Here are some of the most common myths:

Myth #1: All I need to do to become an organ donor is carry a donor card and have an organ donor sticker on my license.

Fact: Consent for organ and tissue donation is always obtained from family or next of kin, but a signed donor card or other clear indication of a person's wishes is powerful information for families, who almost always follow the known wishes of family members.

Myth #2: Only young, healthy people can become organ donors.

Fact: Anyone is eligible to be an organ donor unless their cause of death disqualifies their organ or tissue for transplantation. For instance, donors with no cardiac or respiratory function can donate tissue and eyes, and in some cases, kidneys and livers. People who died by brain death can donate all organs and tissue unless other factors rule out donation.

Myth #3: Donation will disfigure my body so that I won't be able to have a normal funeral.

Fact: Donated organs are removed surgically and the body is not disfigured in any way.

Myth #4: My family will have to pay for the cost of donation.

Fact: Organ and tissue donation is completely free.

Myth #5: Signing a donor card will compromise the quality of my medical care.

Fact: When a person is sick or injured, the medical team's number one priority is to save the person's life. They can pursue organ and tissue donation only after all life-saving efforts have failed, after the patient is declared dead, and after his or her family has been consulted.