ReLife: Give the Gift of Life

WHAT IS IT?

Understanding Organ Donation

The Definition

Organ donation is the process of surgically removing an organ or tissue from one person (the donor) and transplanting it into another person (the recipient) whose organ is no longer functioning properly.

Donation can occur after death — most commonly after brain death, when the brain has permanently stopped all activity — or, in certain cases, from a living donor who donates a kidney or part of the liver.

Key fact

Brain death is legally and medically recognized as death. Only after this declaration is confirmed by two independent doctors can donation take place.

Prerequisites for Donation

✓ Brain death must be officially declared by two independent physicians
✓ The donor's organs must be medically suitable (evaluated case by case)
✓ Consent must be documented — either by the donor (via donor card or registry) or by the family
✓ No active cancer, severe infections, or certain transmissible diseases (assessed individually)

Living Donation

Living donors can donate one kidney (humans have two) or a portion of the liver, which regenerates over time. Living donation requires thorough medical and psychological evaluation to ensure the donor's safety.

OUR MISSION

Every Organ Tells a Story

ReLife was founded with a singular vision: a world where no one dies waiting for an organ transplant. We connect donors, recipients, and medical professionals through cutting-edge technology and compassionate care.

Our platform streamlines the registration process, provides real-time matching, and supports families through every step of the donation journey.

Fast Matching

Support

Verified Network

THE PROCESS

How It Works

1

Register Online

Fill out our simple 2-minute form to express your wish to become an organ donor.

2

Medical Review

Our team reviews your medical history and determines your eligibility as a donor.

3

Get Matched

Our AI-powered system matches you with recipients in need based on compatibility.

4

Save Lives

Your selfless donation transforms the lives of recipients and their families forever.

DONATABLE ORGANS

What Can You Donate?

Heart

Save a life

Lungs

2 can donate

Kidneys

2 can donate

Liver

Can regenerate

Bones

75+ recipients

Corneas

Give sight

Pancreas

Fight diabetes

Skin

Heal burns

BALANCED VIEW

Chances & Risks

Organ donation saves lives — but it is important to understand both the benefits and the medical considerations involved.

Chances & Benefits

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One donor can save up to 8 lives

Heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, pancreas, and intestine can all be transplanted.
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Tissue donation helps 75+ more people

Corneas, bones, skin, and heart valves can restore quality of life for many more recipients.
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Meaningful legacy for donor families

Many families report that donation helped them find meaning and comfort during grief.
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Living donors recover well

The vast majority of living kidney donors lead completely normal lives with their remaining kidney.

Risks & Considerations

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Surgical risks for living donors

As with any major surgery, living donation carries a small risk of complications such as bleeding, infection, or reaction to anesthesia.
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Organ rejection in recipients

Despite compatibility matching, the recipient's immune system may reject the transplanted organ. Lifelong immunosuppressive medication is usually required.
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Emotional impact on families

Making donation decisions during a time of grief can be emotionally difficult. This is why documenting your wishes in advance is so important.
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Not all organs may be suitable

Medical conditions, the circumstances of death, and organ health all affect which organs can actually be donated.

THE DONOR CARD

The Organspendeausweis

Germany's official organ donor card.

Organspendeausweis

DE

I hereby declare

I agree to donate all organs and tissues

I agree to donate specific organs only

I object to all organ donation

Signature & Date

First and Last Name

What is it?

The Organspendeausweis is a small card that documents your personal wishes regarding organ and tissue donation after your death. It is not legally binding on its own, but it is a crucial expression of your will that doctors and family members can follow.

Where to get it

In Germany, you can get a free donor card from the Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA), your health insurance provider, pharmacies, or download and print one from organspende-info.de.

Why it matters

Without a documented wish, the decision falls to your family — often during an extremely difficult time. Carrying the card means your decision is known and can be respected immediately.

Important

Always carry the card in your wallet and inform your family about your wishes. You can update or revoke your decision at any time by destroying the old card and filling out a new one.

SOCIETY & ETHICS

The Ethical Discussion

Organ donation raises important ethical and societal questions that societies around the world continue to debate.

Opt-In vs. Opt-Out

Some countries (like Germany) use an opt-in system — you must actively register as a donor. Others (like Spain and Austria) use an opt-out system, meaning everyone is considered a donor unless they explicitly object. Opt-out countries generally have higher donation rates, but critics argue this limits individual freedom of choice.

Religious & Cultural Views

Most major religions — including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism — permit or even encourage organ donation as an act of saving life. However, views vary within communities. Some individuals have concerns about bodily integrity after death, which must be respected.

Trust in Medical Institutions

A key concern for some people is whether being a registered donor might affect the quality of their medical care. This is a myth: the medical team treating you is entirely separate from the transplantation team. Your care always comes first.

Family Consent & Personal Autonomy

Even when a person is registered as a donor, families are typically consulted. This can lead to conflict if the family disagrees. Documenting your wishes clearly and discussing them with your family greatly reduces this tension.

Organ Trafficking & Fairness

Globally, illegal organ trading remains a serious human rights issue. Regulated systems like Eurotransplant ensure fair allocation based on medical need and compatibility, not wealth or social status.

The Societal Responsibility

Many ethicists argue that as a society benefiting from transplant medicine, there is a collective moral responsibility to support the donation system. The shortage of donors is a public health challenge that requires open, informed public dialogue.

A personal decision

Organ donation is ultimately a deeply personal choice. This website provides factual information to help you make an informed decision — whatever that decision may be.

REAL STORIES

Lives Transformed

RECIPIENT

Sarah's Heart Transplant

"After 3 years on the waiting list, I got my new heart. I'm alive today because someone said YES to organ donation."

Sarah Mitchell

Heart Recipient, 2022

DONOR FAMILY

James Lives On Through Others

"Our son James gave 6 people a second chance at life. His legacy of kindness continues to inspire us every day."

The Rodriguez Family

Donor Family, 2021

LIVING DONOR

Amira's Selfless Gift

"Donating a kidney was the most meaningful thing I've ever done. The recipient is doing amazing — we're now like family."

Amira Chen

Living Donor, 2023

THE PEOPLE

Meet Our Team

Dedicated professionals working tirelessly to bridge the gap between donors and recipients.

Abduli Pütz

Founder & CEO

Transplant surgeon with 15+ years of experience and a passion for saving lives.

Gustavo Rocha Duke

CTO

Tech innovator building AI-powered matching algorithms to connect donors with recipients.

Branko Gelg Schnepp

Medical Director

Nephrologist overseeing clinical protocols and ensuring the highest standards of care.

GOT QUESTIONS?

Common Questions

Ready to Save a Life?

Register as an organ donor today. It only takes 2 minutes, and your decision could save up to 8 lives.

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone

Date of Birth *

I wish to donate (select all that apply):

Heart Lungs Kidneys Liver Bones Corneas Pancreas Skin

I confirm that I want to register as an organ donor and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

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