SAVE A LIFE
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There’s a choice you can make today that will have a tremendous impact on people you don’t even know. That choice is to become an organ and tissue donor.

“There’s a national health crisis because of the shortage of organs and tissues available to people who need them,” says Leo Trevino, MPA, manager of Organ/Tissue Donation at Montefiore Medical Center. “Nearly 100,000 people across the country, including about 9,000 in the state of New York and 7,000 in the greater metropolitan area, are waiting for organ transplants. Many more need corneas, heart valves, skin, bones and other tissues.”

One organ donor has the ability to save up to eight lives, and one tissue donor can enhance the lives of as many as 50 people, according to Trevino. And the donations often stay right in the community because local recipients are considered first. If a local match is not found, then the search expands to recipients outside the region.

DONATION MISCONCEPTIONS

Unfortunately, many people don’t think about becoming a donor when they’re healthy, or they have misconceptions about the donation process. Don’t let these myths prevent you from giving a gift that will have a lasting impact.

MYTH: IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO HAVE A REGULAR FUNERAL SERVICE FOLLOWING ORGAN DONATION
FACT: Donation does not interfere with funeral arrangements. Organs are removed surgically and the body is not mutilated. The donor’s body is clothed for burial, so there are no visible signs of organ or tissue donation, and open casket services are possible.

MYTH: DOCTORS WON'T TREAT ME AGRESSIVELY IF THEY NEED MY ORGANS AND TISSUES
FACT: The doctors who care for you are not involved in procuring organs and tissues or determining which patients receive donated organs and tissues. Their job is to provide you with the best care possible.

MYTH: THE ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION SYSTEM ISN'T EQUITABLE
FACT: The United Network for Organ Sharing, a national organization, matches recipients with potential donors based on need and compatibility. Race and social, economic and educational status are not factors in the selection process.

ENROLL TODAY

Signing up to be an organ and tissue donor is easy. All you have to do is:

  • Let your family members and doctors know that you want to be an organ and tissue donor.
  • Designate yourself as an organ and tissue donor when you get or renew your driver’s license.
  • Enroll in the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry by calling Leo Trevino, MPA, at 718-798-4285.

Young Hero Saves Lives

Years ago, Leo Trevino, MPA, manager of Organ/Tissue Donation at Montefiore Medical Center, spoke with a father who was devastated when his 9-year-old son died tragically in a fire and was hesitant about donating his son’s tissues and organs.

The boy’s 13-year-old sister, however, reminded her father that the boy’s dream was to become a firefighter so he could save people’s lives. The father realized that while his son couldn’t become a fireman, he could fulfill his dream of saving lives.

“Six people who received the little boy’s organs were given a second chance at life,” Trevino says. “Others can now see or feel better because of his tissues. This family was able to look beyond their grief and give a remarkable gift to others.”