How to #ShowYourHeart And Support Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

Signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor only takes a few moments, but it's the ultimate act of kindness.

"Just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal more than 75 lives through eye and tissue donation," according to Donor Alliance. "In Colorado and Wyoming alone, nearly 2,000 people are on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant."

As an organ, eye and tissue donor, your family will be treated with the utmost respect and care when it's time to make the donation — it won't delay funeral arrangements or prevent an open casket funeral. It also won't affect your medical care, as your doctors and nurses won't be involved with the donation process.

Imagine the impact your donation could have on the lives of others, though. Donor Alliance shares the story of Juniper, who faced total heart failure when she was just a few weeks old. She spent five months attached to a surgical machine that pumped blood through her body until a donor heart could be found — and now, she's a strong-minded, feisty child.

“The gratitude felt is almost indescribable,” Juniper's mom told Donor Alliance. “I would want them to know that we plan on honoring their gift by taking amazing care of Juniper’s heart and by giving her a wonderful life. We almost see it like she is living for the both of them because she wouldn’t be here without their child.”

Donor Alliance is celebrating all acts of kindness in April as part of National Donate Life Month. Get involved by performing an act of kindness and posting about it on Facebook tagging @DonateLifeColorado and using the hashtag #ShowYourHeart. It can be raising awareness about organ and tissue donation, purchasing a gift card to a local business, checking in on neighbors, donating non-perishable items to a local food bank —anything like that.

And, as long as your Facebook post is public, Donor Alliance will send you a code for $5 at Starbucks. The kindness chain continues! And remember to say Yes and discuss organ, eye and tissue donation and discuss it with your family. It’s the ultimate act of kindness and generosity for your community.

Ready to get started? Find more details, stats and sharables from Donor Alliance here.