Who Can’t Be an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor?

Donor Alliance is often asked who can’t be an organ, eye and tissue donor. The short answer is, everyone has the potential to be an organ, eye and tissue donor!

Even if you have a chronic illness or health condition when you pass away, you still may be able to give the gift of life to someone in need. Never rule yourself out, regardless of age, lifestyle or health.

What is the age limit on becoming a donor?

There is no age limit to be a donor. Heroes of all ages have given the gift of life.

In Colorado and Wyoming, the oldest tissue donor was 103 years old! The oldest organ donor was well into their 80s! Don’t rule yourself out. You’re NEVER too old to say Yes and give the gift of life.

Charles of Jeffrey City, WY – Tissue Donor

Local Connection: Charles Shobe of Jeffrey City, Wyoming was 89 years old when he gave the gift of life through tissue. His decision to be a donor healed the lives of 18 people. Charles’s story is proof you are never too old to make a difference.

What if I’m not healthy enough to be a donor?

Many chronically ill donors have also successfully given the gift of life. Even those with serious health conditions, like diabetes, hepatitis or even rare medical conditions, have helped to save and heal countless lives. Kate Gallagher of Monument, Colorado was one of those heroes.

Kate with her mom, Gail

Local Connection: Kate was diagnosed with Budd-Chiari Syndrome—a rare clotting disease of the liver—and was placed on the waitlist for a liver transplant. While awaiting her transplant, Kate suffered a cerebral hemorrhage and passed away. As an organ donor, she saved three lives. A grandfather and a grandmother each received one of her kidneys. While her heart saved a 12-year-old girl who suffered a heart attack on a basketball court.

How can I help?

Right now, nearly 1,300 people across Colorado and Wyoming are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Tens of thousands of more people need a tissue transplant. Each year, tissue transplants help those suffering from trauma, disease or blindness. One person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

Say “Yes” and check the box to be an organ, eye and tissue donor the next time you’re at the DMV. You can also register today at DonorAlliance.org.