Tragically, the patients treated in burn centers across the
country are often small children, older adults, and
firefighters who have risked their lives to save them.
For a child with deep, painful burns covering most of the
body, healthy skin for transplantation is a precious, often
life-restoring gift.
But severe burns caused by fire, hot water, or chemicals,
can happen to anyone at any age. You, or a loved one,
may someday join others who are waiting for a healing skin
graft.
To present a healing donation to The New York Firefighters
Skin Bank at New
York Presbyterian Hospital (formerly The New York
Hospital-Cornell Medical Center), you need to complete a
donor card, and make your wishes known to your loved ones.
Thanks to special people like you who make a life-giving
choice, skin transplant
recipients have a chance to realize their dreams of
recovery.
We
need your help because not everyone gets out without getting
burned.
A
Bank of Hope
For
men, women and children of all races and ages fighting to
recover from life-threatening, potentially disfiguring
burns, the Skin Bank is a bank of hope and promise for the
future. It is the only Skin bank in New York State.
Your healing donation gives those with the courage to hope,
the power to heal.
Becoming
a Donor
A
donor card helps to identify you as someone wishing to make
a skin donation at the time of death.
You
must be at least 18 years of age to carry the card
Two
witnesses must sign the card in your presence.
Make
sure to check all the appropriate boxes.
Carry
the card with you at all times
Carrying
a card will not affect the care you receive if you are
brought to an emergency room or admitted to a hospital.
All efforts will be made to save your life and to provide
the best possible care, whether or not you have a donor
card.
You
can help us to heal others
About
the Donation
Almost
anyone, at any age, can become a donor. Advanced age
or history of disease does not mean you cant donate. you can
make your wishes known on your donor card or drivers
license, and by informing your loved ones and physicians.
All
major faiths approve of skin donation.
The
transplant comes from the areas of the body normally covered
by clothing. The donor is not disfigured in any way.
A
skin graft, comparable to the thickness of a blister is
surgically removed within 24 hours of the time of death.
Donating
should not delay funeral arrangements or interfere with
the use of an open casket.
Even
though a donor card has been signed, most hospitals will
seek consent from your family at the time of your passing.
Talk with them about your desire to become a donor.
Thank
You!
Give
those with the courage to hope, the power to heal
Please
call the New York Firefighters Skin Bank to request a donor
card and pamphlet, or with any questions you may have.
