We all remember being asked whether or not we wanted to “be someone’s hero” by saying yes to organ, eye, and tissue donation when receiving our driving permits and licenses. Whether you really thought about it or not, there are many factors that are unknown or overlooked by the majority of people. Allow me to shed some light on this subject.

By simply saying “yes” to that question at the DMV, you are added to the Donate Life Colorado Registry. This means that you have elected to have all of your organs and tissues made available for transplant and/or research at the time of your death. Because this is no easy decision, it is always good to communicate your thoughts on this matter with your family and loved ones. However, with that being said, your personal decision to donate does, in fact, take priority over your family’s preferences.

Believe it or not, all major religions in the US support organ, eye, and tissue donation; it is seen as a selfless act of kindness and charity. And not to worry, any medical treatment that you receive is not affected by your status as a registered donor. This means that every attempt to save your life. According to donatelifecolorado.org, “patients must receive the most aggressive lifesaving care in order to be potential organ donors.”

Although Donor Alliance only recovers organs from deceased donors, living people can choose to donate a kidney or part of a liver or lung. You are also never too old or too unhealthy to be a donor; in the event you are in a position to be a donor, medical specialists will evaluate your medical history to decide if you are fit to donate. A little-known fact is that the body is treated with great dignity and respect all throughout the actual donation process. They even ensure that the body’s appearance following donation still allows for an open-casket funeral.

The donor and his/her family do not receive any charges for the medical process. Donor Alliance is a non-profit organization that assumes all costs associated with the recovery and processing of organs and tissues once death has been declared and authorization is confirmed through the donor registry.

Following the donation process, general information about the recipient (age, gender, occupation, and state of residence) is given to the family of the donor. Both parties’ identities remain confidential throughout the communication process. If desired by both parties, direct communication or a meeting can potentially be arranged, but it is also acceptable for either party to decline direct communication for any reason.

Personally, I said “yes,” when asked to be a donor at the DMV. Even without understanding what I was signing up for at first, I recently have learned much more and fully stand by my decision. Be someone’s hero and save a life; be courageous.

To learn more, go to donatelifecolorado.org or donoralliance.org