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“Yesterday Kayla was
declared brain dead.
She would like to give
you a part of herself
in the hope that she
can help you and your
baby. Somehow this
makes me feel better.”
There are many myths about the organ, tissue and cornea donation and recovery
process. Some people think it is against their religion or worry that the procedure
is painful or disfiguring. Others wonder about the cost or who will benefit from
their loved one’s donations. And others think their loved one was too young,
too old, or too sick to be a donor. Here are some facts about donation.
Can we have an open casket?
Yes. Donation is a surgical procedure and does
not prevent you from having a normal viewing.
Will donation delay the funeral?
No, not in most cases. CORE, in collaboration
with the hospital’s surgical team, will work under
the time limits you set.
What happens to the donated organs, tissues
and corneas?
The organs, tissues and corneas recovered
from your loved one are carefully matched
with a list of potential transplant recipients
who are registered in the United Network for
Organ Sharing. Through donation, your loved
one can help those who suffer from failing
eyesight, terrible pain from cancer or burns,
or life-threatening heart, lung, kidney or liver
disease. Their only hope is a transplant.
My loved one was so severely injured, how could
their organs, tissues and corneas be used?
At the time of your loved one’s death, the medical
team evaluates all the major organs as well as
tissues and corneas, and lets you know which
are acceptable for donation.
Is there a charge for donating organs, tissues
or corneas?
No. You pay for nothing nor receive any payment
for organ, tissue and cornea donation. The cost
of the procedure is paid for by CORE.
Where is the organ recovery done?
A specially trained surgical team, which includes
your CORE coordinator, conducts the recovery
procedure in an operating room. Your loved one
is treated with respect and dignity at all times.
Will my loved one feel any pain?
No. Your loved one has already died before
the procedure begins and will not feel any pain.
UNDERSTANDING
ORGAN, TISSUE & CORNEA RECOVERY
