Over 1,000 bone marrow transplants were performed in the U.S. in 1999. Marrow is collected from a pelvic bone using a special needle while the volunteer donor is under anesthesia. The majority of bone marrow transplants are done for leukemia. The number of Americans on waiting lists for corneas averages as high as 5,000 at any given time. Corneal transplantation results in improved vision in nearly 95 percent of those who undergo the procedure because of corneal disorders.
Corneas are acceptable for donation regardless of abnormalities in vision.
Virtually all religious denominations approve of organ and tissue donation as representing the highest humanitarian ideals and the ultimate charitable act. The medical information contained on this site has been developed under the supervision and approval of the Scientific Advisory Board of the National Kidney Foundation. Confidentiality of data relating to visitors to this site, including their identity, is respected by the National Kidney Foundation. This web site is funded by the support of a generous public.