Donor Program works with hospitals and families throughout the region to help make transplants possible for thousands of patients.
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Tissue Donation
While many people are familiar with the idea of organ donation, tissue donation is no less a gift of life. The gift of donated tissue can help many people in a variety of ways, and the stories of lives changed by generous donor are countless.
Here are some of the tissues that can be donated and transplanted to those in need.
Corneas
Everyday, donated corneas help restore sight to individuals suffering from corneal blindness or trauma to the eye.
Bone/tendons
Bones and tendons can be used to replace or reconstruct tissue destroyed by tumors, trauma or infection, saving limbs that would otherwise be amputated.
Heart Valves
Donated heart valves can replace damaged ones, allowing the heart to function again. When used in young patients, these donated heart valves can actually “grow” with the recipient and reduce the need for repeated surgeries.
Veins/Arteries
Donated veins can be used in patients who require coronary artery bypass surgery, a routine procedure that saves thousands of lives and allows these individuals to return to their normal lifestyles. For individuals suffering from diabetes or other diseases that cause a decrease in the blood flow, surgeons may use donated veins to repair damaged vessels and restore blood flow — in many cases saving a recipient’s leg from amputation.
Skin
Donated skin is critically needed for patients suffering from burns or trauma, and used as a bandage to protect the body from infection and promote healing. Donated skin is also used for cleft palate repair or mastectomy reconstruction.
Find Related Info
Tissue Transplantation, Cornea Transplant, Tissue Donation
