A Gift of Life

     My oldest brother, Jay was waiting for a liver transplant.  This past Sat, he ran out of time.  Please consider signing up to be an organ donor on line via the national registry,

National Donor Registry

     The donor’s family is not charged the costs related to organ donation.  The transplant agencies or recipients’ insurance will pay for removing and transporting organs and or tissue to those waiting for your life saving gift.  Each donor could save or improve the lives of up to 50 people. 

·         Register with your state donor registry, if available.

There are links from the National register to the various states.

·         Designate your decision on your driver’s license.

I am proud of the pink dot on my license that proclaims I am a donor.

·         Talk to your family, to help your family understand and carry out your wishes, sit down with your loved ones and tell them about your decision to be an organ and tissue donor. They can serve as your advocate and may be asked to give consent for donation or provide information to the transplant team.

My commitment to donate any and all of my usable organs and tissue are recorded in a written advanced directive.  Copies were given to my primary doctor and family members; there is also a copy in the glove box of my car.

       Information below copied from the U.S. Government Information on Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation website  http://organdonor.gov/faqs.html

Who can become a donor?
All individuals can indicate their intent to donate (persons younger than 18 years of age must have a parent's or guardian's consent). Medical suitability for donation is determined at the time of death.

Are there age limits for donors?
There are no age limitations on who can donate. Whether you can donate depends on your physical condition, not age. Newborns as well as senior citizens have been organ donors.

If I have a previous medical condition, can I still donate?
Yes! Transplant professionals will evaluate the condition of your organs at the time of your death and determine if your organs are suitable for donation. You should consider yourself a potential organ and tissue donor, indicate your intent to donate on your driver's license, donor card, or state donor registry, and discuss your decision with family members.

What organs and tissues can be donated?
Organs: heart, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, liver, and intestines
Tissue: cornea, skin, heart valves, bone, blood vessels, and connective tissue
Bone marrow/stem cells, umbilical cord blood, peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC)

For more information, please visit Frequently Asked Questions 

Jay Shaffer

Feb 2, 1950 ~ Aug 18, 2012

GO Giants!