Donate Life Northwest

Many people who need transplants of organs, corneas, and tissues cannot get them because of a shortage of donations. Of the 123,000 Americans currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant, more than 101,000 need a kidney - but only 17,000 people receive one each year.

Tara of Athena, Oregon, is just one of the thousands of Oregonians in need. A champion snowboarder, Tara was only 15 when she was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease which attacked her kidneys, causing them to fail. “After I get a transplant, I will be able to start a new chapter in my life. Getting married and starting a family. Right now, I’m full of worry.”

Donate Life Northwest (DLNW)  is nationally recognized for its work to register organ, eye and tissue donors, and to educate our community about this often-misunderstood subject:

• Nearly 500 volunteers, just like Tara, support DLNW by acting as ambassadors for our mission to register and educate
• Last year, DLNW gave over 300 free presentations in Pacific Northwest high schools
• DLNW works with hospital partners and social workers to increase awareness of living kidney donation, a safe alternative to waiting for a deceased donor
• Over 50 faith centers partner with DLNW every November to reach their congregations with information about the great need for living and deceased donors
• DLNW has registered over 2.3 million donors in Oregon and Washington!

Donate Life Northwest is proud to provide hope and support to those waiting, and to be the community for all those who wish to honor and thank the heroes who donate: the families of donors, recipients, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and more.

As Tara says, “Know the facts. Know the myths. Talk to your family. And then based on your morals and values, make the decision that’s right for you. Donation saves lives and is an amazing gift that will never be taken for granted!”

Visit www.donatelifenw.org to register as a donor, or to learn more about how your support sustains and grows our lifesaving programs.