U.S. Transplants from Deceased Donors Breaks All-Time High Fifth Year in a Row
Mega Doctor News
McAllen, Texas — Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (TOSA), the organ procurement organization that provides organ donation and recovery services for families in Central and South Texas, announced a record-breaking 568 organs were transplanted in 2017 thanks to the gifts from registered organ donors and generous families who supported the cause of donation.
A new record of 170 individuals – a 22 percent increase from last year – provided 568 organs to patients, giving hope to the nearly 11,000 people who are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant in Texas.
“Our mission is to save lives through the power of organ donation and none of it is possible without our donors and their generous families,” said TOSA CEO Joseph Nespral. “Their strength and commitment to create a legacy of life with their loved ones is why so many others are alive today.”
With more than 10 million Texans registered with Donate Life Texas, the state’s official registry for organ, eye and tissue donors, TOSA’s data shows that 44 percent of these donors made the decision to save lives as a registered donor; additionally, 21 percent of families initiated the organ donation conversation with TOSA.
Across the nation, organs transplanted also set a record-high; more than 34,000 organs were transplanted in the U.S. in 2017 from more than 10,000 organ donors.
“This transplant means a second chance at life,” said James Guerrero who received a kidney in 2017 in San Antonio. “As a 28-year-old male, I have yet to live my life and my donor has given me the chance to live again! His spirit lives in me. I thank him from the bottom of my heart!”
TOSA is headquartered in San Antonio and has satellite offices in Austin and McAllen. The organization has consistently been recognized as a Top Workplace by San Antonio Express-News.
Texans are encouraged to register to be organ, eye and tissue donors at Texas Department of Public Safety or the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. For information on organ donation and community initiatives, or to register online, visit TOSA1.org.
