Leave a legacy and become an organ donor

The Organ Donor Foundation (ODF) is set on bringing awareness around organ donation.

The ODF is a non-profitable and public benefit organisation. It strives to promote organ and tissue donation in South Africa.

The aim is to raise public awareness of the critical shortage of organ donation in our country.

What is the mission of the ODF?

• To educate South Africans on organ donation as well to encourage them to become donors.

• To eliminate fears, negativity, misconceptions, inaccurate information that prevents one from becoming an organ and tissue donors.

The reality

Organ donation in South Africa is misconceived. Hence the conversation and action are avoided amongst many.

Organ donation has saved many lives globally. For some, an organ transplant is their only hope to continue living.

There is a dire shortage of available organs. With so many people awaiting life-saving transplants, the ODF urges more people to register as organ donors.

The sad reality is the need for life-saving organ transplants is increasing much faster than the organs are becoming available. By becoming an organ and tissue donor, a person has the potential to save up to 50 lives when they die.

Can one donate organs while they are alive? Yes, one can donate a kidney or a part of their liver. This will make the donor a living donor. The recipient and the donor will have to be the same blood group and tissue match.

However, this is a personal choice. It is encouraged that people consider donating their organs when they die. This way, when your life comes to an end, you can help others to continue living theirs.

Becoming a donor is easy

Anyone is eligible to become an organ and tissue donor. All medical tests are done to see if you are eligible to be a donor are done at the time of your death. There is no age limit.

Being an organ/tissue donor is a selfless act of kindness. Donations cost absolutely nothing, no financial compensation is received by the donor or their family. Trading or selling of organs and tissue is illegal.

Here is how you can become an organ donor:

• Firstly, register online or call the ODF’s toll-free number at 0800 22 66 11.

• It’s important to inform your family and make it known to them to honour your wishes

• The most important part of organ and tissue donation is that you undertake to make it known:

Ensure you have the conversation with your family, colleagues and your friends.

The only way we can save those on the waiting list is to raise awareness.