About
Organ Donation
Get Involved
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a moment to learn about some of the more common frequently asked questions of organ, eye and tissue donation.
For more information about organ, eye and tissue donation, visit donatelife.net, mwtn.org, or unos.org.
Why is donation important?
There are currently more than 116,000 nationwide who are in need of a life-saving transplant.
- A new name is added to the national waiting list every 10 minutes.
- Twenty-two people die per day due to a lack of available organs.
- One donor can potentially save or enhance the lives of more than 75 people.
- One out of three deceased donors is over the age of 50.
- Nearly 82 percent of patients waiting are in need of a kidney.
In Kansas and Missouri alone, there are nearly 3,000 people awaiting a lifesaving transplant.
You can help end the wait by registering today to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.
Who can be a donor?
All individuals can indicate their intent to donate. Anyone can be a potential organ, eye and tissue donor. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissue can be donated.
What is a living donor?
A living donation takes place when a person donates an organ or part of an organ to be transplanted into an person in need. Living donors typically are a close family member, spouse or friend. Living donations include kidneys, partial liver and partial lung. Bone marrow may also be transplanted.
If I sign my driver’s license, does it affect the quality of medical care I receive?
No. Every effort is made to save your life before donation is considered. Medical personnel must follow very strict guidelines before they pronounce death.
Why share my decision to become an organ, eye and tissue donor?
Becoming an organ and tissue donor is an important personal decision.
Be sure to talk to your family about your decision and make sure you know the desires of your family members regarding organ, eye and tissue donation. Knowing your loved ones wishes helps to alleviate the emotional strain of their passing and helps you to honor their decision in the difficult time of loss.
Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation?
All major religions support donation as a final act of compassion and generosity.
Is there a cost to be an organ, eye and tissue donor?
There is no cost to the donor’s family or estate for donation. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and costs associated with funeral arrangements.
Will donation affect funeral plans?
An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process the body is treated with care and respect. Funeral arrangements can continue as planned following donation.
Does becoming a donor change my care as a patient?
No. Your life always comes first. Doctors work hard to save every patient’s life, but sometimes there is a complete and irreversible loss of brain function. The patient is declared clinically and legally dead. Only then is donation an option.
Will my social or financial status affect wether or not I will receive an organ?
No. A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type and time on the list. Race, income, gender, celebrity and social status are never considered.
Donate Life. Register Today!
Sign up today and make a lasting impact on the lives of up to 75 people with your decision to become an organ, eye and tissue donor.
You can utilize your state donor registry by registering at your local DMV, or by registering online.
Source: Visit donatelife.net, mwtn.org, or unos.org, to learn more.
Our Mission
To raise awareness of the life-saving importance of organ, corneal and tissue donation through the lives of our donor families, living donors, and organ, eye and tissue recipients and those awaiting transplantation in the states of Kansas and Missouri. To increase the number of individuals registering to be organ, eye and tissue donors in Kansas and Missouri by participating in local and regional awareness events promoting organ, eye and tissue donation.
Contact Us
Team MO-KAN
626 NE Clubhouse Drive
Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Phone: (816) 304-4914
info@teammokan.org