Answers to all your questions about becoming a registered organ donor
Right now, 90,000 people are waiting for the Gift of Life, and 2,200 of those live right here in Minnesota. They are ordinary people who won't live unless they receive a life-saving organ transplant. And every day, 17 people die while waiting for a transplant.

At KARE 11, we want to help save lives. That's why we're teaming up with LifeSource to create "The Gift of Life." Would you believe, 97% of Minnesotans support donation? But only 43% have added "donor" to their driver's license.

Now, it's easier than ever to become a donor. You can now become a donor by simply signing up right here: Donate Life Minnesota. Instead of checking a box on your driver's license, you can legally make your wishes known by adding your name to this secure online database. Just like the driver's license designation, registration in this database is legal authorization for donation and will ensure that a person's wish to extend the gift of life is fulfilled.

You can also give the Gift of Life on a regular basis by donating blood. Just 5% of eligible individuals donate blood despite that almost 95% of the population will need blood at some point in their life. For nearly 5 million people who receive blood transfusions every year throughout the country, your donation can make the difference between life and death. Giving blood is simple and convenient. Click on: American Red Cross or call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE to make an appointment or for more information.

		The Gift of Life Part One Cruising along Hudson Road in Afton, Anthony and Charles Decker were having the time of their lives."Charles was just so excited to go FULL STORY
		The Gift of Life Part Two Charles Decker was a softy. His five-year-old daughter knew it, and so did his sisters. "He may act like a really strong FULL STORY
		Father and son have very special bond Kadin Hoven has had one heck of a life.Since he was born last March he has needed one thing that only his dad FULL STORY

Fathers give sons the gift of life  Edina baseball player has the heart of a champion  17-year-old accident victim gives the gift of life  Fire marshal gives kidney to fire inspector  Kirby's greatest gift  Dakota County woman giving Gift of Life to retired sergeant  Minnesota kidney donor and Chicago recipient doing well

Questions and Answers on organ and tissue donation  The Donation Process  What is the waiting list and how does it work?  Resources for additional information on donation

What is donor designation?
Donor designation is the practice of ensuring that an individual's expressed wishes about organ and tissue donation are fulfilled. LifeSource recognizes the right of every individual to make a personal decision about donation and respects the importance of honoring those wishes to extend the gift of life to those in need.

LifeSource donation coordinators work closely with the hospital staff and family members at the time of donation to provide support to the family while advocating for the patient's wish to extend the gift of life. An individual can designate themselves as a donor by joining the Minnesota Donor Registry at Donate Life Minnesota or by putting 'donor' on their driver's license.