It might seem that your organ and tissue donation decision only concerns yourself.

The people close to you – your next of kin – need to know your donation decision today. In the event of your death, they will be asked to confirm your donation wish. In Australia, the family will always be asked to confirm the donation wishes of the deceased before donation for transplantation can proceed – even if you are registered on the Donor Register.

The most important thing that helps a family's decision is knowing the wishes of their loved one. Families that have discussed and know each other's donation decisions are much more likely to uphold those decisions.

It is also important that you ask and know the donation wishes of your family members so that, should the situation arise, you can uphold their wishes.

So, if you want to be a donor, your family needs to know. It is your legacy. Make sure that you discuss your wishes with your family.