Shin Life Foundation is a not-for-profit musculoskeletal tissue bank. We recover, process, preserve and distribute donated bone, tendons, ligaments and cartilage — so that one person's gift can help many others walk, move and live without pain again.
Bone & tendon can be recovered only within hours of death — call us right away.
We exist to make musculoskeletal tissue donation an ordinary, honoured part of how families say goodbye — and to make sure every graft reaches a surgeon safe, screened and ready.
To build a safe, ethical and accessible musculoskeletal tissue bank that turns every donation into healing — for patients facing bone loss, joint failure, sports injury and limb-saving surgery.
A society where no patient waits for a graft, and where giving life through life is a tradition every family is proud to keep.
Our name and our ensō mark draw on an Eastern idea of life as a continuous circle — never quite closed, always flowing on. Paired with the Upanishadic prayer “mṛtyor mā amṛtaṃ gamaya”, it expresses what we believe: that in giving, a life continues.
Bone and soft-tissue grafts let surgeons rebuild what trauma, tumours and disease take away. Donation is possible after death at home or in hospital, and from living patients during hip replacement surgery.
Donated by living patients during hip replacement surgery — bone that would otherwise be discarded becomes graft material for others.
Femur, tibia and humerus segments used for limb-salvage after bone tumours and for major reconstruction after trauma.
Fills bone defects and supports fusion in spinal, fracture non-union and revision joint surgeries.
Achilles, patellar and hamstring tendons used to reconstruct torn knee ligaments such as the ACL and PCL.
Fascia lata and ligament grafts repair soft-tissue defects and stabilise damaged joints.
Bone-with-cartilage and meniscal grafts that can save a young patient's knee from early joint replacement.
As we grow, we plan to add other tissue grafts — in partnership with specialist banks and hospitals.
From the first conversation with a family to the operating theatre, each stage is run to strict medical and ethical standards.
Community, school and hospital outreach that makes tissue donation understood and talked about.
A trained team that responds around the clock to recover bone and soft tissue respectfully, at home or in hospital — and collects femoral heads from partner operating theatres.
Donor screening, cleaning, shaping and sterilisation of grafts in a controlled clean-room laboratory.
Deep-frozen (−80 °C) and freeze-dried storage that keeps grafts safe until a surgeon needs them.
Fair, transparent allocation of grafts to orthopaedic, spine and oncology surgeons — never for profit.
Full traceability, donor confidentiality and compliance with national tissue banking regulations.
Each programme is built around a specific need in our community. Select one to see what it involves.
If your family member had pledged — or if you wish to donate on their behalf — here is what to expect. There is no cost to the family, and the body is respectfully reconstructed.
Ring the 24 × 7 helpline as soon as possible. Keep the body in a cool place — refrigeration or a mortuary helps preserve tissue.
As soon as possibleA counsellor speaks with the family and records consent from the next of kin, with a death certificate.
At your homeOur surgical team recovers bone and tendons in a sterile procedure. The limbs are reconstructed with prostheses so the body looks natural for last rites.
A few hoursGrafts are screened, processed and sent to surgeons. The family receives a certificate of gratitude.
Gift completeWe are a new foundation and we believe in working in the open. Here is the plan for our launch quarter.
Clinicians and scientists united by one belief — that a life can go on giving.
Medical Director
Tissue Bank Manager
Quality Assurance & Microbiology Lead
A pledge tells your family what you want. It takes two minutes, and it may one day help someone walk, run or keep a limb they would otherwise lose.
Can't find your answer? Call the helpline any time — our counsellors are there for you.
Most adults can. Suitability is assessed by our medical team at the time of donation; certain infections such as HIV, hepatitis B/C, or active sepsis may prevent donation.
Yes. The femoral head removed during surgery can be donated with your consent and a simple blood test. It causes no extra pain or risk, and does not change your operation.
No. Recovery is a careful surgical procedure. Bones are replaced with prostheses and the body is reconstructed and dressed, so it looks natural. All religious rites can proceed as planned.
None. Donation is entirely free for the donor's family, and donated tissue is never sold.
Tell your family. At the time of death, it is your next of kin who gives final consent — so make sure they know your wishes and keep our helpline number handy.
Most major faiths view donation as an act of compassion and charity. Our counsellors are happy to speak with your family or faith leader.