And families that do direct typically know the person to whom they are directing. Mickey Mantle's transplant, while creating some negative publicity, did have the effect of getting more people talking about donation than ever. The average number of calls to donation agencies grew phenomenally. Also, the number of families initiating the discussion when their loved ones die in a hospital setting has increased dramatically. Nearly 90 percent of the people who receive a liver transplant are alive after a year, and the long-term survival rate has risen dramatically.
Most patients can return to an active lifestyle following transplant.