No age limit to becoming a donor hero
Clifford and Mary Hammond
May is Older Americans Month and Midwest Transplant Network is sharing this story to illustrate that you are never too old to be a registered organ, eye or tissue donor.
Mary Hammond was always proud of her work as a forensic chemist. She worked on a number of cases, including high-profile cases covered by the media.
Why was being an organ, eye and tissue donor important to Mary?
A life of helping others
“You would have to know Mary,” her husband, Clifford, chuckled. “She would stop young girls all the time and tell them to get an education. She believed all women should have the same opportunities she did. She thought if she could get an education, others could, too.”
Mary and Clifford were married almost 16 years ago. They were both registered as organ, eye and tissue donors long before they tied the knot.
Mary was a caring and giving person and always wanted to help others. At age 75, Mary’s legacy to help others continued after she passed away in 2024. She was able to save two lives with the donation of her liver and kidneys. Her case was unique in that both kidneys went to the same recipient—an 82-year-old female.
Donor heroes
In 2024, MTN helped facilitate organ donations from 28 donor heroes aged 70 to 80, and three donor heroes between 80 and 90 years old. So far this year, five donor heroes aged 70 to 90 have given the gift of hope and shared life.
Melissa Ott, NP-C, Senior Director of Organ Procurement Services at MTN said, “The liver is the most likely organ to be transplanted in individuals over the age of 70.”
What is the one thing people should know about being a registered organ, eye and tissue donor? “You are never too old to save a life through organ donation,” said Ott.
Giving hope and sharing life
“We have a large number of donors over the age of 80,” said MTN Director of Donation Services, Cassie Anthony. “This year alone, 94 tissue and eye donor heroes were between the ages 80-90 years old. Donors in this age range are eligible for bone and dermis donation. Eighty is the maximum age for corneas, so that is also an option at times.”
Last year, MTN had 357 tissue and eye donors between the ages of 70-80 and 138 tissue donor heroes between the ages of 81-90 years old.
What is old age?
The perception of old age can vary greatly from person to person across cultures. Depending on the source, old is defined as when a person is 80 or 85.
This age range is supported in the Harris Poll’s “New Age of Aging” report. While age 60 was considered old in our grandparents’ time, 80 is the median age considered old today.
Reflecting on why it’s important to be a registered organ, eye and tissue donor, Clifford said, “When I see God on judgement day my organs are no longer any good to me. They should go to people who need them.”
Register today
Mary and Clifford’s stories demonstrate that there isn’t an age limit to becoming a registered organ, eye or tissue donor. People of all ages can give hope and share life as a donor hero. You can register at sharelifemidwest.com.
