A DonateLife Family is a family that know each other's wishes about organ and tissue donation.

It is important to know these wishes because the family is always asked to give consent for donation to take place. A family is able to know each other's wishes by having a memorable discussion.

You can become a DonateLife Family simply by having a discussion about organ and tissue donation.

Download your DonateLife Family Wishes as a way to remember that as a family you have:

• discovered the facts about organ and tissue donation
• made an informed decision about whether to become an organ donor
• discussed as a family each other's wishes and made a commitment to uphold each other's wishes.

Make your family discussion memorable by writing your wishes on the DonateLife Family Wishes. You might then like to display your DonateLife Family Wishes on the fridge or noticeboard, or keep with your family's personal records. It is not a binding document - it is simply a useful way to help your family remember having had the discussion.

Become a DonateLifer

You can also join the Australian DonateLife Family by becoming a DonateLifer.

Anyone can become a DonateLifer. A DonateLifer is someone who has

• discovered the facts about organ and tissue donation
• made an informed decision about whether to become an organ donor
• discussed with family and/or friends your wishes.

You may not have family in Australia, you may live with friends or you may live on your own.

All efforts are made by the hospital and, if necessary, police to contact a person's family to let them know that a family member is in hospital.

If family members cannot be contacted, a designated officer will try to contact your friends or acquaintances to see if they know your donation wishes or if they think you would have agreed. The Australian Organ Donor Register will be checked and, in some states, the organ donation box on your driver's licence. The officer will then make a recommendation to the medical team. The decision is easier if you have registered with the Australian Organ Donor Register and spoken to your friends.

You can become a DonateLifer by sharing your decision to be an organ and tissue donor with your friends, housemates and colleagues.