Friday, December 24, 2010
Holiday break
Today is my birthday and I'm celebrating the 9th year of my second chance at life following my lung transplant in 2002. I have much to be thankful for and I'm taking a holiday break to enjoy the festive season with family and friends. Regular posts will continue soon. Best wishes to all for continued health and happiness. Merv.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Donate Life Float in Rose Parade January 1st
One of my favorite things to do on New Year's Day is to sit back and relax with my feet up and watch the Rose Parade. I always look for the Donate Life Float and just by chance a few years ago I came across KTLA-TV from Los Angeles while flipping channels. KTLA takes us behind the scenes with close-ups of the floats and interviews with the designers and riders. They come on the air at 6 a.m. PST (9 a.m. EST) and continue with the parade starting at 8 a.m. PST (11 a.m. EST). Many cable companies and other providers carry KTLA as a super station. In my area Rogers Cable carries it on channel 344. This year's theme is Seize The Day as depicted in this image.
Colorful kites soar in the wind as donor families, living donors and transplant recipients enjoy a special moment and make new memories. The tails of the kites are adorned with memorial ‘floragraph’ portraits of deceased donors whose legacies lift the kites and the hopes of those in need of transplants. The float’s 24 float riders, led by three walkers, honor all donors and the everyday dreams they make possible through the gift of life. Thousands of organ, eye and tissue donors nationwide are memorialized with dedicated roses, each vial carrying a personal message of love, hope and remembrance.
Donate Life hopes millions of parade viewers and spectators are inspired to Seize the Day, spend time with their families, and join the nearly 90 million Americans who have registered as organ, eye and tissue donors on their state donor registries by visiting www.donatelife.net.
Donate Life's 2011 Rose Parade float entry soars with colorful kites that inspire people to Seize the Day and register as organ, eye and tissue donors. |
Flying a kite is an opportunity seized to share laughter, sun, wind, and the visual beauty of the moment. Through their life-changing experiences, the families of organ and tissue donors, living donors, and recipients of life-saving transplants teach us all a profound lesson: to Seize the Day! and make the most of every moment to build dreams, friendships and memories with loved ones.
Donate Life hopes millions of parade viewers and spectators are inspired to Seize the Day, spend time with their families, and join the nearly 90 million Americans who have registered as organ, eye and tissue donors on their state donor registries by visiting www.donatelife.net.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Support the Fresh Air Fund and help inner-city kids enjoy summer
One of my favorite charities, The Fresh Air Fund, makes it possible for boys and girls, six to 12 years old, who reside in low-income communities in New York City to enjoy the experience of spending two weeks of life outside the city each summer. The New York City Half-Marathon has been a major fundraiser for the Fresh Air Fund and last year Fresh Air Fund Racers raised $100,000. The 2011 race will take place on March 20, 2011 and they are calling all runners and Fresh Air Fund supporters to come out and either challenge themselves to run the race or join our cheering squad. The Fresh Air Fund provides runners with guaranteed entry in exchange for fundraising before race day. Entries are limited - please get in touch soon! Please email kbrinkerhoff@freshair.org or call (212) 897-8890.
I received the following update from Sara Wilson of the Fresh Air Fund and after reading it I'm sure you will agree that this program is an amazing success. Be sure to check out the Facebook page and view the photos submitted by host families. You will be touched.
Hi Merv
I wanted to write you a quick note to thank you for helping us this year with your posts on Merv Sheppard’s Transplant Network. The Fresh Air Fund was thrilled with all of the interest generated within the blogosphere for our Fresh Air children. We had close to 5000 volunteer host families open their home to a NYC child and 3000 children visited our camps. It was a great summer! Our Facebook Page continues to be a hub of activity for all things Fresh Air Fund. There are some excellent photos and videos we've posted along with photos from our host families. Please "like" us and it would be great if you could encourage your readers to do the same:
http://www.facebook.com/freshairfund
All of us at The Fresh Air Fund really appreciate your support. Together we can make sure these children have everything they need well in advance: camp counselors, host families, and plenty of resources!
Thank you so very much,
Sara
--
Sara Wilson,
The Fresh Air Fund
sara@freshair.org
www.freshair.org
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Monday, December 13, 2010
Heart/Lung Transplant recipient marks anniversary with 10-km walk
Congratulations to Dana Trude for persevering in her efforts to excel in life following her transformation from being gravely ill to receiving a double-lung and heart transplant four years ago. I got to know Dana before her transplant and she is an inspiration to all who overcome adversity and get on with life.
Photo: Melissa Tait/Record staff
BY BRENT DAVIS, TheRECORD.com STAFF
It’s been four years since Dana Trude received a new lease on life, in the form of a new heart and lungs.
So it was time to celebrate.
The Kitchener, Ontario woman chose to mark Sunday’s anniversary in Hawaii, completing a 10-kilometer fundraising walk for diabetes. The early-morning event was held in conjunction with the Honolulu Marathon, which attracted nearly 23,000 runners from around the world.
“Every year for me is a milestone, and to celebrate it in such a tropical paradise is even better,” the 49-year-old said from Hawaii Sunday night.
Trude was part of the 61-strong Team Diabetes, a fundraising program of the Canadian Diabetes Association which takes part in national and international events. Together, they raised about $230,000; Trude raised about $6,300, surpassing her $6,000 goal.
“I had a lot of wonderful support and sponsorships,” she said. Trude completed the walk — jogging a bit and stopping to take a few photos along the way — in just under two hours.
“I’m happy that I completed it,” she said. “I was a little apprehensive at first, but I had a lot of support.”
A number of serious conditions, including pulmonary hypertension, an aortic aneurysm and ventricular arrhythmia, prompted the double lung and heart transplant in 2006.
Trude likely developed diabetes as a complication of the transplant surgery or the anti-rejection medication required post-surgery. And she’s struggled with some other medical challenges, like a failing kidney, in the years since the operation.
But on Sunday, she was feeling great.
“I feel as healthy as anybody else,” Trude said. “My motto when I left the hospital was ‘I’m going to stay alive until I’m 95.’”
Trude took up walking primarily because of her diabetes, but also because she wanted to get out and meet people. She said her husband, Sam, teases her about the treadmill sitting dormant in their home.
She has participated in a number of fundraising walks in support of kidney transplants and cancer research, in memory of her mother. She’d also like to look into the possibility of sharing her story with others.
“If there was some way I could get out there to inspire people . . . I’d really like to try and help people who are struggling with their illness.”
BY BRENT DAVIS, TheRECORD.com STAFF
It’s been four years since Dana Trude received a new lease on life, in the form of a new heart and lungs.
So it was time to celebrate.
The Kitchener, Ontario woman chose to mark Sunday’s anniversary in Hawaii, completing a 10-kilometer fundraising walk for diabetes. The early-morning event was held in conjunction with the Honolulu Marathon, which attracted nearly 23,000 runners from around the world.
“Every year for me is a milestone, and to celebrate it in such a tropical paradise is even better,” the 49-year-old said from Hawaii Sunday night.
Trude was part of the 61-strong Team Diabetes, a fundraising program of the Canadian Diabetes Association which takes part in national and international events. Together, they raised about $230,000; Trude raised about $6,300, surpassing her $6,000 goal.
“I had a lot of wonderful support and sponsorships,” she said. Trude completed the walk — jogging a bit and stopping to take a few photos along the way — in just under two hours.
“I’m happy that I completed it,” she said. “I was a little apprehensive at first, but I had a lot of support.”
A number of serious conditions, including pulmonary hypertension, an aortic aneurysm and ventricular arrhythmia, prompted the double lung and heart transplant in 2006.
Trude likely developed diabetes as a complication of the transplant surgery or the anti-rejection medication required post-surgery. And she’s struggled with some other medical challenges, like a failing kidney, in the years since the operation.
But on Sunday, she was feeling great.
“I feel as healthy as anybody else,” Trude said. “My motto when I left the hospital was ‘I’m going to stay alive until I’m 95.’”
Trude took up walking primarily because of her diabetes, but also because she wanted to get out and meet people. She said her husband, Sam, teases her about the treadmill sitting dormant in their home.
She has participated in a number of fundraising walks in support of kidney transplants and cancer research, in memory of her mother. She’d also like to look into the possibility of sharing her story with others.
“If there was some way I could get out there to inspire people . . . I’d really like to try and help people who are struggling with their illness.”
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Kidney Recipient, 9, Says Thanks at Fundraiser
By Ron Savage myFOXDetroit.com
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - A young man has given the ultimate gift. As he was dying, his donation helped so many others live. Gift of Life Michigan promotes the benefits of organ donation, but a spaghetti dinner fundraiser became emotional when a nine-year-old kidney recipient showed up to say thanks.
Josh Tolan, a star quarterback for Brandon High was lost far too soon when he was killed. He was the victim of a car crash after someone ran into him one year ago.
"Unfortunately, the day of the accident … when they came and told us that he wasn't going to make it, that he was brain dead, it was almost instantaneously my wife and I said, 'Well, what about organ donation," said Dan Tolan.
So, Josh's parents told doctors to use his organs for someone else. Less than 24 hours later, that someone else was an eight-year-old boy from Birch Run, Jacob Roedell, who is now nine and has a new kidney. There was a lot of hugging and tears as Jacob and his family met Josh's family at Brandon High in Ortonville at the Gift of Life Michigan fundraiser. The organization coordinates transplants.
When Josh's mother saw Jacob smile with her son's kidney, she said, "It just helps to reiterate that we made the right decision. I mean, you can see a child just run through the room, and he had a smile on his face that lit up the room, too, I thought when he came in, and it reminded me of my son in a way because he had a smile for everything," said Ranelle Tolan.
"Just seeing how much it affects people and how it changed people, there's nothing better, I feel," said Matt Rife, Josh's brother.
On New Year's Day, Josh's life will be honored on the Gift of Life Michigan float in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom and Hank Zetterberg signed jerseys for this benefit raising awareness for organ transplant. The Wings signed a cap, and former Red Wing Red Berenson autographed one of his NHL sticks.
One of Berenson's current Michigan Wolverines is defense John Merrill, who was also Josh Tolan's cousin.
"I don't think you've ever met anyone that has said anything negative about Josh. I mean, just the best guy in the world. I miss him every day. It's just a tragedy," he said.
Gift of Life Michigan is working right now to encourage more people to become organ donors. Click here for more information on registering to become an organ donor.
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - A young man has given the ultimate gift. As he was dying, his donation helped so many others live. Gift of Life Michigan promotes the benefits of organ donation, but a spaghetti dinner fundraiser became emotional when a nine-year-old kidney recipient showed up to say thanks.
Josh Tolan, a star quarterback for Brandon High was lost far too soon when he was killed. He was the victim of a car crash after someone ran into him one year ago.
"Unfortunately, the day of the accident … when they came and told us that he wasn't going to make it, that he was brain dead, it was almost instantaneously my wife and I said, 'Well, what about organ donation," said Dan Tolan.
So, Josh's parents told doctors to use his organs for someone else. Less than 24 hours later, that someone else was an eight-year-old boy from Birch Run, Jacob Roedell, who is now nine and has a new kidney. There was a lot of hugging and tears as Jacob and his family met Josh's family at Brandon High in Ortonville at the Gift of Life Michigan fundraiser. The organization coordinates transplants.
When Josh's mother saw Jacob smile with her son's kidney, she said, "It just helps to reiterate that we made the right decision. I mean, you can see a child just run through the room, and he had a smile on his face that lit up the room, too, I thought when he came in, and it reminded me of my son in a way because he had a smile for everything," said Ranelle Tolan.
"Just seeing how much it affects people and how it changed people, there's nothing better, I feel," said Matt Rife, Josh's brother.
On New Year's Day, Josh's life will be honored on the Gift of Life Michigan float in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. Red Wings' Nicklas Lidstrom and Hank Zetterberg signed jerseys for this benefit raising awareness for organ transplant. The Wings signed a cap, and former Red Wing Red Berenson autographed one of his NHL sticks.
One of Berenson's current Michigan Wolverines is defense John Merrill, who was also Josh Tolan's cousin.
"I don't think you've ever met anyone that has said anything negative about Josh. I mean, just the best guy in the world. I miss him every day. It's just a tragedy," he said.
Gift of Life Michigan is working right now to encourage more people to become organ donors. Click here for more information on registering to become an organ donor.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Experimental New Heart Transplant Procedure Keeps Donor Hearts Pumping Until Surgery
In New Procedure, Human Heart Never Stops Beating From Donor to Recipient
By BRADLEY BLACKBURN ABC News
An experimental new heart transplant procedure could change the way transplants are performed in the U.S. Instead of stopping a donor heart and putting it on ice before transplanting, doctors can now keep a human heart beating from the moment it's removed from a donor's body all the way until installation in its new recipient.
Since the first heart transplant 42 years ago, the donor organ was always stopped and kept on ice during transport and surgery. Doctors had to thaw it out first, waiting one hour for every hour that the heart was frozen.
"The normal preservation time, or time that we allow the heart to be outside of the human body, is usually six hours. Maybe the upper limit is close to eight hours," said Dr. Abbas Ardehali, the director of the UCLA Heart and Lung Program and the principal investigator of the study. "With this, it can go on. The upper limit is unknown, maybe up to 24 hours."
The experimental transplantation technique could mean that potential recipients won't be limited to people who happen to live nearby a donor organ.
Procedure a Test Drive for New Heart
In addition, the procedure could allow surgeons to determine right away whether the heart is viable, like a test drive outside of a body. With a frozen heart, surgeons say, it's always a guessing game, until it's too late to put a patient's old heart back.
Californian Andrea Ybarra was waiting a year and a half for a matching heart, so she gladly signed on to be among the first in the experimental study.
Before the surgery, Ybarra would get winded by just walking down the block.
"Now, I'm exercising, doing cardio," she said. "Life is so different now. You just want to go out and enjoy every minute of it."
Beating Heart Recipient on Her Experience
The heart that now beats in Ybarra's chest was kept in motion, beating in a box before it was placed in her body. The organ was donated by a woman who lived in Palm Springs, Calif.
"I thank God and her every day for this," Ybarra said. "One day, we will meet again."
But thanks to this experimental surgery, not anytime soon.
By BRADLEY BLACKBURN ABC News
An experimental new heart transplant procedure could change the way transplants are performed in the U.S. Instead of stopping a donor heart and putting it on ice before transplanting, doctors can now keep a human heart beating from the moment it's removed from a donor's body all the way until installation in its new recipient.
Since the first heart transplant 42 years ago, the donor organ was always stopped and kept on ice during transport and surgery. Doctors had to thaw it out first, waiting one hour for every hour that the heart was frozen.
"The normal preservation time, or time that we allow the heart to be outside of the human body, is usually six hours. Maybe the upper limit is close to eight hours," said Dr. Abbas Ardehali, the director of the UCLA Heart and Lung Program and the principal investigator of the study. "With this, it can go on. The upper limit is unknown, maybe up to 24 hours."
The experimental transplantation technique could mean that potential recipients won't be limited to people who happen to live nearby a donor organ.
Procedure a Test Drive for New Heart
In addition, the procedure could allow surgeons to determine right away whether the heart is viable, like a test drive outside of a body. With a frozen heart, surgeons say, it's always a guessing game, until it's too late to put a patient's old heart back.
Californian Andrea Ybarra was waiting a year and a half for a matching heart, so she gladly signed on to be among the first in the experimental study.
Before the surgery, Ybarra would get winded by just walking down the block.
"Now, I'm exercising, doing cardio," she said. "Life is so different now. You just want to go out and enjoy every minute of it."
Beating Heart Recipient on Her Experience
The heart that now beats in Ybarra's chest was kept in motion, beating in a box before it was placed in her body. The organ was donated by a woman who lived in Palm Springs, Calif.
"I thank God and her every day for this," Ybarra said. "One day, we will meet again."
But thanks to this experimental surgery, not anytime soon.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Firefighter tells of rescuing pilot and transplant liver from burning plane in Birmingham
This is a follow up to my previous post about this organ transportation miracle.
by Steve Myall, Daily Mirror
A FIREFIGHTER who rescued a pilot – and a transplant liver – from a burning plane has spoken for the first time about his brave actions.
Lead firefighter Nick Jordan forced his way on to a Cessna plane which crash-landed in fog at Birmingham airport last month.
He pulled the pilot to safety and scooped up the boxed organ, which was delivered to a hospital in the city where a successful transplant operation went ahead.
Nick told the BBC's Inside Out programme: “I’ve gone over it and over it, waking up at night, thinking about it. Luckily for us, everything came out well.
“Both guys came off alive and the liver transplant was an added bonus.
“The smoke was so thick that visibility was impossible. So I felt around to make contact with the pilot.
“It was about seven minutes from the moment we got the call to getting everyone off.”
The plane’s first officer escaped on his own.
by Steve Myall, Daily Mirror
A FIREFIGHTER who rescued a pilot – and a transplant liver – from a burning plane has spoken for the first time about his brave actions.
Lead firefighter Nick Jordan forced his way on to a Cessna plane which crash-landed in fog at Birmingham airport last month.
He pulled the pilot to safety and scooped up the boxed organ, which was delivered to a hospital in the city where a successful transplant operation went ahead.
Nick told the BBC's Inside Out programme: “I’ve gone over it and over it, waking up at night, thinking about it. Luckily for us, everything came out well.
“Both guys came off alive and the liver transplant was an added bonus.
“The smoke was so thick that visibility was impossible. So I felt around to make contact with the pilot.
“It was about seven minutes from the moment we got the call to getting everyone off.”
The plane’s first officer escaped on his own.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Monday, December 06, 2010
Organ donor registry in Ontario, Canada choked by red tape
Every U.S. state has an online organ donor registry (or has approved it's activation) but the only Canadian province to have one is British Columbia. I've been advocating for an on-line registry in Ontario for several years now only to be met with frustration and excuses such as it would cost too much or privacy issues had to be overcome before a registry could be implemented. I've told the powers that be that young people are not going to go on-line, download a form, print it out, complete the form and mail it in via snail mail. I pointed out they were missing a wonderful opportunity with young people with the Recycleme.org program by not offering a chance to register to be an organ donor on-line. All to no avail. I'm glad the Toronto Star has brought attention to the situation. Let's hope that someday soon Ontario will do something positive to increase the rate of organ donation in this electronic age.
By Barbara Turnbull, Living Reporter The Toronto Star
Linda Hogarth believes it is her duty to register as an organ and tissue donor. It’s certainly fortunate the 70-year-old former saleswoman is committed, because not everyone would have had the time and patience to endure the hassle she experienced.
Her odyssey began when she visited www.giftoflife.on.ca, the website of Trillium Gift Of Life, the agency that coordinates organ and tissue transplants in Ontario. Hogarth printed out the donor form, filled it out, signed it, and mailed it.
Then, she waited six months for a sticker to affix to her red-and-white health card. When none came, she contacted Trillium and was told there was a bottleneck processing forms in Kingston, where the donor registry is maintained.
“I know that the government moves slowly in all its branches, but this is nuts,” Hogarth told the Star.
Hogarth tried again to get a donor sticker, making several trips to Service Ontario offices, where she dealt with three employees before getting the sticker.
“I’m outraged by it,” Hogarth says. She is not alone. A year-long look into Ontario’s organ-and-tissue donation system shows that provincial red tape and jurisdictional overlap is impeding efforts to get Ontarians listed on the organ and tissue registry.
One major flaw in the system: Ontario’s old red-and-white health cards.
Hogarth is among almost 4 million Ontario residents — about 35 per cent of the population over 16 — who kept their red-and-white cards when the province introduced photo identification health cards in 1995, the same year a database was created to help match willing donors and the 1,500 children and adults awaiting transplants at any given time.
But all of these 4 million may never be asked for their consent to be organ donors — a fact reflected by the provice’s low sign-on rate.
Twenty-seven per cent of people with the photo health cards in Ontario (roughly 1.9 million of 7.2 million people over 16) have joined the organ and tissue donor registry. In contrast, just 0.4 per cent of red-and-white cardholders (15,000 of almost 4 million) are registered.
Experts say creating an online donor and tissue registry would reduce the time and effort required to join, but the province has declined to do so despite agreement from several government departments that a web registry is the way to go.
Consider the American experience. By the end of 2009, 37.1 per cent adult of U.S. residents were enrolled in state donor registries, all but three of them online. Nationally, Canada lags behind eight other countries.
“For a social democracy, it’s not a good track record,” says Dr. Gary Levy, head of the multi-organ transplant program at Toronto General Hospital. “It’s not the patients’ fault; it’s the system’s fault. There’s a logjam, there’s inertia.”
Levy is well-placed to make that judgment. He led the Organ and Tissue Transplantation Wait Times Expert Panel, which met in 2008 and 2009 and whose 26 recommendations have been examined by Ontario’s Auditor General Jim McCarter. Levy says he expects McCarter will embrace the panel’s recommendations when he makes his annual report today. The report is expected to address the old health cards and online registry issues, as well as wait times and the dearth of tissue donation from Ontarians.
The low sign-up rate is a multi-faceted problem Levy says, with some obvious fixes. For starters, “Get rid of the red and white cards immediately.” There is irony here: Levy himself hasn’t upgraded to the new photo health card, he admits, “And I’m the head of the transplant program.”
The approach to registration, Levy says, is another major impediment. Service Ontario staff are trained to renew driver’s licences and health cards. The organ and donor registry is not their primary mandate. “You’ve got the wrong people sitting behind the counter,” he says. “They haven’t been trained properly, they are no necessarily passionate about it, they may not understand what we are doing, there may be cultural issues.”
Last year, Trillium spent $600,000 on Recycle Me a campaign aimed at people ages 15 to 25 that involved 12 weeks of online banner ads, transit ads and a social-media drive. It has been judged a success by Trillium, generating 60 stories in various media, receiving 118,000 unique hits and 3,500 members on the Facebook page.
But Frank Markel, president of Trillium Gift of Life, doesn’t know how many of those 118,000 visitors registered to be organ donors. There was no way to register on the site — at the very moment Trillium held a potential donor’s attention.
“Trillium’s position for several years now, publicly, privately, with government, has been that we need an online registry,” Markel agrees. “The Ministry (of Health) agrees with us intellectually about that.”
He should talk to Penny Clarke-Richardson of B.C. Transplant. She says targeting a younger audience is what led her agency to establish an online registry nearly three years ago. Younger people, she says, just won’t print and mail forms. Since the online addition in June 2008, nearly 18 per cent (19,679) of new registrations in British Columbia have been made online, “and we have caught the demographic of the 19- to 40-year-old we were aiming for,” she says.
The systemic intertia Levy blames for the donor logjam stems in part from the fact that three groups have their fingers in the pie: two provincial ministries and the Trillium agency.
The Ministry of Health and Long-term Care takes the lead on organ donation and last summer put together a working group to plan and implement an online registry, an initiative that harks back to a recommendation in 2006 by the Citizens Panel to Increase Organ Donation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Government Services is responsible for issuing health cards and drivers’ licenses.
Even Levy’s panel of experts found it difficult to determine where specific recommendations should be directed.
“In fairness to the public, we can make it more convenient,” Health Minister Deb Matthews told the Star.
Matthews suggested families get themselves and friends registered for Christmas this year. “Have a party and you can’t come in unless you’ve shown (proof of registration),” she suggests.
“I can’t imagine a better gift.”
HOW TO REGISTER
There are currently two ways to register as a donor in Ontario: Like Hogarth did, visit www.giftoflife.on.ca and download the form; or at a ServiceOntario office.
Each time a new health card is acquired or renewed at a ServiceOntario office, the employee is supposed to ask whether the client is aware that he or she can register there to be a donor and if they would like to give their consent. Though driver’s licenses are issued by the same employees at the same offices, organ donation is not raised at the time of renewal. A donor form, along with self-addressed postage-paid envelope, is mailed to people with their new driver’s license.
By Barbara Turnbull, Living Reporter The Toronto Star
Linda Hogarth believes it is her duty to register as an organ and tissue donor. It’s certainly fortunate the 70-year-old former saleswoman is committed, because not everyone would have had the time and patience to endure the hassle she experienced.
Her odyssey began when she visited www.giftoflife.on.ca, the website of Trillium Gift Of Life, the agency that coordinates organ and tissue transplants in Ontario. Hogarth printed out the donor form, filled it out, signed it, and mailed it.
Then, she waited six months for a sticker to affix to her red-and-white health card. When none came, she contacted Trillium and was told there was a bottleneck processing forms in Kingston, where the donor registry is maintained.
“I know that the government moves slowly in all its branches, but this is nuts,” Hogarth told the Star.
Hogarth tried again to get a donor sticker, making several trips to Service Ontario offices, where she dealt with three employees before getting the sticker.
“I’m outraged by it,” Hogarth says. She is not alone. A year-long look into Ontario’s organ-and-tissue donation system shows that provincial red tape and jurisdictional overlap is impeding efforts to get Ontarians listed on the organ and tissue registry.
One major flaw in the system: Ontario’s old red-and-white health cards.
Hogarth is among almost 4 million Ontario residents — about 35 per cent of the population over 16 — who kept their red-and-white cards when the province introduced photo identification health cards in 1995, the same year a database was created to help match willing donors and the 1,500 children and adults awaiting transplants at any given time.
But all of these 4 million may never be asked for their consent to be organ donors — a fact reflected by the provice’s low sign-on rate.
Twenty-seven per cent of people with the photo health cards in Ontario (roughly 1.9 million of 7.2 million people over 16) have joined the organ and tissue donor registry. In contrast, just 0.4 per cent of red-and-white cardholders (15,000 of almost 4 million) are registered.
Experts say creating an online donor and tissue registry would reduce the time and effort required to join, but the province has declined to do so despite agreement from several government departments that a web registry is the way to go.
Consider the American experience. By the end of 2009, 37.1 per cent adult of U.S. residents were enrolled in state donor registries, all but three of them online. Nationally, Canada lags behind eight other countries.
“For a social democracy, it’s not a good track record,” says Dr. Gary Levy, head of the multi-organ transplant program at Toronto General Hospital. “It’s not the patients’ fault; it’s the system’s fault. There’s a logjam, there’s inertia.”
Levy is well-placed to make that judgment. He led the Organ and Tissue Transplantation Wait Times Expert Panel, which met in 2008 and 2009 and whose 26 recommendations have been examined by Ontario’s Auditor General Jim McCarter. Levy says he expects McCarter will embrace the panel’s recommendations when he makes his annual report today. The report is expected to address the old health cards and online registry issues, as well as wait times and the dearth of tissue donation from Ontarians.
The low sign-up rate is a multi-faceted problem Levy says, with some obvious fixes. For starters, “Get rid of the red and white cards immediately.” There is irony here: Levy himself hasn’t upgraded to the new photo health card, he admits, “And I’m the head of the transplant program.”
The approach to registration, Levy says, is another major impediment. Service Ontario staff are trained to renew driver’s licences and health cards. The organ and donor registry is not their primary mandate. “You’ve got the wrong people sitting behind the counter,” he says. “They haven’t been trained properly, they are no necessarily passionate about it, they may not understand what we are doing, there may be cultural issues.”
Last year, Trillium spent $600,000 on Recycle Me a campaign aimed at people ages 15 to 25 that involved 12 weeks of online banner ads, transit ads and a social-media drive. It has been judged a success by Trillium, generating 60 stories in various media, receiving 118,000 unique hits and 3,500 members on the Facebook page.
But Frank Markel, president of Trillium Gift of Life, doesn’t know how many of those 118,000 visitors registered to be organ donors. There was no way to register on the site — at the very moment Trillium held a potential donor’s attention.
“Trillium’s position for several years now, publicly, privately, with government, has been that we need an online registry,” Markel agrees. “The Ministry (of Health) agrees with us intellectually about that.”
He should talk to Penny Clarke-Richardson of B.C. Transplant. She says targeting a younger audience is what led her agency to establish an online registry nearly three years ago. Younger people, she says, just won’t print and mail forms. Since the online addition in June 2008, nearly 18 per cent (19,679) of new registrations in British Columbia have been made online, “and we have caught the demographic of the 19- to 40-year-old we were aiming for,” she says.
The systemic intertia Levy blames for the donor logjam stems in part from the fact that three groups have their fingers in the pie: two provincial ministries and the Trillium agency.
The Ministry of Health and Long-term Care takes the lead on organ donation and last summer put together a working group to plan and implement an online registry, an initiative that harks back to a recommendation in 2006 by the Citizens Panel to Increase Organ Donation. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Government Services is responsible for issuing health cards and drivers’ licenses.
Even Levy’s panel of experts found it difficult to determine where specific recommendations should be directed.
“In fairness to the public, we can make it more convenient,” Health Minister Deb Matthews told the Star.
Matthews suggested families get themselves and friends registered for Christmas this year. “Have a party and you can’t come in unless you’ve shown (proof of registration),” she suggests.
“I can’t imagine a better gift.”
HOW TO REGISTER
There are currently two ways to register as a donor in Ontario: Like Hogarth did, visit www.giftoflife.on.ca and download the form; or at a ServiceOntario office.
Each time a new health card is acquired or renewed at a ServiceOntario office, the employee is supposed to ask whether the client is aware that he or she can register there to be a donor and if they would like to give their consent. Though driver’s licenses are issued by the same employees at the same offices, organ donation is not raised at the time of renewal. A donor form, along with self-addressed postage-paid envelope, is mailed to people with their new driver’s license.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Friday, December 03, 2010
New WHO report highlights second-hand smoke danger
This World Health Organization report that second-hand smoke sickens millions and kills more than 600,000 people worldwide each year, including more than 165,000 children under 5, is alarming. Progress is gradually being made to protect the public with smokefree laws. I recently took a trip through NY, PA, WV, NC and SC and was pleasantly surprised to find that every restaurant I stopped at was entirely smoke free. But a lot more needs to be done. To see where your locality stands on this issue please go the following report by the American Nonsmokers' Rights Foundation.
U.S. 100% Smokefree Laws in Workplaces AND Restaurants AND Bars
By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD The Medical News
A report, a first of its kind, that assessed all deaths related to tobacco showed that second-hand smoke sickens millions and kills more than 600,000 people worldwide each year, including more than 165,000 children under 5.
The report from the World Health Organization on 192 countries appeared in The Lancet this Thursday and found more than half of the deaths are from heart disease, followed by deaths from cancer, lung infections, asthma and other ailments. It says that more than two thirds of the children’s deaths are in Africa and Asia, where they have less access to important public health services, such as vaccines, and less advanced medical care. American Cancer Society's Tom Glynn said, “These statistics are sad data.”
Tobacco kills nearly 5.7 million people worldwide each year, including 5.1 million people who die from their own smoking. The WHO says smoking is the world’s leading cause of preventable death. The report says, “The combination of infectious diseases and tobacco seems to be a deadly combination for children.” Dr. Annette Pruss-Ustun of the WHO’s Tobacco-Free Initiative in Geneva and her colleagues concluded 40 per cent of children, 33 per cent of male non-smokers and 35 per cent of female non-smokers regularly breathe in second-hand smoke.
Fears of ill effects of passive smoking have led to a ban on smoking in public in many countries. In the USA, 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Northern Mariana Islands have smoke-free laws, protecting 79% of the population. Glynn says the “glimmer of hope” is that since smoking bans protect 7% of the world’s population, lawmakers could save many lives by passing smoking bans. Heart attack rates drop 10% to 20% in the first year after the bans are enacted. Studies show smoke-free laws encourage smokers to quit and to make their homes smoke-free, Glynn says. He added, “There is virtually no parent who does not care deeply about protecting their children from harm… They will do the right thing if made aware.” In the U.K., the British Lung Foundation is petitioning the government to outlaw smoking in cars.
The study was funded by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
U.S. 100% Smokefree Laws in Workplaces AND Restaurants AND Bars
By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD The Medical News
A report, a first of its kind, that assessed all deaths related to tobacco showed that second-hand smoke sickens millions and kills more than 600,000 people worldwide each year, including more than 165,000 children under 5.
The report from the World Health Organization on 192 countries appeared in The Lancet this Thursday and found more than half of the deaths are from heart disease, followed by deaths from cancer, lung infections, asthma and other ailments. It says that more than two thirds of the children’s deaths are in Africa and Asia, where they have less access to important public health services, such as vaccines, and less advanced medical care. American Cancer Society's Tom Glynn said, “These statistics are sad data.”
Tobacco kills nearly 5.7 million people worldwide each year, including 5.1 million people who die from their own smoking. The WHO says smoking is the world’s leading cause of preventable death. The report says, “The combination of infectious diseases and tobacco seems to be a deadly combination for children.” Dr. Annette Pruss-Ustun of the WHO’s Tobacco-Free Initiative in Geneva and her colleagues concluded 40 per cent of children, 33 per cent of male non-smokers and 35 per cent of female non-smokers regularly breathe in second-hand smoke.
Fears of ill effects of passive smoking have led to a ban on smoking in public in many countries. In the USA, 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Northern Mariana Islands have smoke-free laws, protecting 79% of the population. Glynn says the “glimmer of hope” is that since smoking bans protect 7% of the world’s population, lawmakers could save many lives by passing smoking bans. Heart attack rates drop 10% to 20% in the first year after the bans are enacted. Studies show smoke-free laws encourage smokers to quit and to make their homes smoke-free, Glynn says. He added, “There is virtually no parent who does not care deeply about protecting their children from harm… They will do the right thing if made aware.” In the U.K., the British Lung Foundation is petitioning the government to outlaw smoking in cars.
The study was funded by the Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Jazz singer celebrates 2nd anniversary of double-lung transplant with Christmas CD
Alex Pangman and her Alley Cats
Please see the following message from Alex Pangman offering to sell her Christmas CD at a very reasonable price. She uses her celebrity status to promote organ donation awareness and I'm pleased to post this offer from her.
On November 4, 2008, Alex Pangman was given a second chance at life. She received a double-lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis at Toronto General Hospital. A three time National Jazz Award nominee, Alex is a favorite of jazz fans and dancers alike and has become one of Canada's leading classic jazz and traditional-swing vocalists. She uses her fame and talent to be an advocate for organ and tissue donation and works closely with Trillium Gift of Life Network in Ontario. Read Alex's transplant story. Visit Alex's Web Site.
"Merv,
I still have copies left of Christmas Gift, the holiday record I produced in 2006 to promote organ and tissue donation awareness. Each copy came with information on donating and was dedicated to the people who wait, have donated, or work in the hospitals with patients. I could do a sale of them for your web-site or email list, $10ppd in Canada or $15ppd in the U.S. with an autograph. Would just love for people to hear the record, because they truly understand the meaning of the words "christmas gift". The disc is ten songs long, and full of familiar songs like "Jingle bells, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, Winter Wonderland, & I'll be Home For Christmas"... and also some lesser known but delightful holiday tunes from the 1930s. Think about it. I could accept orders to my alex@alexpangman.com email address. Alex."
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Janie’s Gift
I'm very pleased to post this guest article by Edward Stern who captures the spirit of organ donation and the profound effect it can have on both donor families and recipients.
Edward Stern is a guest blogger for Pounding the Pavement and a writer on the subject of vocational schools for the Guide to Career Education.
My niece Janie was extremely sharp for a young girl. She excelled in all aspects of school and had many friends. Her personality was simply magnetic, and her friendships seemed to cross the borders of normal cliques. What impressed me the most about her was her giving nature, always willing to help others.
One time when I was with her and my sister (Janie's mother) we were walking downtown and passed a homeless man. I'd given Janie a couple bucks earlier in the day to spend on candy or a little trinket during our shopping adventure. After passing the guy down on his luck, she stopped, turned around, and without hesitation gave him her money. We were all shocked, and the gentleman was very appreciative. When I asked Janie why she did that, she replied, "Because he needed it more than I did. Candy is bad for you anyways."
In a culture so vain and bent on consumerism, Janie was an anomaly, always caring for others and being completely selfless. Tragically, she passed on after a car accident. But before that, she made the decision to be an organ donor.
Her mother told me about that decision, which Janie made after learning of organ donation over the news. I didn't agree with the decision. I thought organ donation was just an unpleasant act. I thought organs should stay put and that we shouldn't go around turning people into Frankenstein creations. I kept my opinions silent from Janie—as I always supported her in all her choices— and after that initial conversation, I never really thought about it. She made the decision when she was 11. Organ donation did not seem to be in her immediate future, certainly not while I was still walking this earth.
The car accident was absolutely devastating. It seemed Janie had been robbed of her life, of so much potential to do good on this earth and make others happy. After the accident, paramedics took her to the hospital. Janie was going to continue to give.
At first, I was truly outraged, but I kept my feelings to myself. I didn't want to upset my sister more during such an awful time. I got word that the hospital was able to salvage Janie’s organs and that they were going to go to some children in need. As it turns out, that was all I needed to hear. I blocked any negative preconceptions from my mind. It wasn't hard to do so, being in mourning for my little niece.
Months went by and wounds continued to heal, though a part of me seemed to be gone forever. Then I received a call from my sister. She was going to get a visit from another little girl. This little girl had been very sick and had received a kidney transplant from Janie. She was going to come visit the family to give her thanks.
I struggled. I didn't know if I should go. I eventually did, to support my sister. It was life changing, and I am so grateful I was able to meet Eva. A beautiful little girl so full of life, she couldn't thank us enough for Janie's gift. No thanks was necessary to us—it was all Janie's
doing.
After losing one life, we gained another, and a whole family to boot. Eva and her family are now close with ours. It has been amazing to watch this little girl grow up, one who would not have had a chance otherwise. I still hurt knowing Janie is not here. But having Eva helps so much. It
made me realize how wrong I was about organ donation, and what a beautiful, amazing, truly life-changing gift it really is.
Edward Stern is a guest blogger for Pounding the Pavement and a writer on the subject of vocational schools for the Guide to Career Education.
My niece Janie was extremely sharp for a young girl. She excelled in all aspects of school and had many friends. Her personality was simply magnetic, and her friendships seemed to cross the borders of normal cliques. What impressed me the most about her was her giving nature, always willing to help others.
One time when I was with her and my sister (Janie's mother) we were walking downtown and passed a homeless man. I'd given Janie a couple bucks earlier in the day to spend on candy or a little trinket during our shopping adventure. After passing the guy down on his luck, she stopped, turned around, and without hesitation gave him her money. We were all shocked, and the gentleman was very appreciative. When I asked Janie why she did that, she replied, "Because he needed it more than I did. Candy is bad for you anyways."
In a culture so vain and bent on consumerism, Janie was an anomaly, always caring for others and being completely selfless. Tragically, she passed on after a car accident. But before that, she made the decision to be an organ donor.
Her mother told me about that decision, which Janie made after learning of organ donation over the news. I didn't agree with the decision. I thought organ donation was just an unpleasant act. I thought organs should stay put and that we shouldn't go around turning people into Frankenstein creations. I kept my opinions silent from Janie—as I always supported her in all her choices— and after that initial conversation, I never really thought about it. She made the decision when she was 11. Organ donation did not seem to be in her immediate future, certainly not while I was still walking this earth.
The car accident was absolutely devastating. It seemed Janie had been robbed of her life, of so much potential to do good on this earth and make others happy. After the accident, paramedics took her to the hospital. Janie was going to continue to give.
At first, I was truly outraged, but I kept my feelings to myself. I didn't want to upset my sister more during such an awful time. I got word that the hospital was able to salvage Janie’s organs and that they were going to go to some children in need. As it turns out, that was all I needed to hear. I blocked any negative preconceptions from my mind. It wasn't hard to do so, being in mourning for my little niece.
Months went by and wounds continued to heal, though a part of me seemed to be gone forever. Then I received a call from my sister. She was going to get a visit from another little girl. This little girl had been very sick and had received a kidney transplant from Janie. She was going to come visit the family to give her thanks.
I struggled. I didn't know if I should go. I eventually did, to support my sister. It was life changing, and I am so grateful I was able to meet Eva. A beautiful little girl so full of life, she couldn't thank us enough for Janie's gift. No thanks was necessary to us—it was all Janie's
doing.
After losing one life, we gained another, and a whole family to boot. Eva and her family are now close with ours. It has been amazing to watch this little girl grow up, one who would not have had a chance otherwise. I still hurt knowing Janie is not here. But having Eva helps so much. It
made me realize how wrong I was about organ donation, and what a beautiful, amazing, truly life-changing gift it really is.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Monday, November 29, 2010
Getting a lung for Jay
Fundraising continues for Parrsboro, Nova Scotia man
by Darrell Cole Amherst Daily News
AMHERST - It may only be a matter of time before a 47-year-old Parrsboro man is sent to Toronto for a transplant that could save his life.
Jay Spencer remains in the ICU at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre awaiting word on when he'll go to Toronto for a lung transplant.
The community, friends and family have all been chipping in to help raise money to help support the Parrsboro man during his stay in Toronto. To date, about $15,000 has been raised, but it's going to cost him about $2,000 a month remaining they may have to raise as much as $40,000 to support him following the transplant.
"Everything is all in place for him to go to Toronto for the surgery. He should be heading to Toronto soon for an assessment, but Jay is so sick right now there's a good chance he won't be coming back before the surgery," family friend Catherine Smith said.
Smith said she has talked to other families of transplant recipients and the hospital and now has a better handle on just how much money is needed. Not all the expenses are covered - although Spencer's medications and oxygen are covered by the province.
Spencer began feeling ill in the spring when his breathing became more laboured to the point he had to go to the doctor because drawing each breath was becoming more difficult.
It's not known how he got sick, but he did work around chemicals and asbestos years ago while working on a school renovation project.
Originally, the group set $10,000 as the fundraising target because that's the amount the hospital in Toronto needed to know was raised before proceeding with an assessment. The province doesn't cover things like lodging, meals and paying for an attendant to look after him in Toronto after he's discharged from hospital.
He's expected to remain in Toronto for up to 24 months after the surgery.
A number of fundraising events have already been held for Spencer and more are planned in the coming weeks and after the Christmas season.
Smith said the community response has been overwhelming and Spencer's family and supporters are so happy with the lengths staff at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre are going to help.
People can support the effort by participating in fundraisers that are posted on the website www.lung4jay.com or contacting one of the people listed on the website.
Any money left over after his treatment will be used to help others in Spencer's situation.
"He was ready to go home to die in a palliative setting because there were no funds to support him. We don't want that to happen to anyone else," said Smith.
by Darrell Cole Amherst Daily News
AMHERST - It may only be a matter of time before a 47-year-old Parrsboro man is sent to Toronto for a transplant that could save his life.
Jay Spencer remains in the ICU at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre awaiting word on when he'll go to Toronto for a lung transplant.
The community, friends and family have all been chipping in to help raise money to help support the Parrsboro man during his stay in Toronto. To date, about $15,000 has been raised, but it's going to cost him about $2,000 a month remaining they may have to raise as much as $40,000 to support him following the transplant.
"Everything is all in place for him to go to Toronto for the surgery. He should be heading to Toronto soon for an assessment, but Jay is so sick right now there's a good chance he won't be coming back before the surgery," family friend Catherine Smith said.
Smith said she has talked to other families of transplant recipients and the hospital and now has a better handle on just how much money is needed. Not all the expenses are covered - although Spencer's medications and oxygen are covered by the province.
Spencer began feeling ill in the spring when his breathing became more laboured to the point he had to go to the doctor because drawing each breath was becoming more difficult.
It's not known how he got sick, but he did work around chemicals and asbestos years ago while working on a school renovation project.
Originally, the group set $10,000 as the fundraising target because that's the amount the hospital in Toronto needed to know was raised before proceeding with an assessment. The province doesn't cover things like lodging, meals and paying for an attendant to look after him in Toronto after he's discharged from hospital.
He's expected to remain in Toronto for up to 24 months after the surgery.
A number of fundraising events have already been held for Spencer and more are planned in the coming weeks and after the Christmas season.
Smith said the community response has been overwhelming and Spencer's family and supporters are so happy with the lengths staff at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre are going to help.
People can support the effort by participating in fundraisers that are posted on the website www.lung4jay.com or contacting one of the people listed on the website.
Any money left over after his treatment will be used to help others in Spencer's situation.
"He was ready to go home to die in a palliative setting because there were no funds to support him. We don't want that to happen to anyone else," said Smith.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Friday, November 26, 2010
Donor's mother asks for meeting with recipients of son's organs
It's unusual for patients to know who their donor was, but Chris Henry's mother requested a meeting with all four of the people who received her son's organs.
"She wanted to listen to my lungs with a stethoscope. She went all to pieces because she was listening to Chris' lungs,"
By Karen Kiley, reporter wdbj7,com
NFL player donates his lungs to save a Chatham, Virginia man
Chris Henry's mother donated his organs when he died last December.
CHATHAM, Va. — His death grabbed headlines from coast to coast. NFL football star Chris Henry died last December after falling from the back of a truck. But part of the football star lives on because Chris Henry's death forever changed one local man's life.
"You think you're invincible. Nothing is going to happen to me," said Tom Elliott.
Tom Elliott should be dead, his doctors told him as much.
"He said you can keep on smoking if you want to, but if you do you are going to die," remembers Elliott.
And yet he's alive today because Chris Henry, a wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, died.
"I just couldn't breath. I was gasping for breath and I thought: God is deciding whether to let me stay or let me go," remembers Elliott.
After 40 years of smoking, Tom was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, an incurable lung disease.
"I was scared. I didn't know what would happen. I didn't know if I would live through it. I almost didn't...," said Elliott.
Tom's only hope for survival was a double lung transplant.
"I thought there was a good chance he wasn't going to make it," said Lance Elliott, Tom's son.
But on December 17, 2009, after waiting just 10 days for a donor, Tom got the call.
Chris Henry had died. His mother made the decision to donate his organs.
"I think about Chris Henry just about everyday," said Elliott.
It's unusual for patients to know who their donor was, but Chris Henry's mother requested a meeting with all four of the people who received her son's organs.
"She wanted to listen to my lungs with a stethoscope. She went all to pieces because she was listening to Chris' lungs," Elliott said of the emotional meeting.
"I'm sorry he had to give up so much for this to be possible for me but you can't believe how much good came out of it, even though it was a terrible situation," reflected Elliott.
Each breath Tom takes reminds him that he and his family are getting a second chance at life.
"There was no such thing as taking a deep breath before, but there is now," said Elliott.
"I'm just grateful I can spend quality time with him. Now we can get out and enjoy life together," said Bryan Elliott, Tom's son.
"I can't explain how much it means to me to be able to do what I'm doing now. It's just a good life," said Elliott.
Tom Elliott underwent the lung transplant at Duke Medical Center last December.
Just three weeks ago, Elliott and the other three people to receive Chris Henry's organs met his mother at a reception in Charlotte, North Carolina. CBS Sports was there to film a reunion special that aired during an NFL game on Thanksgiving Day.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Thursday, November 25, 2010
How transplant gift almost turned to tragedy
By Lindy McDowell Belfast Telegraph
Roller-coaster of emotion is one of the grand clichés of the age. But it’s a pretty apt phrase nonetheless to describe what the family of a liver transplant donor on this side of the Irish Sea and the recipient in England must surely have gone through at the weekend.
The liver was being flown from Belfast to Birmingham in a Cessna plane with the pilot and one other man aboard when disaster — or near disaster — struck.
The light aircraft crashed as it attempted to land at fog-bound Birmingham airport.
The pilot and his passenger were injured, though thankfully both survived.
The crash however, could still potentially have cost a life — that of the man awaiting the liver transplant.
Fortunately the organ was recovered unscathed and was delivered, on the back of a police bike, to the hospital unit concerned.
It’s an amazing and poignant story with a relatively happy outcome which will surely be all the more comfort to the brave family who made it all possible.
The family who agreed to the organ donation.
Over 6,000 people had their flights delayed at Birmingham as a result of the crash.
An inconvenience for them.
But in this instance inconvenience is very much a relative term.
Roller-coaster of emotion is one of the grand clichés of the age. But it’s a pretty apt phrase nonetheless to describe what the family of a liver transplant donor on this side of the Irish Sea and the recipient in England must surely have gone through at the weekend.
The liver was being flown from Belfast to Birmingham in a Cessna plane with the pilot and one other man aboard when disaster — or near disaster — struck.
The light aircraft crashed as it attempted to land at fog-bound Birmingham airport.
The pilot and his passenger were injured, though thankfully both survived.
The crash however, could still potentially have cost a life — that of the man awaiting the liver transplant.
Fortunately the organ was recovered unscathed and was delivered, on the back of a police bike, to the hospital unit concerned.
It’s an amazing and poignant story with a relatively happy outcome which will surely be all the more comfort to the brave family who made it all possible.
The family who agreed to the organ donation.
Over 6,000 people had their flights delayed at Birmingham as a result of the crash.
An inconvenience for them.
But in this instance inconvenience is very much a relative term.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Researchers discover reasons for organ rejection
Following up on yesterday's post this is a report published by the Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angeles
Results of study reveal that two molecules are interacting to create negative immune response
By Sarah Khan UCLA Daily Bruin
For patients whose organs have failed, an organ transplant often means another shot at a healthy life.
But more than 40 percent of organ transplants fail within one year. A patient’s antibodies will sometimes attack the foreign organ, a phenomenon that has been little understood by researchers up to this point, said Elaine Reed, director of the UCLA Immunogenetics Center.
On Tuesday, UCLA researchers published the results of a five-year study that uncovers previously unknown reasons for why organs are rejected by their host body, said Reed, a co-author of the study.
The key lies with two molecules, human leukocyte antigen and integrin beta-4, which depend on each other to incite the organ rejection, she said.
The interaction of human leukocyte antigen and integrin ignites a negative immune response in a patient with an organ transplant, Reed said. The patient’s body then produces antibodies to shut down the functioning organ, often by overgrowing blood vessel cells and restricting the organ’s access to oxygen and other nutrients.
This mechanism may explain why organ rejection is difficult to reverse, Reed said.
“Once the patients start making the antibodies, you can’t stop it,” she said. “Chronic rejection is the major problem.”
Although it is possible to live without an organ like a kidney, there are not many options for a patient whose body rejects a heart, liver or lung. In these cases, retransplant is often the choice for survival, Reed said.
Waiting periods to receive organs can be so long that patients sometimes die on the wait list, said Murray Kwon, a heart transplant surgeon at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
The study doesn’t stop at solving the mystery of organ rejection.
The team is also looking at applying the research to cancer prevention and treatment, said Xiaohai Zhang, lead author of the study and a postgraduate researcher in pathology and lab medicine at UCLA.
In the lab, Zhang prevented integrin from combining with human leukocyte antigen and, as a result, noticed that blood cells did not grow as much, he said.
It may be possible to do the same thing to tumors to keep blood vessels from sprouting inside them, he said.
Although the findings are not ready to be developed into drugs or therapies, the findings provide hope for organ transplant and cancer patients who otherwise have few options for a healthy life, Reed said.
“We have to understand the mechanism before we develop the therapy,” she said.
Published November 24, 2010 in News, Science & Health
In this vasculopathic heart vessel, interaction between two specific molecules narrows blood vessels, causing a reduction of oxygen flow.
Results of study reveal that two molecules are interacting to create negative immune response
By Sarah Khan UCLA Daily Bruin
For patients whose organs have failed, an organ transplant often means another shot at a healthy life.
But more than 40 percent of organ transplants fail within one year. A patient’s antibodies will sometimes attack the foreign organ, a phenomenon that has been little understood by researchers up to this point, said Elaine Reed, director of the UCLA Immunogenetics Center.
On Tuesday, UCLA researchers published the results of a five-year study that uncovers previously unknown reasons for why organs are rejected by their host body, said Reed, a co-author of the study.
The key lies with two molecules, human leukocyte antigen and integrin beta-4, which depend on each other to incite the organ rejection, she said.
The interaction of human leukocyte antigen and integrin ignites a negative immune response in a patient with an organ transplant, Reed said. The patient’s body then produces antibodies to shut down the functioning organ, often by overgrowing blood vessel cells and restricting the organ’s access to oxygen and other nutrients.
This mechanism may explain why organ rejection is difficult to reverse, Reed said.
“Once the patients start making the antibodies, you can’t stop it,” she said. “Chronic rejection is the major problem.”
Although it is possible to live without an organ like a kidney, there are not many options for a patient whose body rejects a heart, liver or lung. In these cases, retransplant is often the choice for survival, Reed said.
Waiting periods to receive organs can be so long that patients sometimes die on the wait list, said Murray Kwon, a heart transplant surgeon at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.
The study doesn’t stop at solving the mystery of organ rejection.
The team is also looking at applying the research to cancer prevention and treatment, said Xiaohai Zhang, lead author of the study and a postgraduate researcher in pathology and lab medicine at UCLA.
In the lab, Zhang prevented integrin from combining with human leukocyte antigen and, as a result, noticed that blood cells did not grow as much, he said.
It may be possible to do the same thing to tumors to keep blood vessels from sprouting inside them, he said.
Although the findings are not ready to be developed into drugs or therapies, the findings provide hope for organ transplant and cancer patients who otherwise have few options for a healthy life, Reed said.
“We have to understand the mechanism before we develop the therapy,” she said.
Published November 24, 2010 in News, Science & Health
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Scientists Find What Causes Organ Transplant Rejection
By Tanya Thomas MeDIndia
Scientists have at last identified the culprit responsible for chronic rejection of heart, lung and kidney transplants.
The findings suggest new therapeutic approaches for preventing transplant rejection and sabotaging cancer growth.
University of California - Los Angeles researchers focused on the mechanism behind narrowing of the donor's grafted blood vessels, which blocks blood from reaching the transplanted organ.
Starved of oxygen and other nutrients, the organ eventually fails, forcing the patient back on the transplant waiting list.
"Chronic rejection is the No. 1 cause of organ failure in the first year of transplant," explained Elaine Reed, director of the UCLA Immunogenetics Center.
"In the first five years, some 40 percent of organs fail after transplant due to blockage of the grafted blood vessels. Currently, we have no way to treat this deadly condition," Reed said.
In this study, Reed and her colleagues looked at how human leukocyte antigens HLA molecules on donor tissue provoke an immune response in the patient. he scientists discovered that HLA's ability to stimulate cell growth and movement depends upon a quid pro quo relationship with another molecule called integrin beta 4.
"Integrin enables cells to survive and spread, which is essential for tumor progression. We suspect that integrin hijacks HLA and takes over its functions. When we suppressed integrin, HLA was unable to make cells grow and move," said Reed.
Conversely, when the team suppressed HLA, integrin could no longer support cells' communication with their environment. The finding implies that HLA is required for functions regulated by integrin, such as cellular movement.
The research was published in the Nov. 23 edition of Science Signaling.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Brief Intermission
Im on vacation until November 23rd and will resume regular posts at that time. Meanwhile, please browse previous posts and the extensive sidebar links. Thanks, Merv.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
New book collects letters from transplant recipients to their donors
New book collects moving messages from transplant patients to bereaved families who saved their lives
DailyRecord.co.uk
They are the tender and heart-warming words of people who owe their lives to the generosity of those surrounded by tragedy.
The moving letters written by transplant patients and their families have been turned into a book to encourage more people to sign the organ donor register.
Thank You For Life has been compiled by Professor Andrew Burroughs. He is responsible for passing on letters from transplant patients to the family of their donor. With the consent of everyone involved, he decided to bring some of the moving messages together in the book.
Professor Burroughs, consultant physician and hepatologist at Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, said: "My colleague Linda Selves, a transplant co-ordinator, and I have been thinking about this for four years.
"We see the results of transplantation but realised there wasn't enough thanks going to our donors. We believe they should be recognised and celebrated.
"The book is a first step in that process and illustrates transplants are about people and not organs.
"At the launch, I suggested we start a campaign to use the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square for a monument to donors. The square is dedicated to unknown heroes and the donors are certainly that.
"Almost all families are pleased to receive these letters because it is confirmation some good has come from their loved one's death.
"Even though it reminds them of the sadness, I do think it helps with the grieving process.
"Of course, we hope the book encourages more people to sign the organ register."
Here, we take a look at a few of the letters in this touching collection, published by the Royal College of Physicians for NHS Blood Transplant.
Helen Eccles was given a life-saving liver transplant two days after her daughter's birth in 1996. In her letter to the donor's family, she wrote: "Without the transplant, I would certainly have died, leaving my husband to look after our new-born baby on his own.
"Like most transplant patients, the gift of life has been amazing and words can never express just how grateful we really are. I enclose a picture of Ella, our baby."
Helen wrote again to the family recently. She said: "It's a relief to be writing again ... to reiterate my deepest heartfelt thanks to you all for the amazing gift of life that your grandmother and mother gave me, my friends and my family, by donating her liver to save my life.
"I have so much to be grateful for and to celebrate that is marvellous and I am pleased to say that one of the legacies of being a transplant patient is that I really appreciate the small things in life.
"Being able to spend time with family and friends is so important to me, as is doing the most ordinary things with them.
"My daughter Ella is now a beautiful teenager and every year on her birthday I am reminded how blessed we are because that is the time of my transplant."
Joan's letter was in many ways the inspiration for the book.
It was read out at her memorial service by her grandchildren, almost 20 years after her liver transplant. She said: "When I had my transplant, there was a very strong feeling of what I can only describe as love among us all. I felt proud and humbled to be part of the team. Transplantation is much more than a physical miracle.
"It is a bonding of humanity, and it has altered and enhanced my life in so many ways. I cannot adequately express my gratitude."
Simon had his first transplant in 1994 for liver failure. Two months later, he had to be listed for a second, and for a third eight years later.
Following his final transplant, Simon married fiancee Tansy and nine years on he enjoys good health.
His mum, Maureen, has routinely written to Cathy, the mum of Simon's donor, Emma.
In one letter, she said: "Thank you for Emma's photograph. She was beautiful. I have not shown it to Simon. I do not think he could bear to see it. He is so conscious she has enabled him to live.
"When Simon was in ITU after his transplant, Tansy used to talk to Emma's liver. She welcomed it, said it was now safe after its trauma and told it about Simon. That he was gentle and would look after it."
Deborah had her transplant 12 years ago and remains well and grateful for this amazing gift. In her letter to her donor's mum, she wrote: "It feels good to be able to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of life your daughter has given me and for the kindness and compassion you have shown.
"My name is Deborah and I am 39. I am engaged to Mark and we are planning to get married in May this year.
"I want to say to you it was a wonderful thing you did as a mother that in your deep sadness showed a caring and giving heart.
"I have a much better quality of life now since coming off dialysis five years ago. My father died of kidney failure when I was three.
"I often think about your daughter, who she was and what she was like. Despite not knowing her, I think about her with affection and much respect."
Susan Lee-Clark had chronic liver disease since she was 11. Five years ago, she was so ill she didn't leave her room for 18 months.
In her letter, she said: "I watched a year in my son's life tick past.
"Family life was not good, my husband's work suffered and he became extremely tired and desperate as he took on more and more responsibilities in the home.
"To give you a small example of just how much your gift has meant to us, please imagine this.
"My son Harry and I were at our local play area last week and I was able to help him ride his bike without stabilisers. We had smiles and tears of joy and the glow of confidence beaming from Harry.
"I can honestly say the memory of the three of us just "being", smiling, holding each other and crying will live with me forever."
Dad-of-four Steve, 37, was diagnosed with liver disease about five years ago. In his letter, he says: "I would love the donor family to know their brave decision not only saved my life, but it transformed all our lives. We've been able to move on from illness and benefits."
John was 14 when he had his kidney transplant. That was eight years ago and he is still fit and well.
His younger sister Sarah wrote to the donor family, saying: "Thank you for making my brother's life better.
"We're all happy he has had his transplant.
"He is happy as well."
NOTE FROM MERV
Also please read the heartwarming exchange of letters between a lung transplant recipient and her donor family that was posted here in September.
DailyRecord.co.uk
They are the tender and heart-warming words of people who owe their lives to the generosity of those surrounded by tragedy.
The moving letters written by transplant patients and their families have been turned into a book to encourage more people to sign the organ donor register.
Thank You For Life has been compiled by Professor Andrew Burroughs. He is responsible for passing on letters from transplant patients to the family of their donor. With the consent of everyone involved, he decided to bring some of the moving messages together in the book.
Professor Burroughs, consultant physician and hepatologist at Royal Free Hampstead NHS Trust, said: "My colleague Linda Selves, a transplant co-ordinator, and I have been thinking about this for four years.
"We see the results of transplantation but realised there wasn't enough thanks going to our donors. We believe they should be recognised and celebrated.
"The book is a first step in that process and illustrates transplants are about people and not organs.
"At the launch, I suggested we start a campaign to use the fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square for a monument to donors. The square is dedicated to unknown heroes and the donors are certainly that.
"Almost all families are pleased to receive these letters because it is confirmation some good has come from their loved one's death.
"Even though it reminds them of the sadness, I do think it helps with the grieving process.
"Of course, we hope the book encourages more people to sign the organ register."
Here, we take a look at a few of the letters in this touching collection, published by the Royal College of Physicians for NHS Blood Transplant.
Helen Eccles was given a life-saving liver transplant two days after her daughter's birth in 1996. In her letter to the donor's family, she wrote: "Without the transplant, I would certainly have died, leaving my husband to look after our new-born baby on his own.
"Like most transplant patients, the gift of life has been amazing and words can never express just how grateful we really are. I enclose a picture of Ella, our baby."
Helen wrote again to the family recently. She said: "It's a relief to be writing again ... to reiterate my deepest heartfelt thanks to you all for the amazing gift of life that your grandmother and mother gave me, my friends and my family, by donating her liver to save my life.
"I have so much to be grateful for and to celebrate that is marvellous and I am pleased to say that one of the legacies of being a transplant patient is that I really appreciate the small things in life.
"Being able to spend time with family and friends is so important to me, as is doing the most ordinary things with them.
"My daughter Ella is now a beautiful teenager and every year on her birthday I am reminded how blessed we are because that is the time of my transplant."
Joan's letter was in many ways the inspiration for the book.
It was read out at her memorial service by her grandchildren, almost 20 years after her liver transplant. She said: "When I had my transplant, there was a very strong feeling of what I can only describe as love among us all. I felt proud and humbled to be part of the team. Transplantation is much more than a physical miracle.
"It is a bonding of humanity, and it has altered and enhanced my life in so many ways. I cannot adequately express my gratitude."
Simon had his first transplant in 1994 for liver failure. Two months later, he had to be listed for a second, and for a third eight years later.
Following his final transplant, Simon married fiancee Tansy and nine years on he enjoys good health.
His mum, Maureen, has routinely written to Cathy, the mum of Simon's donor, Emma.
In one letter, she said: "Thank you for Emma's photograph. She was beautiful. I have not shown it to Simon. I do not think he could bear to see it. He is so conscious she has enabled him to live.
"When Simon was in ITU after his transplant, Tansy used to talk to Emma's liver. She welcomed it, said it was now safe after its trauma and told it about Simon. That he was gentle and would look after it."
Deborah had her transplant 12 years ago and remains well and grateful for this amazing gift. In her letter to her donor's mum, she wrote: "It feels good to be able to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the gift of life your daughter has given me and for the kindness and compassion you have shown.
"My name is Deborah and I am 39. I am engaged to Mark and we are planning to get married in May this year.
"I want to say to you it was a wonderful thing you did as a mother that in your deep sadness showed a caring and giving heart.
"I have a much better quality of life now since coming off dialysis five years ago. My father died of kidney failure when I was three.
"I often think about your daughter, who she was and what she was like. Despite not knowing her, I think about her with affection and much respect."
Susan Lee-Clark had chronic liver disease since she was 11. Five years ago, she was so ill she didn't leave her room for 18 months.
In her letter, she said: "I watched a year in my son's life tick past.
"Family life was not good, my husband's work suffered and he became extremely tired and desperate as he took on more and more responsibilities in the home.
"To give you a small example of just how much your gift has meant to us, please imagine this.
"My son Harry and I were at our local play area last week and I was able to help him ride his bike without stabilisers. We had smiles and tears of joy and the glow of confidence beaming from Harry.
"I can honestly say the memory of the three of us just "being", smiling, holding each other and crying will live with me forever."
Dad-of-four Steve, 37, was diagnosed with liver disease about five years ago. In his letter, he says: "I would love the donor family to know their brave decision not only saved my life, but it transformed all our lives. We've been able to move on from illness and benefits."
John was 14 when he had his kidney transplant. That was eight years ago and he is still fit and well.
His younger sister Sarah wrote to the donor family, saying: "Thank you for making my brother's life better.
"We're all happy he has had his transplant.
"He is happy as well."
NOTE FROM MERV
Also please read the heartwarming exchange of letters between a lung transplant recipient and her donor family that was posted here in September.
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
Register to be a donor in Ontario at Trillium Gift of Life Network NEW for Ontario: recycleMe.org - Learn The Ins & Outs Of Organ And Tissue Donation. Register Today! For other Canadian provinces click here
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at ShareYourLife.org or Download Donor Cards from OrganDonor.Gov
In Great Britain, register at NHS Organ Donor Register
In Australia, register at Australian Organ Donor Register
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
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