LifeSharers

LifeSharers is a non-profit network of organ donors based in the United States. The organization encourages its members to donate their organs and tissues to other members if they die in a manner that makes organ donation possible. LifeSharers was founded in 2002 by David J. Undis, a former investment advisor.

History

David J. Undis, a former investment advisor, founded LifeSharers in 2002. The organization was established with the aim of increasing the number of organ donors and reducing the number of people who die waiting for organ transplants.

Concept

The concept of LifeSharers is based on the principle of directed donation, where donors can specify who they want to receive their organs after their death. Members of LifeSharers agree to donate their organs first to other members of the network if they die in a manner that makes organ donation possible. This creates an incentive for people to join the network and agree to donate their organs.

Membership

Membership in LifeSharers is free and open to all residents of the United States, regardless of age or health condition. As of 2020, the network has over 15,000 members.

Criticism

LifeSharers has been criticized for potentially creating a system of organ allocation based on membership in a particular group rather than medical need. However, the organization argues that its approach increases the overall supply of organs and therefore benefits all patients in need of a transplant.

See also

• Organ donation
• Organ transplantation
• Directed donation