Dead or alive, you can be an organ donor. I know that may sound a little harsh, but it’s true. Here’s how I see it: if I’m dead, I’m not using my organs, so why not give them to someone who is in desperate need of an organ, an eye, or some tissue? Why not try to help the 122,457 people who are waiting for an organ in order to live? Why not try to save the life of one of the 22 people who will die each day waiting for a transplant match? With my one little body, I have the ability to save up to eight separate lives.

I understand that some people cannot donate due to religious or personal beliefs, and I respect that. But for those of you who do not have beliefs that restrict you from donating, I strongly encourage you to do so. Organ, eye, and tissue donations give thousands of people a second chance at life each year.

Here is some information that I found from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Organ Donors website.

What can organ donors donate?

Living organ donors can donate a kidney or a portion of the liver, lung or intestine, and in some cases, eyes and tissues.

Deceased donors can donate kidneys, pancreas, liver, lungs, heart, and intestines.

Eye and cornea donation facts.

Since 1961, more than one million men, women, and children ranging in age from nine days to 100 plus years, have had their sight restored.

Over 95 percent of all corneal transplant operations successfully restore the corneal recipient’s vision.

With corneal tissue, everyone is a universal donor. Your blood type does not have to match.

Tissue donations.

One tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 50 people.

To read more information on donating, including how and where you can become a donor, check out the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.