Texas Donor Network

What is Tissue Donation?

Tissue donation is the gift of healing and mobility. Through donation, one person has the potential to restore health and improve the quality of life for more than 75 people.

While many people are familiar with organ donation—such as hearts, lungs, kidneys, and livers—fewer are aware of tissue donation and the profound, far-reaching impact their loved ones can have. Unlike organs, which are transplanted to save lives in acute emergencies, donated tissues are used in reconstructive, life-restoring procedures that help patients walk again, heal from severe injuries, and overcome chronic conditions.

Every day, donated human tissue acts as a vital bridge to recovery for burn survivors, cancer patients, accident victims, and those in need of orthopedic reconstruction. By choosing to donate, families provide a powerful legacy of hope, transforming a moment of profound loss into a second chance at an active, healthy life for countless others.

HEART VALVES

TENDONS

$Vital for orthopedic surgeries, spinal fusions, and limb-salvage procedures, helping to repair fractures, replace bone lost to trauma or cancer, and prevent amputations.$

BONES

Serves as a critical, life-saving temporary covering for severe burn victims, protecting against infection and promoting natural healing.

SKIN

Essential in bypass surgeries and vascular reconstructions, ensuring proper circulation and blood flow to vital organs and limbs.

ARTERIES & VEINS

Donated following a healthy live birth, amniotic membrane tissue is used in eye surgeries, wound care, and dental procedures to reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

PLACENTA