NDRI has announced the launch of a new national public relations campaign to let Americans know that they can donate tissue when planning surgery or at the birth of a child. These tissues, which would otherwise be discarded, are urgently needed by researchers developing therapies and cures for today’s most prevalent and deadly diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and HIV/AIDS, as well as the gamut of rare diseases.
“Most people think you can donate tissue or organs to science only after death, but the truth is that each of us has the power to impact science during our lifetime,” said Lee Ducat, founder and president of NDRI. “Human tissue – whether healthy or diseased -- is precious to researchers developing cures for nearly every disease imaginable.”
“I have reviewed dozens of proposals that come in to NDRI from researchers whose projects depend on working with human tissue,” said Hal E. Broxmeyer, Ph.D., NDRI Board Chairman and Scientific Director of the Walther Oncology Center of the Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis. “Our pool of researchers requesting material grows by 20 percent a year while more than 80 percent of our researchers need more human tissue than they can obtain,” he added.
Americans can donate tissue by calling 1-877-221-NDRI when scheduling surgery or before the birth of a baby. NDRI manages the process, and there is no cost to the donor. Valuable tissue is donated from surgical procedures, such as plastic surgery, tumor surgery, hip or knee replacement and transplant surgery. And at the birth of a child, the umbilical cord, placenta and amniotic fluid are a rich, non-controversial source of stem cells for research into heart disease, cancer, and more.
In addition, the non-profit NDRI provides researchers not only with tissue but with anonymous medical history about the donor which provides unparalleled insight for scientists.
“We believe that once Americans know that they have the power to make a difference by donating to science in their lifetime, they will support tissue donation in significant numbers,” Ducat said. What is even more inspiring is that every adult can participate. “Whether we’re wealthy or of limited means, healthy or fighting illness – anyone can contribute, and everyone’s contribution makes a difference.”
“With cuts in government funding, there’s a lot of frustration among those in the scientific fields. Tissue donation is a positive action that we can take to deliver more resources that would otherwise go to waste, and move science forward at a faster pace.”
Individuals interested in donating tissue can call NDRI’s hotline at 1-877-221-NDRI (6374) before surgery or delivery and NDRI takes care of the rest.