MEANINGFUL RESEARCH

Hundreds of babies a year are diagnosed each year with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, neurogenetic disease, congenital malformations and neurotrauma.

It is through study of human issues, especially brain tissues, that meaningful research can be done to improve our understanding of the disease and make progress towards treatment and cure.

For this reason, the Brain and Tissue Banks for Developmental Disorders were set up by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development with the express goal of advancing meaningful research into these devastating disorders of children. The Banks serve the critical purpose of collecting, preserving and distributing human tissues to qualified scientists.

RESEARCH RELIES ON DONATIONS

Human tissues are gift to humanity. They can be donated at the time of surgery or death.

Anyone, regardless of age, can be a donor. All donor information is anonymous, and anyone who resisters or consents to tissue donation holds the right to withdraw ant any time.

For some, tissue donation may be difficult to consider in view of emotional stress and sorrow they are experiencing. For others, tissue donations offer a sense of comfort and satisfaction in knowing that the quest for knowledge and medical understanding will advance.

The following points may be helpful in arriving at the decision to donate:

• Donations are accepted by most religions.
• The procedure to recover the tissue at the time of death will not interfere with open-casket viewing or traditional funeral service.
• No financial burden is placed on families since the Brain and Tissue Banks cover expenses.

MAKING THE DONATION

Tissue donation is possible even if a patient is not registered in advance. The rain and Tissue Banks will respond with immediate and sensitive attention to make every attempt to insure successful tissue recovery.

Next-of-kin or family members should call the Brain and Tissue Banks prior to surgery, if death is imminent, or as soon as possible after they have been notified of donor’s death. It is also very important that medical and funeral personnel are aware of donor registration.

HOW TO REGISTER

To notify the Brain and Tissue Banks of your intention to donate please, follow this link to access the REGISTRATION FORM (Adobe PDF form). Return the completed form to the Brain and Tissue Bank address on the registration form. You can also register ONLINE here.

Donors in the Northeast may prefer to register at the NICHD Brain and Tissue Bank at the University of Maryland (1-800-847-1539).

To discuss any and all questions you may have about tissue donation, please contact:

Lillian Rodriguez
University of Miami Brain and Tissue Bank
btbcoord@med.miami.edu
1-800-59-BRAIN
1-800-592-7246