Skin: The Forgotten Organ
Written by Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors on December 05, 2024
In partnership with AlloSource
Tissue Donation & The Burn Community
When we talk about donation, the focus is often kidneys, livers, and eyes. However, it's crucial to remember that skin, the body's largest organ, also holds the potential to save numerous lives. Skin donation can be a life-saving gift for burn survivors, significantly improving their chances of recovery and reducing the risk of complications. The impact of skin donation on survivors is profound, often providing them with a second chance at life.
When tissue is donated and used on a burn survivor, the allograft serves as an interim covering to prevent fluid loss and infection. Early excision of the burn tissue and application of these allografts provide coverage until the wound or burn bed is ready for the patient's own skin to be used (autografts). This can have several benefits, including speeding up recovery time, managing pain, controlling infection, and decreasing potential complications.
The Life-Saving Power of Skin Donation
Jill Sproul, MS, RN, has experienced, supported, and seen first-hand the life-saving power of skin allografts from tissue donors. As a burn survivor, Jill relied on tissue donation to recover from a severe injury. As a burn nurse, Jill cared for and treated thousands of patients with allografts.
Jill's burn journey began on a chilly morning at a campground in Northern California when she was seven years old. She and her oldest sister decided to get up early and surprise their parents with breakfast. A kind gesture turned into tragedy when gasoline was mistaken for lighter fluid, and a large fire erupted. Both girls were injured, and Jill sustained burns on 65% of her body.
For the next four months, Jill was hospitalized and required numerous surgeries and therapy sessions. During her hospital stay, Jill became a recipient of skin allografts, used on her legs, and cartilage that was used to rebuild her ears and nose. (Jill's husband, Kevin Cook, is also a burn survivor with burns covering 85% of his body. He is a recipient of allograft and a cornea for his eye.)
When it was time to decide on a career path, Jill instantly knew that she wanted to help other burn survivors. She started her nursing career at the Burn Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and worked her way up to the Chief Nursing Officer over a 30+ year career. She currently serves at the Senior Director of Programs & Services at Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.
AlloSource: Helping Survivors Do More with Life
AlloSource is one of the largest human tissue providers. Since 1994, it has built an international reputation as a respected tissue bank by transforming the gift of human tissue donation into enhanced medical products called allografts.
Unlike other medical device manufacturers, AlloSource materials come directly from deceased tissue donors. As the organization celebrates its 30th anniversary, it is more committed than ever to optimizing the impact of every gift of donation by ensuring it is utilized in the most effective and appropriate application. Last year alone, AlloSource distributed more than 200,000 allografts.
The Phoenix Society is honored to partner alongside AlloSource in their mission to do more with life.
"AlloSource and their team are leading contributors to the mission of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, significantly expanding access to a community of support and information for those living with burn injuries. Their work, which goes beyond physical healing, is instrumental in helping us thrive and live life to the fullest." – Amy Acton, CEO of Phoenix Society
"AlloSource's partnership with Phoenix Society has been a powerful extension of the physical healing we provide burn survivors through our allografts. It's allowed our organization to support the mental and emotional journey burn survivors face as part of their healing process. Whether it is providing speakers to share their personal stories of survival or offering a platform for community involvement through time or donations, the Phoenix Society partnership has played a role in helping our employees further connect to our important work." - Dean Elliott, President and CEO of AlloSource
How You Can Help
One tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people. Your decision to support tissue donation by registering as a donor and encouraging your friends and family to do the same can make a significant difference. You can register with your state’s registry at the DMV or register nationally online at registerme.org.
"Tissue donation and the application of cadaver skin are the gold standard for burn patients and are a precious gift of life for severe burns. Please consider becoming a donor, as the need for skin and tissue exceeds the number of donors."
—Jill Sproul
Disclaimer: The medical information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical knowledge is continually evolving, and recommendations may change over time. Content shared by subject matter experts reflects their expertise and experience at the time of publication and may not be applicable to all individuals. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition. The views expressed by individual contributors do not necessarily reflect those of Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.