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The Advantages of Being an Organ Donor

An organ transplant means a new lease on life for people in need of a heart, kidney, lung or other vital body part. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, more than 100,000 Americans are on organ wait lists, and thousands die each year before they get their organ. Almost anyone of any age can become an organ donor, knowing they have the ability to save others even after passing on.

  1. Helping Minority Communities

    • Lend a hand to minority communities by being an organ donor. Racial and ethnic minorities, like African Americans and Hispanics, often suffer from certain conditions at higher rates, like high blood pressure, which can cause kidney failure. Though donated organs are not given to recipients solely based on race, people of the same extraction often prove to be matches suitable for transplant. This allows minority donors to help their community by improving a person in need's chances of receiving an organ.

    Giving Children a Chance

    • Give children a new chance at life by becoming an organ donor. According to Children's Hospital Boston, children account for 9 percent of the almost 3,000 Americans waiting for a heart transplant, and some spend years waiting for an organ to become available. Hearts in particular must come from deceased donors, unlike some organs, which can be transplanted in pieces. Though making the decision to donate in a time of tragedy is difficult, the families of donors will know their loved one's legacy is invaluable.

    Age Doesn't Matter

    • Help people at any age by becoming an organ donor. People young and old can donate organs, making it possible to save the life of a person in need at any stage in life. The Women's Health website states newborn babies and senior citizens both qualify as donors. People younger than 18 need parental consent, so they should discuss the matter with their guardians to ensure their wishes are carried out.

    Comfort During Grief

    • Provide comfort to loved ones during a time of painful grieving by becoming an organ donor. As donating an organ, like a lung or heart, directly impacts and improves the life of another person, its positive effect can help those left behind cope with their loss. According to Health First, families "receive great comfort from being able to have something positive come from the death of a loved one" and have the benefit of knowing one person's organs can help multiple people.

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