Organ/Tissue

Function

Who Will It Help

Heart

Pumps blood to all body systems

Patients suffering from cardiomyopathy, coronary artery disease or infants born with defective hearts.

Liver

Energy regulation, makes protein, removes waste from blood

Patients suffering from Wilson's disease, cirrhosis, other life-threatening liver disease, or infants born with biliary atresia.

Kidney

Filters waste from blood

Patients suffering from severe kidney failure caused by conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or polycystic kidney disease. A transplant eliminates the need for dialysis.

Lung

Organs of respiration

Patients suffering from emphysema, cystic fibrosis, or other life-threatening lung diseases.

Pancreas

Makes enzymes needed for digerstion, insulin regulates blood sugars

Insulin dependent Type I diabetic patients. A transplant eliminates the need for insulin injections and reduces the risk of losing sight or limbs.

Intestine

Processes food ingested

Patients suffering from short-gut syndrome and other life-threatening intestine diseases.

Corneas

Allows light to enter the eye

Patients suffering from corneal blindness caused by disease or injury.

Skin

Protects body from infection, dehydration and injury

Patients with severe burns. Skin grafts provide a temporary bandage to decrease pain, infection, scarring and dehydration.

Bone

Supports the body, protects vital organs

Patients requiring facial reconstruction, limb salvage, correction of birth defects, cancer treatment, oral surgery, or spinal surgery.

Heart Valves

Directs blood flow through the heart

Patients requiring replacement of a malfunctioning heart valve. A donated valve is preferred over a mechanical or pig valve.

Tendons

Attaches muscles to bone

Patients requiring reconstructive surgery, commonly used in the treatment of sports injuries.

Veins

Transports blood

Patients requiring coronary artery by-pass surgery. The donated veins are used to replace the patient's blocked arteries.