On a cold and icy March morning, there was a one car accident which claimed the life of 19-year-old Sydney. Speed was not the issue, nor was drugs or alcohol. The sad reality was the vehicle slid out of control and off the road into a utility pole.

Sydney is remembered as a strong-willed, outspoken young woman who had a passion to protect the underdogs in the world. She had just renewed her driver license and wished to be an organ and tissue donor. Helping strangers in need seemed to just be her way.

However, that wish almost did not come true because Sydney had a tattoo and piercing of which her family did not know.

At the time of death, LifeBanc must ask the family detailed questions about their loved one's medical and social history. These are personal and probing questions that must be answered to ensure that donated organs and tissue are safe to transplant to another human being. In fact, up until recently, a person with a tattoo was normally declined as a donor because of the questionable background of the tattoo origins. But now, tattoo and piercing establishments must meet regulations to ensure that the shop operates in a safe and clean manner.

After you decide to become an organ and tissue donor, a very important step needs to be taken. A family discussion is vital, first to inform your family of your wishes and then second, to discuss any tattoos, body piercings, or any medical conditions that may impede the donation process.

LifeBanc, the Northeast Ohio Tissue Recovery Agency and all other Tissue Recovery Agencies must follow guidelines by the Federal Drug Administration and Center for Disease Control in screening all potential donors with piercings and tattoos and must consider the following:

Must document when, where and by whom
If within past 12 months - was it done professionally (no shared needles)
Evaluated upon physical assessment - tattoo appearance/content and piercing location
Primary information that does not meet requirements will defer the donor
Complete consent/disclosure and medical/social information is forwarded to the tissue processors who ultimately make the decision on donor suitability

Harold Urick lost his eyesight in a landmine explosion during World War II. Decades later, after receiving a corneal transplant, he was able to see his wife for the first time in 47 years and his five grown children for the first time ever.