Frequently Asked Questions

Donate Life Kentucky Trust, which was founded by the Kentucky Association of Circuit Clerks in 1992, established the Satterwhite Patient Assistance Fund in 2001. This fund is designed to provide limited financial aid to Kentucky organ transplant recipients and their families when other forms of assistance are unavailable or insufficient.

This aid can be used for expenses like medication, co-pays, travel expenses, and other medical necessities for transplant patients immediately after transplant and throughout follow-up. We prefer not to send payment directly to the patient. Instead, we pay the pharmacy, vendor or hotel directly.

Transplant center social workers submit a brief form to Donate Life Kentucky Trust, and our Satterwhite Fund Advisory Committee evaluates and approves the grant to those in need efficiently. If you need support, reach out to your transplant social worker or contact info@donatelifeky.org.

1. Please review the following with your transplant social worker.
3. 1) The applicant MUST be a Kentucky resident;
   2) Applications must be submitted by transplant hospital social workers – applications from anyone other than a social worker familiar with a patient’s case will not be accepted;
   3) Satterwhite Grants are limited to $1,000 per application/transplant patient;
   4) Since funds are limited, a transplant patient is limited to being funded a maximum of four (4) times, and no more than twice per calendar year. 
   5) If the patient receives a second transplant (on a different date than the first), they are eligible for assistance again with the same guidelines as the first transplant.
   6) Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

1. Individuals, businesses, partners such as Kosair for Kids and fundraising events like Donate Life Day at the Races make this program possible. Everyone is invited to give in various ways to support this life-sustaining program. Click here to learn more about how you can help patients in need.
   
   

1. Your story inspires everyone to support this life-changing organization, please visit our Gift of Life stories page.

1. 1. Share your Story
2. 2. Give a financial gift to support Kentuckians in need
3. 3. Join our Ambassador Program
4. 4. Consider joining the Board or Advisory Committee
   
5. Please reach out to Shannon Adkins in our Philanthropy Department to learn ways you can help contribute to this vital patient relief fund.
   

Connecting with other transplant patients is easy! Reach out to Stephanie Grooms to sign up for our Ambassador Program, learn about partner-hosted support groups, and hear about upcoming events. 

1. By contacting a member of our team, we can walk you through various ways to connect to the mission and improve access for others who have walked a similar journey to yours.  By allowing us to record and share your Gift of Life Story, you will inspire others to support this lifesaving mission. Grant recipients who share will also receive a special Donate Life t-shirt! Simply contact Stephanie Grooms or call our office 1-866-945-5433 to learn more.
   

1. While grateful for their second chance at life, transplant patients have various concerns and needs, including focusing on treatment and follow-up, medication organization and side effects, adjusting to life post-transplant, psychological impact of illness and change, and caregiver concerns and support. Some patients are unable to return to work and home life right away, and the support of physical and mental healthcare is vital to ensure these patients thrive. 
   
   If you or someone you know needs additional support resources, we encourage you to reach out directly to your transplant center coordinator or social worker.  Your transplant center often provides support groups. 
   
   Kentucky’s Transplant Center information can be found here:
   University of Louisville Transplant
   University of Kentucky Transplant
   Norton Children’s Transplant
   

1. Along with your transplant center, Kentucky’s organ procurement organization handles correspondence between donor families and recipients. Learn more here or reach out to Network for Hope’s Aftercare Team for tips on how to write to your donor family.
   

If you are in need of financial assistance while your child is awaiting a lifesaving transplant, please reach out to your hospital social worker. They will assess and fill out a brief Donate Life Kentucky Trust form to provide for your immediate needs. Being on the waiting list alongside your loved one is difficult enough, let us work for YOU to get you the financial help your child needs. We appreciate Kosair for Kids and our philanthropic supporters for making this fund possible.

1. Register your decision in the Kentucky Donor Registry by:
2. Saying “yes” to organ donation when you obtain or renew your driver’s license or state identification card or going to RegisterMeKY.org adds your name to the Kentucky Donor Registry.
   
3. You may also choose to register your decision on the National Donor Registry:
   Go to RegisterMe.org or complete the form in the Medical ID tab of your iPhone Health App.
   
4. Once you have registered your decision, it is important to discuss your wishes about donation with your next-of-kin because, if clinically possible, your decision will be upheld after your death.

1. Our Pediatric Pre-Transplant Relief Fund is generously supported by the annual Kosair for Kids Grant, as well as individual contributors, businesses, partnerships with organizations and fundraising initiatives such as our Donate Life Day at the Races. We invite everyone to contribute in various ways to sustain this vital program. Contribute here.

1. Your story inspires everyone to support this life-changing fund, please visit our Gift of Life stories page.

1. Please reach out to our Philanthropy Team to learn ways you can help raise money for these patients and families in need. E-mail Shannon Adkins and let her know you are interested in raising money for our Pediatric Pre-Transplant Relief Fund.

1. By contacting a member of our team, we can walk you through various ways to connect to the mission and improve access for others who have walked a similar journey to yours.  By allowing us to record and share your Gift of Life Story, you will inspire others to support this lifesaving mission. Grant recipients who share will also receive a special Donate Life t-shirt! Simply contact Stephanie Grooms or call our office 1-866-945-5433 to learn more.

1. If you wish to be a living donor for a child in need, please reach out to the transplant hospital where the child is listed. Their team will help you start the testing process to see if you are a viable match for the patient you wish to donate to. 
2. Kentucky’s Transplant Center information can be found here:
   University of Louisville Transplant
   University of Kentucky Transplant
   Norton Children’s Transplant
3. Want to join the National Kidney Registry for altruistic donation? Please visit Kidneyregistry.com.

Our Philanthropy Team is honored to work with you on this. Simply email Philanthropy@donatelifeky.org to connect with one of our team members and learn more about putting Donate Life Kentucky Trust in your will.

Leaving a legacy like this will ensure this lifesaving mission continues to impact lives forever.

1. This limited fund provides critical assistance to donor families who have exhausted all other financial resources and are in dire need of support. Many families are unprepared for the unexpected loss of a loved one and face significant financial burdens after their generous act of organ donation.
2. We offer assistance with various expenses, including funeral or cremation arrangements, transportation of remains, lodging for family members, and other necessary costs.
3. It’s important to note that there are no conditions or expectations attached to receiving aid. The support program is entirely separate from the organ procurement organization (OPO). We strictly adhere to legal guidelines prohibiting OPOs from providing such financial assistance.

1. Some states offer Burial Assistance Programs to help with burial costs for eligible individuals in specific categories of Medicaid and may cover up to $1,500 for funeral or cremation services. 
2. If you are from Indiana, click here. 
3. If you are from West Virginia, click here
4. If you are in Kentucky, please reach out to Info@donatelifeKY.org

1. Next Few Days booklet

1. Please reach out to Network for Hope’s Aftercare Team to learn ways you can reach out to your loved one’s recipients.

1. Explore our OPO’s Aftercare Support Resources

1. Share your story of donation by visiting our Stories page.

Everyone can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor – regardless of age or medical history. People under the age of 18 can register their intent to be organ, eye and tissue donors. However, until they are 18 years old, a parent or legal guardian makes the final donation decision. You are encouraged to share your decision with family/next of kin. Learn more here.

1. In 2023, the Trust created a Circuit Clerks’ Trust Endowment to honor our founders. Now, our Donate Life Kentucky Scholarship Program allows student advocates who promote the mission of organ, eye, and tissue donation to earn scholarship dollars towards advancing their education.
2. Click to apply for the 2024-2025 Scholarship or learn more by emailing BKaelin@donatelifeky.org.

1. Reach out to Stephanie Grooms to buy Donate Life Kentucky Trust t-shirts and gear!

1. Donate Life is the national brand for the cause of organ, tissue, and eye donation in America. To get the complete brand guidelines, please reach out to Stephanie Grooms.

1. We believe that media has a role as one of the most visible, trusted sources of donation information in the country.
2. As your partner, we are here to provide interviews, statistics, key messages and information to help you tell the stories of organ, eye and tissue donation accurately and completely. 
3. Email our Executive Director, Shelley Snyder or call 1-866-945-5433.
   For additional national media questions, visit Donate Life America’s Media Resources.
   

1. Teachers are incredibly impactful sources of donation information for students prior to obtaining a license and making vital donation decisions.
2. As your partner, we are here to connect you with in-person speakers, videos, statistics, key messages and information to help you tell the stories of organ, eye and tissue donation accurately and completely. 
3. Email info@donatelifeky.org or call 1-866-945-5433 to learn more!
   
4. Want to start an Organ Donation club at your high school or college? Visit our partner’s page at Student Organ Donation Advocates!
   

1. If you wish to share your story with our community and partners, please visit our Stories Page to have your testimony uploaded to our website!

Community outreach is at the apex of all that we do to save lives here in Kentucky.  If you would like to participate in outreach initiatives in your town, sign up as an Ambassador or reach out to Stephanie Grooms to learn more ways to help. 

Outreach ideas include (but are not limited to):

• Church outreach
• Local business outreach
• Social media
• 3^rd party fundraising
• Flag raisings
• Local media interview opportunities
• Proclamations
• Education campaigns

You can register your decision to be an organ, tissue, and eye donor through your state registry by visiting your local driver’s license office or online at RegisterMeKY.org

Eligibility and Decision-Making:

• Anyone can register, regardless of age or medical history.
• Individuals under 18 can register their wish to donate, but final authorization at the time of death rests with a parent or legal guardian.
• Your registration serves as a legally binding document of gift, eliminating the need for family consent at the time of your passing.
  Everyone can register to be a donor – regardless of age or medical history.

Registration and Updates:

• Easily register online at RegisterMeKY.org. This platform also allows you to update your information or remove yourself from the registry at any time.

Impact of Your Decision:

By joining the registry, you consent to the donation of your organs, tissues, and eyes if medically suitable. This can significantly improve the lives of countless individuals in need. To make specific donation preferences known, visit RegisterMeKY.org

Verification Process:

Upon your death, both the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry and the National Donate Life Registry will be consulted by trained donation professionals to confirm your wishes.

Become a Beacon of Hope

Registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor is a powerful act of generosity that can offer a second chance to those desperately awaiting transplants. Take the initiative today and make a life-altering difference.

1. You can register your decision to be a deceased organ, tissue, and eye donor through the National Donate Life Registry or through the health app on your iPhone.
3. Eligibility and Decision-Making:
4. Anyone can register, regardless of age or medical history.
5. Individuals under 18 can register their wish to donate, but final authorization at the time of death rests with a parent or legal guardian.
6. Your registration serves as a legally binding document of gift, eliminating the need for family consent at the time of your passing.
7. 
   Everyone can register to be a donor – regardless of age or medical history.
8. Registration and Updates:
9. Easily register online at RegisterMeKY.org. This platform also allows you to update your information or remove yourself from the registry at any time.
10. Impact of Your Decision:
11. By joining the registry, you consent to the donation of your organs, tissues, and eyes if medically suitable. This can significantly improve the lives of countless individuals in need.
12. Verification Process:
13. Upon your death, both the Kentucky Organ Donor Registry and the National Donate Life Registry will be consulted by donation professionals to confirm your wishes.
14. Become a Beacon of Hope
15. Registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor is a powerful act of generosity that can offer a second chance to those desperately awaiting transplants. Take the initiative today and make a life-altering difference.
17. If registering in the National Donate Life Registry through iPhone, you must be 18 years or older. Both your state donor registry and the National Donate Life Registry are checked by donation professionals at the time of your death.

1. No. They are two separate registries:
3. The National Donate Life Registry can be found at RegisterMe.org.
5. Your state donor registry can be found at RegisterMeKY.org. If you registered at your local driver’s license office or through the Kentucky Online Gateway, your donor registration is in your state donor registry.
7. Both your state donor registry and the National Donate Life Registry are checked by donation professionals at the time of your death.  

1. No. Everyone can register.  People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors.
   
   

1. People of all ages and medical histories should consider themselves potential donors. Your medical condition at the time of death will determine what organs and tissues can be donated.
   A national system matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on blood type, body size, how sick they are, donor distance, tissue type and time on the list. Sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, race, income, celebrity and social status are never considered.

1. Deceased donation is the process of giving organs, corneas or tissues at the time of the donor’s death for the purpose of transplantation, research, therapy and education in accordance with the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act (UAGA).
2. Deceased donation can only occur after death has been declared by medical professionals who are not part of the donation and transplant process.
3. The state Donor Registry and National Donate Life Registry are searched securely online to determine if the patient has authorized donation. If the potential donor is not found on a registry, their next of kin or legally authorized representative is given the opportunity to authorize donation.
4. Donation and transplantation professionals follow national policy to determine which organs can be recovered and to which patients on the national transplant waiting list the organs are to be allocated. Read more about the deceased donation process below:
   Network For Hope
   Donate Life America

Thank you for registering as a donor! That is an incredible, heroic, generous decision!

Please share this with your legal next of kin and those who will be involved at the time of your death.

“I understand that registering as a donor means: I have made the legally binding decision to save & heal lives, if clinically possible, after my death. I have given legal authorization to donate my organs, eyes, and tissues for transplant, research, education and therapy to save & heal others. If I’m able to be an organ donor at the time of my death, I understand I must stay on the ventilator for a limited time to ensure the donation process can be completed. If I’m able to be a donor at the time of my death, I understand that my next-of-kin must answer a series of questions about my medical and social history.”

Now, inspire others:

1. Encourage your loved ones to join you on the Registry via text, email & in person.
2. Be an influencer on social media.  Encourage others to learn more about the importance of donation & register themselves.  Tag us on social media @donatelifekentucky. Check out free outreach resources at Donate Life America.
3. Get involved with Donate Life Kentucky Trust!  Share your story, become a Board Member, Volunteer, host an event encouraging others to help, and deepen your impact by giving a recurring gift to help families in need. Learn more by emailing us at info@donatelifeky.org or calling 1-866-945-5433.

1. Find your local driver’s license office by clicking here.
   
   Please note: You can register online at RegisterMeKY.org without having to get a new driver’s license. You can also update your registration status. The Driver’s License office is unable to remove your name from the Registry in their system, so visiting the Registry website is the only way to remove your name from the state Registry.
   

1. At any point in time, a registered donor can update their personal information or remove themselves from the Donor Registry by going into their personal record. Please note: Removing your name from the state registry is a permanent removal. Only the registered donor is allowed to access their account.
   
2. To update or remove your name from the Kentucky Donor Registry:
3. 1) Go to RegisterMeKY.org.  
4. 2) Click “Change Registration”
5. 3) Log-in with your Driver’s License Number and Zip Code of when you first registered.
6. 4) Once in your record, you may edit your information or click “Not a Donor” to update your decision. You are immediately and permanently removed from the Kentucky Donor Registry. Although the license may still reflect a heart icon, you are not a registered donor. The Registry is the legal authorization, not the driver’s license. Next time you renew your license, you may ask the staff to remove the organ donor icon.
   
7. OR
   
8. Email or call the Donate Life Kentucky staff at info@donatelifeky.org or 1-866-945-5433 (during normal business hours)
9. In your message, include your driver’s license number, date of birth, and name. 
10. Staff will go into your record for you and click “Not a Donor”. This immediately and permanently removes your name from the Kentucky Donor Registry.
12. Next time you renew your driver’s license, ask the driver’s license staff to “please remove the organ donor icon from my license”. The driver’s license staff will not know that you have removed your name, as it does not reflect in their system. However, the icon is not authorization for donation. The donor registry is the authorization for donation, and your name has been permanently removed.
13. 
    If you registered on the National Donate Life America Registry, go to RegisterMe.org and follow the instructions provided.

1. No. When an individual registers, it is legally binding and treated with the significance of a will. Families and legal representatives cannot overturn your decision to donate if you are registered on the state or national registry.
2. Kentucky is a first-person consent state, and first-person authorization is always followed after the patient’s death if donation is clinically possible. You are encouraged to talk to your next-of-kin and legal representatives about all of your end-of-life decisions.
3. Learn more by going to KYJustice.org.

1. Once a person turns 18, their decision to register as a donor is considered a legal, advanced directive. Just like a will, the decision to register is legally binding and followed as your deliberate decision. Your decision to register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor will be honored upon your death if donation criteria are met.
2. The OPO (organ procurement organization) will inform your legal next-of-kin or legal representatives of your decision to be a donor and will involve them in the donation process but will not ask them for authorization.
3. You are encouraged to talk to your next-of-kin and legal representatives about all of your end-of-life decisions. If you need help and would like to speak with a community educator about donation, please email info@donatelifeky.org or call 1-866-945-5433.

1. To build your organ Donor registry campaign, follow the following steps:
3. 1) Visit RegisterMe.org and fill out your registration info OR click “access registration” at the top of the page.
4. 2) If you click “access registration” and fill in the appropriate information on the page when you are redirected.
5. 3) Once you have registered, you will be directed to the “My Donor Account” page. Scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page.
6. 4) Click “New Registration Campaign” at the bottom of the page.
7. 5) You will be redirected to the “Create Your Campaign” page, where you can add photos, and verbiage and set registry drive goals for your unique page.