Want to become an organ donor? Here’s how

You may recall seeing the news last summer about actress Anne Heche’s tragic death following a serious car wreck. Before her passing, though, she gave the gift of life through organ donation. If you’re interested in being an organ donor, read on to learn how to document your wishes and how the process works.

How does one become an organ donor?

In Texas, you can register to become an organ donor at Donate Life Texas. Or, when renewing your Texas driver’s license, you may check the box to register for organ donation and you’ll be added to the registry. Registered donors will have a heart logo added to their license as an easy way to let healthcare providers and others know of their wishes. The Texas registry is part of a nationwide registry so if a Texan passes away in another state, the registry information will be available in that state as well.

I recommend that clients who wish to be organ donors add an instruction to their directive to physicians indicating their wishes. While not required, it’s an easy way to make your wishes known at the time when they are most likely to be relevant.

How does the organ donation process work?

Anne Heche’s story serves as a good example of how donation works in practice. She was declared legally dead on August 11 after suffering a severe brain injury in the car crash. But she remained on life support for an additional two days to allow OneLegacy Foundation enough time to find suitable donation recipients. After removal of the organs to be donated, Ms. Heche was taken off life support and her remains cremated. She was also given the Honor Walk ceremony that is commonly provided for organ donors and their families.

What is an Honor Walk?

An honor walk is a ceremony held in the hospital shortly before organs are harvested from a deceased donor. With the donor’s family’s consent, the donor’s body is wheeled to the operating room through hallways lined with family and hospital staff. The walk is a way to honor and celebrate the generosity of the donor and support their loved ones at their time of loss.

What should I do if I want to become a donor?

First, either sign up on the registry or opt into it through the Department of Public Safety when renewing your driver’s license. Second, share your wishes with your loved ones so they’ll be able to speak for you should the need arise. Third, ensure that your directive to physicians and medical power of attorney are up to date, and consider noting your wish for organ donation in your directive to physicians.

Anne Heche’s tragic death serves as a good example of how proper planning enabled her wish for organ donation to be fulfilled. However, she died without a will or declaration of guardian for her minor child. As I’ve written about before, celebrity estate battles are useful cautionary tales for us as if you take away the fame and some of the money, their poor planning looks a lot like the issues I see in my probate practice.