Donor Family Resource Guide
Thank you for your support of donation. It is because of your courage that lives will be saved. Your unselfish gesture of compassion in the midst of your loss is heroic. We hope you take comfort in knowing that your loved one will be remembered by the many lives he or she has touched through donation. We realize 足足 this is a difficult time for you, as you begin embarking on a journey of grief, remembrance and recovery. This booklet has been designed to help you on that journey and to answer questions you may have about the donation process. This is just the beginning of our relationship with you. During the days, weeks and years ahead, LifeGift is committed to providing the support services you need. 足
The photographs in this guide feature donor family members and transplant recipients who have shared their stories with LifeGift.
Donating organs and tissues
Donating organs and tissues
Beautiful, vibrant teenager Dereck Denise Lopez wanted to teach kindergarten and compete in the Olympics in tae kwon do. She died after her car was struck by a drunk driver.
Donor parents Jorge and Blanca Lopez
Donating organs and tissues Once the donation process has begun, it is not unusual for families to have additional questions. LifeGift is committed to maintaining open communication throughout the donation and beyond. Please contact your LifeGift coordinator with any questions. We appreciate your support of donation and hope the following information helps you understand the great gift your loved one has shared.
Authorization for donation
Every donation begins with the selfless decision to help others. LifeGift works with families to ensure that the opportunity for donation is offered to those eligible. Donation Authorized by Donor Many individuals have already registered their decision to become donors on the Donate Life Texas Registry. In these cases, the donation has already been authorized by the decedent himself or herself. The family is given a copy of the Notification of the Donation form, which informs the family that their loved one is a registered donor, along with proper documentation of the gift. The identities of you, your loved one and the donation remain confidential. Donation Authorized by Family of Donor For individuals who are not already registered as donors, their legal next of kin must make that decision for them when the LifeGift staff member seeks authorization for donation. Once the donation is authorized, the next of kin signs an authorization form and a copy of the form is provided to them. The identities of you, your loved one and the donation remain confidential. If authorization is given by phone, a copy of the form is mailed to the family within two weeks.
What do I need to do next?
The choice of a funeral home is one of the first decisions a family must make. If you have not decided upon a funeral home before leaving the hospital, obtain a phone number for the appropriate hospital staff member to call once your decision is made. LifeGift will contact the funeral home that is identified and share your decision of donation.
Should I stay at the hospital during the donation process?
All families ask this question, and the answer is a personal choice. You and your family may wish to visit the bedside a final time before the process begins, and then leave the hospital. Most make the decision to go home to be with other family members, but you are welcome to stay if it is more comforting to you. LifeGift strives to be sensitive to your needs. Please let us know if you have any requests. Once you leave the hospital, no more Âvisitors are admitted and information on the status of your loved one will not be released by the hospital. All phone calls to the hospital will be directed to the family.
How long does the process take?
The entire donation process can last up to 24 hours after the final pronouncement of death. (In unique situations, the process can extend beyond 24 hours.) LifeGift staff members remain onsite throughout the recovery and every effort is made to expedite the process.
Who pays the donation costs?
All costs related to the donation are the responsibility of LifeGift. You will not be billed for any costs related to the donation. Families are responsible for funeral, memorial or burial expenses, and any hospital fees prior to the start of the donation process. Every effort is made to avoid billing problems, though occasionally a hospital may bill the family for charges that should be sent to LifeGift. If there are any questions following the donation, please call your LifeGift coordinator. We will be able to identify the costs related to the donation and can take measures to correct the billing with the hospital.
How are donated tissues used?
A single tissue donor can save the lives of often more than 100 people. These people may be mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents or someone’s child who are helped through the donation of different types of tissues. Tissue is used to replace bone, tendons and ligaments in people with cancer, joint disease, arthritis, reconstructive
surgery after a mastectomy, major abdominal surgery and traumatic injury. Bone transplants can prevent amputation, rebuild facial structure, and may also be used in spinal and general orthopedic surgeries and oral procedures. Donated bone is used in specialized sizes and shapes to make these repairs. Heart valves are used to help reconstruct the poorly formed heart of a child or to replace a diseased or damaged heart valve of an adult or child. Donated vessels and valves can mean the difference between life and death to the recipients. Veins and arteries are recovered for transplantation to repair and restore circulation. Donated vessels are used to restore circulation in heart bypass surgeries and to avoid limb amputations. Eye tissue restores sight. All eye donations are coordinated and performed by local eye banks. Skin is primarily used as a “bandage” for adults and children who have lost their own skin through burns or surgery. It protects a patient from infection, minimizes pain and allows the time necessary for a patient’s own skin to grow again.
Donation process
Following is an overview of the donation process:
A declaration of death is made and authorization is obtained
Tests will be completed to identify which organs or tissues can be donated. If brain death has been declared, your loved one will remain on the ventilator, and is supported with fluids and medications to keep oxygen and blood flowing to the organs.
Identify recipients
The United Network for Organ Sharing, commonly referred to as UNOS, is contacted to match the organs to the most appropriate recipients through a national placement database. The recipient for each organ must be located before the surgical procedure begins due to the limited amount of time organs are viable between removal and transplant.
Recovery
Organs and/or tissues are recovered surgically in an operating room. Your loved one is treated with the respect and dignity that would be given to any patient undergoing an operation. Incisions are closed and reconstructed to aid the funeral director in the preparation.
Release to the medical examiner or funeral home
Following recovery, your loved one may be released to the medical examiner (ME) or to a funeral home. The ME’s office is usually located in a facility separate from the hospital. The ME determines whether an autopsy will be required, as well as the length of time a body remains at the ME’s office. (For example, if your loved one dies during the weekend, the ME may not release him/her to the funeral home until Tuesday.) The donation process does not affect this time duration. Once the ME has completed his or her review, your loved one is then released to the funeral home. Donation will not interfere with customary funeral arrangements. The LifeGift staff will contact the funeral home that you identify before the recovery, and again once it has been completed. The funeral home or the ME issues a death certificate.
Donor family services
Several weeks following the donation, you will receive a letter from LifeGift. This letter will confirm the organs/tissues that were recovered, as well as general information on each recipient of vital organs (kidneys, liver, pancreas, intestine, heart and lungs). Names and locations of the recipients are kept confidential. One tissue donor can commonly provide tissue to save countless people over months or even years. One year following donation, families may contact LifeGift for more information. Upon request, the legal next of kin may access and obtain release of the donor’s medical records. LifeGift is committed to providing you ongoing support services by honoring the memory of your loved one and recognizing his/her gift of life. Our staff is available to answer your questions.
When a loved one dies
When a loved one dies
When 17-year-old Stecil Hopkins was declared brain dead following a car accident, his mother, Stephanie Johnson, knew organ and tissue donation was the best way she could hold on to the selfless spirit of her only child.
Donor mother Stephanie Johnson, left, and her son’s liver recipient Jennifer Lewis
When a loved one dies The time following the death of a loved one is filled with a sense of numbness and anxiety. Yet, many decisions must be made at this most stressful time. LifeGift has compiled the following information from several sources involved in grief counseling, as well as family members who have been through the death of loved ones and made the courageous decision to donate organs and tissue. LifeGift hopes that it will be helpful to you in making these important decisions during this time of loss and sadness.
While you are at the hospital
• H ave someone call other family members to notify them of the death and let them know if they should come to the hospital. If you are a member of a religious congregation, have someone notify your minister of the death. • D etermine a funeral home and sign the necessary forms to allow the hospital to release your loved one’s body to the funeral home. If you have had no previous experience with a funeral home, you may want to contact a close friend for a recommendation. • K now that, under certain circumstances, the death of your loved one may be considered a case for the medical examiner (ME), whereby an autopsy may be performed. The ME may transfer the body and belongings to another facility, contact the family about all arrangements and decisions, and complete the death certificate. • I n non-ME cases, an autopsy may be requested by the family. Costs associated with a private autopsy are the responsibility of the family. • G ather your loved one’s personal belongings that are still at the hospital.
When you go home
• D ecide on the type of funeral service and where it will be held. Commonly, families must decide between an open or closed casket; burial or cremation; and church, funeral home or graveside service. Generally, an open casket is an option following donation. • M ake an appointment with the funeral home. While you are talking with the funeral director, find out about the deadline for the newspaper obituary. You may wish to acknowledge the donation publicly by including a reference in the obituary, such as “John shared the gift of life through organ/tissue donation.” Your funeral director can assist you with the appropriate wording. • C ontact clergy regarding availability and planning of the service. • G ather the following items to take to the funeral home: – Clothes for the deceased – I nformation for the newspaper obituary (list of family members, clubs, organizations, etc.) – Life insurance policies and employer benefit forms – Recent photograph (often used for hairstyling) – Military discharge papers, if appropriate (DD214) – Burial policies • Notify family and friends of the arrangements. • A ppoint someone to keep records of deliveries, calls and visits to the house. • A sk someone to spend the first night with you, if you are alone.
Information you will need
Listed below are items you may need to gather for the funeral director to help with preparations: 1. Name of deceased (first, middle, maiden, last) 2. Age; date of birth (month, day, year) 3. Place of birth (city, state, country) 4. R ace; family’s national origin (American, Spanish, French, etc.) 5. Country of citizenship 6. Marital status 7. N ame of surviving spouse, if married (maiden name, if wife) 8. Social Security card or number 9. P rofession/occupation (type of business or industry) 10. Employer’s address 11. Residence address and/or mailing address (if different) 12. Father’s full name 13. Mother’s full name (maiden) 14. Physician’s name, address and phone number 15. Funeral home name, address and phone number 16. Clergy’s name, address and phone number 17. N ame of cemetery or anticipated place of final disposition, address and phone number 18. I nformation provided by (your name, relationship, address and phone number) 19. O ther family members’ names, addresses and phone numbers
At the funeral home
• I f you choose burial: Be prepared to select and purchase a casket and vault, set the time and place for the funeral, and sign a contract. • I f you choose cremation: Be prepared to decide on a viewing of remains, religious/memorial service and providing for the ashes. • R equest at least a dozen certified copies of the death certificate. • I nform the funeral director if you want flowers or if you prefer that contributions be made to a favorite charity. • G ive the funeral director the information for the newspaper obituary. • L eave the photograph with the funeral director if one is to be used. If you want the photograph returned, confirm that arrangement. (You may wish to ask that your address be withheld from the public notice.) • Contact pallbearers/honorary pallbearers.
At the cemetery
• H ave a representative from the cemetery help you locate the gravesite, if you already have one. If you do not own a gravesite, be prepared to buy one. • B e prepared to pay for the opening and closing of the grave even if you already own the gravesite.
After the funeral
• Check with the Social Security office about benefits. • File claims for insurance: – Life insurance – Mortgage or loan insurance – Accident insurance (if applicable) –V arious types of insurance by the employer of the deceased
– Auto insurance (if applicable) – Credit card insurance – Insurance on bank accounts • R e-establish bank accounts and safe-deposit box in the appropriate name. Call before going to the bank to be sure that you have the necessary papers to make these changes. It may be desirable to have a co-signature on all accounts. If so, make arrangements with the person of your choice. • C onsult an attorney for advice about reviewing or updating wills, trusts, durable power of attorney and other financial matters. If you do not have an attorney, The Lawyer Referral Service of the local bar association can provide a list of attorneys. If you cannot afford an attorney, the Legal Aid Society can help you find legal assistance at reduced rates.
Collecting the papers
This is a list of documents you may be required to have copies of after the loss of a loved one: • Social Security card or number • Certified copies of death certificate • Marriage certificate • Copy of a will • Birth certificates of dependent children • Copy of insurance policies • Copy of certificate of honorable discharge • Complete list of property • Bank account number • Car title • Driver’s license
Normal grief reactions
It is normal to react physically and emotionally to a loss. Symptoms you may experience include: Physical sensation Tightness in the chest or throat Oversensitivity to noise Shortness of breath Weakness in muscles Lack of energy Dry mouth Hollowness in stomach Feelings Sadness Anger Guilt Loneliness Anxiety Fatigue Shock Relief Numbness
Thoughts Disbelief Confusion Preoccupation Hallucinations Sense of presence Helplessness Behaviors Sleep disturbances Appetite disturbances Distractibility Social withdrawal Dreams of loved one Crying Avoiding reminders Restless overactivity Visiting places Carrying objects Absent-mindedness
How to help yourself through grief
Here are some suggestions to help you take care of yourself and help you through the grieving process: • Have a checkup with your family physician. • Get physical exercise to help you relax. • Allow yourself the time to grieve at your own pace. • Reach out to others. • Do not expect your family to meet all of your needs. • Allow yourself to cry; it is therapeutic. • Avoid alcohol. • Talk about your loved one as much as you need to. • Realize people grieve in different ways.
Children and grief
• C hildren need to be reassured repeatedly that their physical and emotional needs will be met. • D aily schedules are important to children who are grieving. They tend to feel safer when their routine is maintained as much as possible. • The circumstances of the death may need to be explained. • Children need to be allowed to talk and cry. • C hildren need to be told repeatedly that the death is not their fault. For specific resources in your area, go to www.lifegift.org, e-mail donorfamilyservices@lifegift.org or call 800-633-6562.
Community resources
2-1-1 Texas is a statewide information and referral line that is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week by live operators who are trained and certified in providing community resources to callers. There are 25 area information centers operating 2-1-1 across the state. Whether you or family members are in need of urgent, crisis intervention or resources for counseling or other information, pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1. It’s an ideal place to turn, wherever you reside in the Lone Star State.
What can help with your grief?
• T ime You need time alone, and time with others whom you trust and who will listen when you need to talk. It takes months and sometimes years to feel and understand the feelings that go along with a loss. • R est Get plenty of rest, relaxation, nourishment and exercise. You may need extra amounts of things you needed before, such as hot baths, afternoon naps, a trip, long walks, etc. Exercise is important – walk aerobically 30 minutes per day with friends if possible. Meditate or pray. Grief is an exhausting process emotionally and physically; you need to replenish yourself. Follow what is healing to you and what connects you to the people and things you love. Let children know that they can still write letters and draw pictures for their lost loved one.
• S ecurity Try to reduce or find help for financial or other stresses in your life. Allow yourself to be close to those you trust. Getting back into routines helps. You may need to allow yourself to do things at your own pace. Make lists and set priorities that are flexible. • H ope You may find hope and comfort from those who have experienced a similar loss. Learning things that have helped others and realizing that they have recovered with time can give you hope that sometime in the future your grief will be less raw and painful. This knowledge can be very helpful.
• C aring Try to allow yourself to accept the expressions of caring from others, even if they may be uneasy and awkward. Helping a friend or relative who is also suffering a similar loss may bring a feeling of closeness with that person. • G oals For a while, it may seem that much of life is without meaning. At times like these, small goals are helpful. Something to look forward to, like playing tennis with a friend next week, a movie tomorrow night or a trip next month can help you get through the present time. Living one day at a time is a rule of thumb. At first, don’t be surprised if your enjoyment of these things isn’t the same; this is normal. As time passes, you may need to work on some long-range goals to give some structure and direction to your life. You may need guidance or counseling to help with this. • S mall pleasures Do not underestimate the healing effects of small pleasures, as you are ready. Sunsets, a walk in the woods, a favorite food – all are small steps toward regaining your pleasure in life itself. • A llowing yourself to experience the roller coaster of emotions Sometimes, after a period of feeling good, you may find yourself feeling extreme sadness, despair or anger. This is often the nature of grief, as it moves, and it may happen repeatedly over time. You cannot take in all of the pain and the meaning of death at once, so you let in a little at a time. • A voiding alcohol and caffeine Beware of alcohol, a depressant that may interrupt sleep patterns, or caffeine, a stimulant that may lead to nervousness. Consult a physician about the use of any medications.
• S aying no You may find that you cannot do all that you expect or others expect. Learn to say no. It doesn’t mean forever, it’s just until you’re feeling stronger. When people are unsupportive or say things about how you should feel, simply tell them, “That’s not how I feel” or “I cannot do that right now.” • C oping during special days Holidays, birthdays and anniversaries can be difficult. You may find that the time leading up to the special day is often more difficult than the day itself. On one hand, you want to celebrate with your family and friends. On the other hand, celebrating an occasion like this may be too painful, especially early in your grief. You can simply say no or change your traditions to see if that helps. It may help to plan something special to remember your loved one. You can light a special candle, bake a cake, plant a flower or give a gift to a child. This helps to keep loved ones a part of the celebration. • B eing gentle with yourself and others Be patient with yourself. Some days will be more difficult than others, but they will improve. Take one minute at a time. Realize that there will be some hours, days or weeks that are easier, and then unexpectedly you may feel overwhelmed with emotion again. This is natural. Be gentle with yourself. The death of your loved one isn’t something you “get over.” Instead, you learn to live without him or her in the best way you can. • C all LifeGift If there is any way that we can be of service to you, please do not hesitate to call any of our offices.
After the donation After the donation
Four-year-old Delaney Shelton said the sweetest prayers and gave the best hugs. She loved playing with older brothers, and having her Daddy paint her fingernails. She died after a biopsy for a brain tumor.
Donor family Carolyn, Hunter, Hudson and Brian Shelton
After the donation LifeGift believes that appropriate care and support of donor families is a large part of the donation process. Families are treated with the utmost compassion, dignity and respect at all times. LifeGift is entrusted with the gift of life when someone is a registered donor or when their family so generously authorizes donation. LifeGift pledges to: • M ake every effort to see that their gift is given to those in need. • T hank the family on behalf of the recipients. • P rovide timely and accurate follow up on the outcome of their gift. • P rovide information on grief support services. • P rovide forums to remember loved ones and honor their gifts. • F acilitate correspondence between a donor family and recipient(s) when requested. • P rovide periodic status checks on the recipient(s) of their loved one’s gift as requested. • P rovide additional information whenever it is requested.
Correspondence
All LifeGift donor families receive at least 12 months of after-care following the donation. A series of timed correspondence is sent by LifeGift, including: • A thank-you/sympathy letter with follow up on what was donated and transplanted • A grief booklet • A card on the six-month anniversary of the death • A card on the first anniversary of the death • A holiday-oriented grief booklet
Honoring the donor
LifeGift offices host remembrance ceremonies each year to honor and recognize the gift of life provided by loved ones and their family members. Each LifeGift region schedules its own events.
Threads of hope remembrance quilt
Donor family members are invited to create a personal quilt square commemorating their loved one. Currently, there are several complete quilts on display at the LifeGift office in Houston, and we are always collecting squares for our next quilt. These panels are displayed at various public functions and donor family events. Each LifeGift Threads of Hope Remembrance Quilt is a visual testament of the compassionate nature of the human spirit. Constructed from articles of clothing, baby blankets, jewelry trinkets, photos and even toys, each 6" by 6" square is unique – appropriately embodying the donor.
Donor family/recipient meetings
Many transplant recipients express their gratitude to the donor families by sending written correspondence. Similarly, some donor families want to share a little bit about their lost loved ones with the transplant recipients through letters and cards as well. In some cases, this initial anonymous correspondence leads to a mutual desire for a face-to-face meeting. LifeGift staff members work closely with recipients and donor families to guide them through this process, and help them understand what to expect. We offer to host such meetings at LifeGift offices and have facilitated dozens of them over the years. Some transplant recipients and donor families view one another as an extended family and continue sending cards or getting together on occasion.
For more information about donor family support services, please contact your local LifeGift office or call 800-633-6562. Southeast Texas 2510 Westridge Street Houston, Texas 77054 713-523-4438 Fax 713-737-8110 North Texas 1701 River Run, Suite 300 Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817-870-0060 Fax 817-870-2073 West Texas 5812 64th Street Lubbock, Texas 79424 806-798-5568 Fax 806-798-5572 1200 Wallace Boulevard Amarillo, Texas 79106 806-351-5890 Fax 806-351-5891
Writing to recipients
Writing to recipients
Tod Steck, 29, drank Vanilla Cream Dr Pepper by the gallon and always gave the most thoughtful Christmas presents. He gave the gift of life to six people after an aneurysm took his life.
Donor family Halie, Matthew, Trish and Madison Steck
Writing to recipients The decision to correspond with transplant recipients is a personal one for a donor family. Some wish to share information about their loved one; others want to reach out to a recipient to assist in the grieving process. Whatever the reason – it is your choice whether you wish to correspond with a transplant recipient. As the organ recovery agency making the donation and subsequent transplant possible, LifeGift can help you with this process – sending written correspondence from you to the transplant center, which will then forward the letter or card to the recipient(s). All correspondence is completely anonymous and identities are kept confidential – if you so wish. If you are considering writing to your loved one’s transplant recipient(s), LifeGift recommends following these guidelines in your card or letter.
General information you may include
Please do not include last names anywhere in your correspondence. • Your first name and relationship to the donor • Your loved one’s first name only • His or her job or occupation • The state in which your loved one resided • Your loved one’s marital status, children, grandchildren, hobbies, etc. • You may include a picture of your loved one
Conclude your letter
• Sign your first name only • Do not reveal your personal contact information • Do not reveal the name or location of the hospital where your loved one passed away
Sending your correspondence
Place your letter, card or picture in an unsealed envelope within the mailing envelope. Include on a separate sheet of paper the following: • Your full name • Your loved one’s full name • Date your loved one passed away • Hospital where your loved one passed away
Mail your correspondence to LifeGift LifeGift Attention: Donor Family Services Coordinator 2510 Westridge Street Houston, Texas 77054
LifeGift will review your correspondence to ensure confidentiality. We then will forward your letter to the appropriate transplant center or organ procurement organization, which then should send it to the recipient. Please allow several weeks for this process to take place.
Will I hear from the transplant recipient(s)?
While you may wish to correspond with the transplant recipient(s), it also is a personal choice whether the transplant recipient returns the sentiment. Some transplant recipients have said that a lifesaving gift can be overwhelming, and it is difficult for them to express their gratitude in words. Still others may take several months or years before they feel comfortable responding to their donor family. If you would like further assistance, please contact our Donor Family Services Coordinator at donorfamilyservices@lifegift.org or call 1-800-633-6562.
About LifeGift
About LifeGift
Popular and fun-loving Aguirre brothers Adrian, 20, and Mikey, 16, dreamed of having the coolest car in the neighborhood. Their dreams ended when they were killed by strangers when violence erupted outside a friend’s birthday party.
Donor family Ezequiel, Mary and Matthew Aguirre
About LifeGift Life goes on
It’s the commitment to those waiting for lifesaving and lifeenhancing organ and tissue transplants that drives LifeGift to innovate…to save the lives of men, women and children. Established in 1987, LifeGift is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that offers hope to individuals needing transplants in 109 counties in the Houston, North Texas and West Texas areas. It is a founding member of Donate Life Texas, the organization that runs the statewide organ, eye and tissue donor registry. Organs and tissues are a precious community resource. LifeGift is an integral part of the health care community helping to manage that resource. Thousands of residents of the areas we serve – and beyond – have had their lives restored by receiving organ and tissue transplants provided through our unique partnerships.
In the world of transplantation, every recovered organ means another life can be saved
LifeGift staff members work with and help train hospital staff members on all aspects of donation, from the appropriate identification and timing of referrals for potential donors to the medical maintenance of the donor and the recovery operation. We ensure that organ and tissue donation is conducted in a fully coordinated and professional manner by expert donation specialists. For families of donors, we provide information on the donation process, the placement of organs and progress of recipients, and the bereavement process.
Our organization blends the talent and dedication of many
Physicians, hospital administrators, community members, donor families, organ and tissue recipients, and LifeGift staff members are all vital to the success of organ and tissue donation. LifeGift and its partner hospitals seamlessly collaborate to ensure that family members who desire to donate their loved one’s organs have the opportunity to do so. Together, we continually seek to develop effective, government-regulated donation systems. In this way, we can ensure that patients desperately waiting for organ and tissue transplants will have access to the precious and critically short supply of these organs and tissues.
Become a LifeGift Ambassador of Hope
LifeGift invites you to consider becoming one of our Ambassadors of Hope. From transplant recipients sharing their stories of life to donor family members revealing the peace of mind they had knowing their loved one’s organs would help others live, LifeGift volunteers share hope with the community. In addition to speaking to civic groups, schools, churches and other organizations, our volunteers represent LifeGift at health fairs and community events, assist with office work, participate in donation events, and interact with the media, under LifeGift’s direction. If you’re interested in becoming a LifeGift Ambassador of Hope, please contact: Southeast Texas – 713-523-4438 North Texas – 817-870-0060 West Texas – 806-798-5568
We offer hope • We offer hope to those waiting on organ, eye and tissue transplants, returning them to their families, their jobs, their communities and their lives. • We offer hope to grieving family members of those who selflessly gave the gift of life so that others may live. • We offer hope to our partner organ procurement organizations throughout the country and the hospitals we serve. • We offer hope to the community through public education outreach and efforts. • We offer hope to transplant recipients, that they can make the most out of their lives.
Core values We are: Passionate – We are driven to contribute to a purpose larger than ourselves. Compassionate – We have a heart for others. Professional – We give the best of ourselves in all circumstances, even those that are difficult for us.
How we are different Expertise – Regardless of our role, we constantly seek opportunities to strengthen our knowledge and sharpen our skills to keep LifeGift on the forefront of organ and tissue donation. Dual Advocacy – In every situation, we advocate for the donor, ensuring that his/her final wishes are honored, while at the same time, advocate for those who wait for lifesaving transplants. Fiscal Strength – We are committed to the responsible use of our financial resources, so we can support our communities and prepare for the future.
For more information about LifeGift, call 800-633-6562, visit www.lifegift.org or connect with LifeGift online.
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/lifegift.org Follow us on Twitter: @LifeGift Follow us on Instagram: LifeGift Check out our YouTube: youtube.com/LifeGift25 For more information about Donate Life Texas, visit www.donatelifetexas.org or connect with the organization online.
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Follow Donate Life Texas on Twitter: @donatelifetexas Follow Donate Life Texas on Instagram: donatelifetexas LifeGift Offices Southeast Texas 2510 Westridge Street Houston, Texas 77054 713-523-4438 Fax 713-737-8110 North Texas 1701 River Run, Suite 300 Fort Worth, Texas 76107 817-870-0060 Fax 817-870-2073 West Texas 5812 64th Street Lubbock, Texas 79424 806-798-5568 Fax 806-798-5572 1200 Wallace Boulevard Amarillo, Texas 79106 806-351-5890 Fax 806-351-5891
800-633-6562 www.lifegift.org
Register to become a donor at www.DonateLifeTexas.org