Tissue donation works in the same way as organ donation; it takes place at the end of someone's life and is a gift given without conditions or compensation. Tissue donation differs from organ donation in that anyone can donate tissue, regardless of the manner of their death. Individuals do not have to die of brain death in order to donate tissue.

One tissue donor can enhance or restore the lives of more than 50 people just like Christine Pierce (pictured right), who received skin grafts after suffering severe burns as a result of a fire in her own backyard.

• Bone - can restore mobility and assist in limb reconstruction.
• Corneas - restore sight to people who have been injured by disease or trauma.
• Heart valves - can be lifesaving to children and adults with absent or damaged valves.
• Ligaments and tendons - are used to rebuild damaged joints after trauma, arthritis or other diseases.
• Skin grafts - can help burn patients heal and can mean the difference between life and death. Many surgeries, such as open heart and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction, also utilize skin grafts.
• Veins and arteries - are used in heart bypass surgery to re-establish blood circulation. Donated veins can also help patients avoid leg amputation after a loss of circulation.

For more information about tissue donation, please visit the LifeLink Tissue Bank web site (lifelinktb.org).