The good news though, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's office, is more people are signing up to be organ donors. Since 1993, the number of people on the donor registry has nearly doubled, said Elizabeth Kaufman, deputy press secretary of the office. To date, Illinois leads the nation in registered organ donors - approximately 4.5 million. Besides signing the back of your driver's license, Kaufman suggests potential donors discuss their plans with family members. She also said they should enroll on the state registry.
People can stipulate that their organs go to a specific person.
It's often done if a person dies and their family member is on a waiting list. Daily Herald staff writer Lorilyn Rackl and correspondent Ruth Silverman contributed to this report.