Learn about tissue donation
Why donate? |
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Why donate?
Hundreds of thousands of lives are saved and improved every year
through the transplantation of donated organs and tissues.
 Doctors use donated bones and tissue to replace those lost to
cancer, trauma, joint disease, arthritis and other conditions. For
burn victims, donor skin can make the difference between life and
death. Heart valves give patients a chance to resume normal life.
Transplanted corneas mean vision is restored.
Become a donor today!
Simply sign your name to the Anatomical Gift Statement on the
back of your Wisconsin driver’s license.
After you’ve signed your license – TELL YOUR FAMILY ABOUT
YOUR WISHES!
Respect for the donor
Donation of tissues is a gift at the time of death. No donation
is possible until all efforts to save the life of the patient are
exhausted and death has been declared.
Throughout the donation process, the body is treated with utmost
respect. Tissue recovery takes place in an operating room setting
under sterile conditions. Bone is replaced with a prosthetic, or
artificial bone and areas of donation are reconstructed.
Other facts
- Tissue donation does not interfere with funeral plans.
- There is no cost to the donor family. Donor programs pay all
costs associated with the tissue donation, although funeral
services are considered outside of the process.
- Even if a donor card or driver’s license is present, in
Wisconsin the family must give permission for donation. That is
why it is vitally important for family members to discuss with
each other what tissue and organ donation means to them. Sign your
driver's license then share your wishes with your family.
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