Nearly 700 lives saved from organ and tissue donations

We Are Sharing Hope SC Reflects on 2024 Donation Milestones

We Are Sharing Hope SC (SHSC), South Carolina’s federally designated organ procurement organization (OPO), reflects on a milestone year of the life-saving and enhancing impact in 2024. This unparalleled growth in organ, eye and tissue donation is a direct result of the generosity of community members in South Carolina.

Last year, a remarkable number of South Carolinians said “yes” to giving the gift of life, leading to a significant increase in the ability to heal and save more lives. The generosity and altruism of South Carolinians continues to make a profound impact in meeting the urgent needs of the community members across the state.

In 2024, 694 lives were saved as a result of the selflessness of 456 tissue donors and 305 organ donors. This generosity enhanced 34,200 lives through tissue donation, a 13% increase in tissue donors from 2023 and a 41% increase in lives saved.

“I hope these milestones of generosity seen across the state of South Carolina inspire more of our community to seek further education to learn and understand the impact and importance of giving the gift of life,” said Krystal Cau, Director of Communications at We Are Sharing Hope SC.

The bravery of the community underscores both the unwavering generosity of South Carolina donors and SHSC’s commitment to fostering hope and healing through donation.

The extraordinary impact of 2024 demonstrates process improvements but also allocation policies and the collaborative efforts to continue to increase donation rates across the state and beyond. These milestones would not have been possible without the 1,141 families who, in their most difficult moments, consented to give the gift of life.

“The altruism of our donor families who make the selfless decision to say ‘yes’ to donation continues to inspire and amaze me,” said David DeStefano, President and CEO at We Are Sharing Hope SC. “It is truly an honor for our team to advocate for these precious gifts, bringing hope to so many in need.”

Currently, more than 1,700 South Carolinians are waiting for a life-saving transplant. SHSC remains dedicated to raising awareness and expanding education and awareness across the state.

We Are Sharing Hope SC 2024 Highlights & Fast Facts:

• 1,141 families made the selfless decision to say “yes” to donation.
• 305 organ donor heroes gave the gift of life, resulting in 794 transplanted organs, saving 694 lives.
• 34,200 lives were enhanced through tissue donation thanks to the generosity of 456 tissue donors.

Awards & Recognitions:

• Top Workplaces 2024
• Nonprofit Organization of the Year – CRBJ Reader Rankings
• Charleston’s Top Women of Influence, CRBJ: Theresa Craft, Chief Financial Officer
• Outstanding Role Model by Involve: Michael Palmisano, Director of Tissue Recovery Service
• Columbia’s Forty Under 40: Jennifer Bardon, Manager of Tissue Recovery Services

To learn more or to become a registered donor visit SharingHopeSC.org. You can also register at any SC DMV or through the iPhone Health app.

About We Are Sharing Hope SC

We Are Sharing Hope SC is South Carolina’s nonprofit, federally designated organ and tissue recovery service. SHSC honors donor legacies and facilitates life-saving donations at hospitals across the state. Through education, advocacy, and compassionate care, SHSC is dedicated to inspiring hope and transforming lives through donation. Learn more at SharingHopeSC.org.