Yes. Donation saves lives every day. Hundreds of Virginians have organ transplants each year and receive a second chance at life.

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Question: How can one person save 7 people?
Answer: By becoming an organ and tissue donor at save7lives.org. One person can donate a heart, a liver, two kidneys, two lungs, and a pancreas. One tissue donor can enhance the lives of more than 50 people. One eye donor can help up to ten individuals.

Question: Am I too old to donate?
Answer: No. Anyone can be considered for donation. There is such a critical need for organs currently in the U.S., the criteria for donation are changing constantly. Many people believe they cannot donate due to a past medical history or age. In most cases anyone can be a donor.

Question: Does my family have to pay for the donation?
Answer: No. Donation costs nothing for the donor or the donor's family.

Question: What about funeral arrangements?
Answer: Donation does not affect customary funeral activities. There can be an open casket funeral, viewing or other standard memorial.

Question: What if I have already said "yes" to donation at the DMV?
Answer: Your decision to be a donor was transferred to save7lives.org. You can review your record and make changes by accessing your information here.

Question: Will my family still have the final decision?
Answer: No. Your wish to be a donor will be honored. While it is still helpful for family members to know what you want, their permission will be sought only if your decision is not registered at save7lives.org or on your driver's license.

Question: What is living donation?
Answer: Living donation is when a living person donates an organ or part of an organ to another person. The living donor may be a relative, friend, spouse or an in-law. Or, the donor may be a stranger that has volunteered to help someone else. Living donation usually involves one of these organs: a segment of the liver, the lobe of one lung, a kidney, or a portion of the pancreas. Living donation is an alternative for individuals awaiting organ transplantation from a deceased donor. You can find more information on living donation by contacting your doctor or a transplant center.

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