The Baumgart Family
When Laura Baumgart’s husband Rod died, she was supportive of his decision to be a donor. But it wasn’t until she received a letter a year later that she began to understand the true impact of his donation. Ninety-five lives were impacted by Rod’s gifts of bone, tissue and veins. Years later, Laura and her son Ryan themselves benefited from tissue donation.
Read their story
The Donation Process
Tissue donation is usually completed within 24 hours after an individual’s death.
Notification
Live On Nebraska is notified by hospitals and other partners when a patient dies.
Authorization & Family Conversation
After notification, a Live On Nebraska staff member calls the patient’s loved ones to speak about tissue donation.
If the patient is not registered, the patient’s legal decision-maker may authorize donation on the patient’s behalf.
Once authorization is confirmed, we discuss what can be donated and the funeral plans for the donor. A family member or other loved one close to the donor will also be asked to answer many detailed, personal questions about the donor’s health and lifestyle. These questions are required by donation regulators and are necessary to help ensure a safe and successful transplant.
These conversations must occur quickly following the patient’s death. We recognize this is a difficult time for the patient’s loved ones and are committed to handling each conversation with sensitivity and compassion.
Transportation & The Donation Surgery
In most cases, the donor is transported to Live On Nebraska in Omaha for the donation surgery. Transportation costs to Live On Nebraska from the location where the patient died are covered by Live On Nebraska.
A moment of silence is observed prior to the surgery to honor the donor and the generosity of their gift of life.
After the donation surgery has been completed, Live On Nebraska returns the donor to the care of the family’s chosen funeral home and works with them to ensure their wishes for viewing can be accommodated. This may include using prosthetics or other materials to mimic the appearance and function of the tissues that were donated.
Transplant
Donated tissues are sent to organizations that test, prepare and distribute the tissues for transplant. Once a recipient for the tissue has been identified, it is sent to the hospital or clinic where the transplant surgery will take place. Some tissues may be stored up to five years.
Donor Family Care
Live On Nebraska staff are available to assist families and answer questions throughout the donation process. Our Aftercare Program provides grief support, mementos, and activities for families to honor their loved one following donation.
