04/18/2026
National Organ and Tissue Awareness Week – April 18 to 24
Did you know:
A single deceased organ donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of over 75 more through tissue donation. Organs like hearts, lungs, livers, kidneys, pancreas, and intestines provide life-saving transplants, while tissues such as corneas, skin, bone, and heart valves enhance quality of life.
Key Impacts of Donation:
Organ Donation: Saves up to 8 lives.
Tissue Donation: Improves or restores the lives of up to 75 people.
Heart & Lung: Transplanted to save patients with end-stage failure.
Kidneys & Liver: Can be transplanted to save lives or, in the case of kidneys, remove the need for dialysis.
Corneas: Restore sight to those with corneal blindness.
Skin & Bone: Help burn victims and assist in reconstructive, orthopedic surgeries.
Key Facts:
High Demand: Thousands are on waiting lists for transplants, and many die while waiting.
Age is Not a Barrier: There is no strict age limit; Canada's oldest donor was over 90.
Eligibility: While only 1–2% of deaths allow for organ donation, many more can donate tissue.
Registration: Even if you have signed a donor card, it is crucial to discuss your decision with family.
To make a difference, you can register as an organ donor on your provincial or state registry, such as Blood.ca in Canada
https://www.blood.ca/en/organs-tissues/notdaw
