The Brain and Tissue Bank National Registry for Donors is an essential part of our mission. A very deep thanks is extended to those who are considering or have reached the decision to register their donation with the Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disorders. The value of your gift cannot be overestimated.

        Hundreds of individuals every year are diagnosed with devastating medical problems about which there is little understanding. Autism, Down Syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Charcot-Marie Tooth Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Tuberous Sclerosis, Neurofibromatosis, and Myositis are just a few of the perplexing medical mysteries whose answers will only be found with continued and dedicated research. For this reason, the Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disorders was funded by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development with the expressed goal of advancing meaningful research. The Bank serves the critical purpose of collecting, preserving, and distributing human tissues to qualified scientific investigators dedicated to the improved understanding, care, and treatment of genetic and developmental disorders.

        Human tissue obtained upon death from infants, children and young adults, especially those afflicted with developmental disorders, is the most precious resource needed to pursue the quest for medical breakthroughs. The Brain and Tissue Bank for Developmental Disorders reaches out to individuals and organizations across the United States to encourage donor registration. The commitment to donate tissue at the time of one's death is a profound decision. Registering in advance with the Brain and Tissue Bank National Registry for Donors safeguards this decision. The information that we obtain at the time of registry is especially important and enables us to initiate the intricate process of tissue retrieval in a timely manner. It is of vital importance that we have all necessary information so that, in a time of emergency, we can communicate with the potential donor's doctor, or nearby hospital, to secure their cooperation and support. Without prior communication with such professionals, tissue retrieval may not be possible.

        Please contact the Brain and Tissue Bank if you are interesting in becoming a registered donor or if you have any questions concerning the donation process. Additional information and brochures are available.