A substantial majority say they would be willing to make a donation on behalf of a loved one. Because too few people tell their families of their interest in becoming donors. Because too few people follow through and sign donor cards. You can specify donating one, two or all your organs and tissue. Your family will be more likely to give permission and to be less concerned about the donation if you have told them of your decision to donate.
Most families feel very positive about the decision.
It will spare them the burden of making the decision for you. Families typically experience a sense of comfort in knowing their loved one's gift gave another person a second chance at life. The recipients of donated organs are identified through the computer matching system of the United Network for Organ Sharing. Criteria considered include urgency of need, length of time of the waiting list, compatibility of blood type, tissue matching and body size. The system for selecting recipients of tissue is less structured but many of the same factors are used.