The majority of Americans (85%) support organ donation, yet fewer than half choose donation when a loved one has died. Often this is because they do not know the wishes of the deceased. Most people are unaware of the fact that family consent, and not just a donor card, is required for donation.

Therefore it is crucial for every family to have a discussion about organ donation, and for each person to make his or her wishes known.

Did you know?

• Organs and tissues from a single donor can extend and enrich the lives of up to 50 people.
• More than 98,800 Americans are currently listed on the national transplant waiting list.
• Last year, more than 28,000 lives in the United States were saved through organ transplants.
• Every 10 minutes another name is added to the national transplant waiting list.
• On average, 18 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant; in 2006, there were 5,423 people who died waiting.
• Most young people say they have not told a family member about their wish to be an organ donor.

Learn how to register in your state to become an organ and tissue donor.

Download a Donor Card and Brochure on Organ and Tissue Donation.

View the Empowering Testimonials Video

Our goal is to use the power of media to inspire people to think about organ donation on a deeper level. A lot of people think it's a moral obligation to be an organ donor. I don't see it that way. Knowing the process and knowing donor families as I do, I think it is an extraordinary gift. I think you have to look at it as the most generous act someone can do for someone else. It is a very special and life changing decision when people do decide to give life. The way to create more organ donors is to inspire them to embrace it. When you have this message linked to music it opens your heart.

- James Redford