Brandon Nelson's parents decided to donate his heart valves after his tragic death so another child could live.
	Share Your Decision If you want to donate your tissue after your death, share this decision with your family. The Northwest Tissue Center requires the consent of a donor’s next-of-kin before donation can occur. By discussing tissue donation with friends and family you will help them make a decision that will honor your wishes. For more information on bone and tissue donation and transplantation, contact: Northwest Tissue Ctr. 921 Terry Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 (800) 858-2282 (206) 292-1879 (http://www.nwtc.org/) Please carry your donor card so your intent to participate in the donor program can be immediately known.

How is a donation arranged?
A hospital staff member will contact a Northwest Tissue Center coordinator, who will make the arrangements for donation.

How is tissue recovered?
In a sterile surgical procedure, the tissues are removed in an operating room setting. The donor is treated with dignity and respect. Following the recovery, the body is carefully reconstructed.

What are the success rates?
Transplants of long bones or joints have a long-term success rate of about 80 percent.

Procedures using smaller pieces of tissue approach 100 percent.

Cornea transplant success rate is over 95%.

Is a regular funeral possible?
Yes. Tissue donation should not alter the funeral plans of the donor's family, including desires for a viewing. As with any death, all funeral arrangements and expenses are handled by the family.

Is there a cost for donation?
No. There are no expenses incurred by the family for a donation. At the same time, federal law prohibits payment to families for donation of tissues and organs.

Is it anonymous?
While the Northwest Tissue Center maintains thorough tracking records between donated tissue and a recipient, the donor's identity is not released to recipients.

How can I regerster to become a donor?
There are three ways to join the donor registry: Register online, register at the Department of Motor Vehicles or register at any event that has an organ or tissue donation booth.

To learn more about ways to register or for more information, call 1-877-275-5269 or click here to go to the Living Legacy Registry.