2. Save Multiple Lives
One organ donor can save up to eight lives. Vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and intestines can be transplanted, transforming the lives of recipients suffering from life-threatening conditions.

3. Improve Quality of Life for Others
Beyond saving lives, organ transplants significantly improve recipients' quality of life. Kidney transplants, for example, free patients from the grueling dialysis regimen, allowing them to return to a more normal and active lifestyle.

4. Living Donation: A Second Chance for Kidney and Liver Patients
Living donors are those who choose to donate a kidney or portion of their liver, intestine, or pancreas while they are still able to live and thrive. Living donors play a crucial role in saving lives. Nearly 6,000 living donations occur each year, providing immediate relief to patients, particularly those with kidney failure, where the need is most urgent.

5. Lessen the Burden, Grief, and Wait Time for Others
The average waiting time for a kidney from a deceased donor can be 3-5 years. Living donors can help reduce this wait time, giving patients quicker access to the transplants they need to survive. For the families of recipients, organ donation represents hope and healing during a time of crisis. Knowing their loved one has a second chance at life can bring immense relief and gratitude.

6. No Age Exclusions when Donating
If you are otherwise healthy, many of your organs could still be viable for an organ donation. The transplant surgeon evaluates the organs and decides whether they are suitable on a case-by-case basis.

7. Organ Donors Impact Every Race and Community
Although donation and transplantation can take place successfully between individuals from different racial or ethnic groups, transplant success is often better when organs are matched between people of the same racial or ethnic background. People of African American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska Native, and multiracial descent currently make up nearly 58% of individuals on the national organ transplant waiting list. These communities are in great need of more organ and tissue donors.

8. No Cost to the Deceased Donor or Family
Deceased donors do not incur additional costs if their organs are harvested. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and costs associated with funeral arrangements.

9. Supported by Most Religions
All major religions support organ, tissue, and eye donation and consider donation to be the greatest gift one can give. Transplantation is consistent with the life-preserving traditions of these faiths. The donation of life is an act of human kindness that is in keeping with religious teachings. OrganDonor.gov provides religious views on organ donation and transplantation by denomination.

10. It’s Easy to Become a Donor
Registering as an organ donor is a simple process that can be done online or through your local DMV. This small step can have a monumental impact, ensuring that your organs are used to save lives in the event of an untimely death.

Summary
Organ donation is a powerful way to make a difference. Whether you choose to donate during your lifetime or after death, your decision can save lives, improve health outcomes, and bring tremendous relief to families. With thousands of people waiting for life-saving transplants, your choice to donate is not just beneficial—it's life-changing.