About Donation
Leave a Lasting Legacy
Over 1,800 South Carolinians are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
When you become a registered donor, you can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.
Your decision matters. Register now.
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“If you are thinking about organ donation, remember- if it were your loved one in need, wouldn’t you want them to have a second chance at life?”
Alan S.
A father who lost his son awaiting a life-saving transplant.
The Donation Process
Hospitals, first and foremost, work to save patient lives. When that isn’t possible, hospitals refer potential donors to Organ Procurement Organizations (OPOs) and collaborate to determine the medical suitability of a donor and secure authorization for donation.
SHSC then coordinates with our transplant teams to recover organs. We carefully screen patients for donation eligibility and work closely with donor families to authorize donation and honor the generous gift.
Learn More About Donation
Organ Donation
Organ donation is a life-saving gift.
Making the selfless decision to become an organ donor can save the lives of up to 8 individuals. The organs that can be transplanted include: heart, liver, kidney (2), lung (2), small intestine and pancreas. Our organization encourages South Carolinians to get educated on the importance and impact donation can have before making an informed decision and sharing that decision with family and loved ones.
Eye Donation
Eye donation changes lives through the gift of sight.
We Are Sharing Hope SC works in partnership with Miracles in Sight to provide the gift of sight through cornea recovery. Miracles in Sight is a nonprofit, global leader in eye banking dedicated to making the miracle of sight possible for more people everywhere. A Corneal transplant is a life-changing procedure with a high rate of success in restoring a person’s independence and overall well-being.
Miracles in Sight
Learn more about cornea donation
Tissue Donation
Tissue donation is a healing gift.
Approximately 2.5 million tissue transplants are performed in the United States each year. Recipients often regain a significant quality of life, allowing them to return to normal activities and participate in their communities and families.
One tissue donor can enhance the lives of up to 75 individuals.
How is Donated Tissue Used?
- Skin
- Uses: Abdominal Wall Repairs, Reconstruction Surgery After Mastectomy, Burns
- Benefits: Promotes Healing, Prevent Fluid Loss, Decrease Infection and Pain
- Blood Vessels of Lower Extremities
- Uses: CABG Procedures, Peripheral Vascular Disease, AV Access
- Benefits: Restores Circulation
- Bones and Connective Tissue
- Uses: Trauma, Fractures, Tumors, Degenerative Bone Disease, Dental Surgery, Bladder Sling Procedures, Hernia Repair, Sports Injuries
- Benefits: Promotes Healing, Restores Mobility, Prevents Amputation
- Heart Valves
- Uses: Congenital Heart Disease, Vascular Heart Disease
- Benefits: No Anticoagulation Therapy Needed, Treatment Choice for Children, Low Risk of Infection
Common Myths & Misconceptions
Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding organ, eye and tissue donation.