Organ & tissue donation

Organ & Tissue Donation

A clear, honest explanation — without pressure, salesmanship, or sugar‑coating

Organ and tissue donation is one of the most confusing parts of end‑of‑life care.


Some families want it.


Some families don’t.


Some families feel unsure and overwhelmed by the timing.


This chapter exists to give you the real‑world version — the version that helps you make a decision without pressure, guilt, or surprises.

1. Donation is always optional

No one is required to donate.


No one is judged for donating or not donating.


No one should feel pushed into a decision.


You can say yes.


You can say no.


You can say “not right now.”


All of those answers are acceptable.

2. Organ donation and tissue donation are different

Most people use the word “donation” to mean everything, but they’re not the same.


Organ donation

This only happens in very specific medical situations — usually in a hospital, usually when someone is on a ventilator, and usually under strict medical criteria.


If your loved one died at home, in a facility, or under hospice care, organ donation is almost never possible.


Tissue donation

This is more common and may include:

  • corneas
  • skin
  • bone
  • tendons
  • heart valves


Tissue donation has different timing and different criteria.

3. Donation can affect appearance — and families deserve to know that

This is the part most places avoid saying out loud, but it matters:


Tissue donation can affect how someone looks afterward.


Not always.


Not dramatically in every case.


But it can — and families planning a viewing, ID, or goodbye moment need to know that upfront.


Some families are completely comfortable with that.


Others are not.


Both responses are valid.

4. Donation can add stress for some families

Even when donation teams are professional, the process can feel:

  • rushed
  • clinical
  • emotionally heavy
  • confusing
  • time‑sensitive


Some families find donation meaningful.


Others find the process overwhelming.


There is no “right” reaction.

5. Donation does not prevent funeral services or cremation — but it may change timing

Donation does not prevent:

  • cremation
  • burial
  • visitation
  • services
  • ceremonies


But it can:

  • shift the timeline
  • add medical steps
  • change appearance
  • introduce additional coordination


None of this is “bad.”


It’s simply the truth — and knowing it helps families make informed decisions.

6. How the process actually works

Here’s the simple version:


  1. The donation organization is notified.
  2. They ask the family medical questions.
  3. They determine eligibility.
  4. If donation is possible, they coordinate everything.
  5. When they’re finished, they release your loved one to us.


You don’t have to manage the logistics.


You don’t have to call multiple places.


You don’t have to understand the medical criteria.


We coordinate with the donation team so you don’t have to.

7. If your loved one was a registered donor

If they had a donor designation on their driver’s license or state registry, the donation organization will follow that.


You can still ask questions.


You can still talk through concerns.


You can still understand what’s possible and what isn’t.


But the default is to honor their stated wishes.

8. If your loved one was not a registered donor

You can still choose to donate.


Or you can decline.


There is no pressure either way.

9. What families often ask

“Will this change how my loved one looks?”

It can. Not always, but it can.


“Will this delay the funeral or cremation?”

It may shift the timeline, but not dramatically.


“Can we still have a viewing?”

Often yes — but it depends on the type of donation and your expectations.

We’ll talk through it with you.


“Do we have to decide immediately?”

Donation teams work quickly, but they will guide you through the timing.


“Does this cost anything?”

No. Donation is never billed to the family.

10. How we support you as a full funeral service provider

Because we are a full funeral service provider— not just a cremation provider — we can help you understand how donation fits into:

  • cremation
  • burial
  • visitation
  • embalming
  • open‑casket services
  • private goodbyes
  • timelines
  • family expectations


We’ll walk you through the practical side so you can make a decision that fits your plans, your values, and your comfort level.

If You Remember Nothing Else


Remember this:

Donation is a choice — not an obligation.


It can be meaningful, and it can also be stressful.


It may affect appearance and timing, and families deserve to know that.


Whatever you choose, we support you.


You’re not expected to know the medical criteria.


You’re not expected to make a perfect decision.


You’re not expected to navigate this alone.


We’ll talk through it with you, clearly and without pressure.