Waiting for an organ donor can be stressful. Asking for a living donor can feel overwhelming. Where do you begin? The transplant team at the Center for Living Organ Donors understands your concern. This information provides practical tips to help you find a living organ donor.
If you’re trying to sort out those with whom you can share your story, keep in mind these examples of community groups.
Read how spreading the word to the community helped one patient.
Social media is one of the many tools you can use to help spread the word about your need for a living organ donor. There are numerous channels, with some of the more popular including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat. To create an account for a new channel, go to the respective website.
The post included an interview with Naequon, and the comments section encouraged calls to Yale New Haven Transplantation Center. She called that day and once cleared for donation Michelle became his donor in 2018.
Another option is development of a dedicated website to share your story and need for an organ donor. It’s best if writing is in layman’s terms so content is easily understood. While most of us are not skilled at creating personal websites, your family and social contacts might know someone who might be able to help you.
What to include on a website:
Read how a website’s creation inspired a living organ donation.
As you prepare your plan for sharing your story, please keep in mind these tips for what not to share in your approaches, whether social media, website, letter or discussions.
Also, do not “pre-screen” potential donors by specifying blood types or other health criteria.
Center for Living Organ Donors referral webpage. If you have any questions, consider sharing your draft materials with your Yale New Haven Hospital transplant team members (nurse coordinator, social worker, doctor).
