Be the Gift: Donate Life
Andrea is a living kidney donor and has been a Donate Life Tennessee Ambassador since 2008.
Be the Gift: Donate Life
Organ donation is deeply personal to me. I donated a kidney to my husband Dave in 2008 and have served as a Donate Life Ambassador ever since.
Explore the facts, register your decision to become an organ donor, or discover how you can help raise awareness.
Let’s break it down and debunk some of the most common myths you hear around organ donation.
Myth: Registered organ donors receive less lifesaving care.
Fact: Saving your life is the first priority of emergency responders and hospital staff, regardless of your donor status. The medical team treating you is separate from the team involved in organ recovery.
Myth: My religion prohibits organ donation.
Fact: Many major faith traditions support organ and tissue donation as an act of compassion and generosity. If you have questions about your faith’s teachings, speak with your religious or spiritual leader.
Myth: You must be deceased to donate an organ.
Fact: Living donors can donate one kidney or a portion of their liver to someone in need. You do not have to be related to the recipient to become a living donor.
Share Your Wishes with Your Family
Let your loved ones know about your decision to become an organ donor so they understand your wishes and why donation matters to you.
Donation Stats & Facts
Raise awareness. Save lives.
You can help share accurate information and raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Tennessee Donor Services welcomes volunteers with a personal connection to donation or anyone passionate about helping others. There are many opportunities to get involved in your local community. Reach out to me if you have any questions.
Living Kidney Donation Resource
If you are interested in becoming a living kidney organ donor, please visit the National Kidney Donation Organization or at HRSA organdonor.gov. You can also reach out to the organ transplant center at your local hospital.