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National Minority Donor Awareness Week
Observed annually, National Minority Donor Awareness Week (August 1 – 7) was created to increase awareness of the need for more organ, eye, and tissue donors, especially among minorities. This special observance honors minorities who have been donors, and encourages others to register as donors as organ, eye and tissue donors. In addition, this observance also encourages the public to take better care of their health in order to reduce the number of people needing a transplant.
In our community, there are more than 2,500 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Of those waiting, 42% belong to multicultural communities with 58% of them being Hispanics, 25% of them being African Americans and 9% of them being Asians.
Although organ transplant candidates are not matched based on race/ethnicity, transplant matches made within ethnic groups can be more compatible. That is why it is so important for people in minority communities to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and share their decision with their families.[caption id="attachment_14199" align="alignleft" width="449"]
Event at Museum of Nature & Science[/caption]
This August, we partnered with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to celebrate this observance by providing interactive, educational activities at the SCFD Community Free Day on August 6. Through this initiative, we were able to reach more than 10,000 museum guests and educate them on the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors.
You can help those waiting for a second chance at life by saying “yes” at the driver license office or Driver Services, or anytime at Donate Life Colorado.
IN THE NEWS: The top organ, eye and tissue donation stories from around the nation in July
July’s biggest organ, eye and tissue donation news and stories from around Colorado, Wyoming and the U.S.:
Donor Alliance’s Donor Dash holds special meaning for Eric Studesville
In partnering with Donor Alliance, which sponsors the Donor Dash, Studesville found an outlet to help their memory live on. “I wanted to do something to continue the legacy of giving and talk about how unselfish that was to do something for somebody else and potentially save a life, which she did,” Studesville said. Read more.
“It’s an affirmation of his gift of life”; deceased Boulder man’s liver saves another’s life
Keith Stampley traveled to Broomfield from Alton, Ill. to show his thanks to the mother of the man whose liver has given him a new lease on life. Read more.
The Pedal For Life founder shares why the campaign was started
For the founder of the organization, Bruce Brockway, the cause is personal. According to Pedal For Life, Bruce's ten year old son helped save the lives of 132 people who needed a transplant after his passing. Read more.
Tennessee woman surprises husband with match for kidney transplant
Steven Winfree has been going through cycles of dialysis to help him survive. He has kidney failure and desperately needs a transplant. When his wife, Heather Winfree, found out she was a match to donate her kidney to him, she decided to tell him in a very special way and captured the moment on video. Read more.
Donor Dash 2017: Thousands Gather at Denver’s Washington Park to Celebrate the Gift of Life
On July 16, Donor Alliance hosted the 18th annual Donor Dash at Washington Park in Denver. The Donor Dash is a 5K run/walk that honors the lives of organ, eye and tissue donors; celebrates the lives of organ, eye and tissue recipients; and recognizes those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant. This year, more than 5,800 registered participants gathered to support and spread awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.
A big thank you to all of the participants, speakers, volunteers and organizations who helped make this year’s Donor Dash a huge success!
Video: Heart Recipient Writes Children’s Book
Receiving a heart transplant at just 2 years of age, Syriah wanted to give back. Working with her teacher at Northglenn High School, Syriah wrote a children's book to help kids like her who were facing a transplant. Syriah presented that book along with others written by her classmates to the Transplant Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The hopes are that these patients will read these stories and realize that they're not alone in this! This project was a part of our incredible Transplantation Science Program designed for students in middle and high school. Click here to learn more about this FREE course.
Advocate Spotlight: Noel Morris
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Noel Morris - Donor Mother[/caption]
Donor Alliance volunteers and advocates are the heart and soul of our efforts to inspire and inform our community about the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors in Colorado and Wyoming. Each of our volunteers and advocates has their own unique and inspiring story to tell. This month, we are featuring Noel, a Donor Mother from Centennial, CO.
Favorite memory volunteering with Donor Alliance: My favorite memory so far was getting to do the Christmas parade in Wyoming with my family. It was a wonderful experience.
If you could take an all-expenses paid vacation, where would you go: I would go home to California in the Santa Barbara area.
What is the last book you read or movie you saw: Last book or movie would be Wonder woman and I would recommend it. I love superhero movies.
What is your greatest accomplishment: My greatest accomplishment is graduating from college I’m the only one in my family to graduate from a college so it meant a lot to me and it was a good learning experience.
What song would you sing at karaoke night: That’s a hard one I sing all the time and I love so many different types of music but I guess it would be Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy.
If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do: If I won the lottery I would take a 3 month vacation.
What is one thing you could not go a day without: I could not go a day without My family.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Advice, I can spend my days focusing on all the difficult things I’ve been through and the loss of those I’ve loved or I can choose to be happy for what today will bring and find Joy in God and the people who surround me.
Staff Spotlight: Kristi Colton
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Kristi Colton - Donor Alliance Recruiter[/caption]
We’re so proud to work with each and every one of our staff members here at Donor Alliance. In our Staff Spotlight, we like to take a minute to let you learn more about who we are and why we work at Donor Alliance.
Name: Kristi Colton
Position: Recruiter
Years at Donor Alliance: 1 year, 4 months
Why you chose Donor Alliance: I chose Donor Alliance because I wanted to be in a position where I was giving back to our community. It didn’t hurt that all the staff I met during the process were so welcoming. I stay with Donor Alliance because of our mission. I’m inspired by the selflessness of donor families, the hope given to recipients, and my fearless coworkers every day.
Tell us about your background: My background comes from the staffing and recruiting industry. I spent quite a few years working for a staffing company doing large-scale outsourced staffing, then moved into more specific Business Services roles. Eventually I made my way up to Executive Recruitment for a variety of industries.
What do you enjoy doing away from the office: I’m a HUGE hockey fan- Go Pens! I love watching hockey, trying to make sure I get my FitBit steps in, and spending as much of my summer at Red Rocks as possible!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Try not to burn bridges! Who knows when you will meet, see, or need someone’s assistance in the future!
If I won the lottery:. I would a) go to Italy! And b) spend the next hockey season seeing a game in every NHL arena.
A Mother Hears Her Son’s Heartbeat In the Woman Whose Life He Saved
After 24 years, Judi, a Donor Mother from Fort Collins, gets to hear her son's heart beating in the woman whose life he saved through organ donation. An incredibly powerful moment all made possible because of Shane's heroic donation. We were so incredibly honored to be a part of this incredible day.
Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo Parade Day 2017
On a bright and hot July 11, 2017, Donate Life Wyoming joined other Casper groups to "Stirrup Some Fun" in the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo Annual Parade. Advocates and volunteers gathered from all over Wyoming, donning cowboy hats and University of Wyoming t-shirts to show their support for organ, eye and tissue donation.
Cayde Brannaman, double lung recipient of Cheyenne, and Jason Wynia, heart recipient of Casper, walk in the parade to thank and honor the families of their donors. Cayde took aim with her water soaker and a mischievous smile at hundreds of Casper residents ready for the cool down.
Heart Recipient rides in the “Daddy of ’em all!”
Cheyenne Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo, truly the "Daddy of 'em all", included a special cowboy again this year.
Ryan Rochlitz, a CFD Alum and a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, competed again this year. He shared his story of receiving a life-saving gift.
Ryan says, "People may not think about registering to be a donor until they are directly affected by it. I would encourage anyone considering it to think about how they would feel if someone they loved needed a transplant. It’s also important to make sure you educate yourself so you can make a well informed decision based on facts and not a misconception you may have. You can be a hero to someone waiting for a lifesaving transplant."
[embed]https://youtu.be/HqYNnQm9Ih4[/embed]
Donor Dash: What You Need to Know for Race Day
On Sunday, July 16, thousands of people will join us at Denver’s Washington Park to support organ, eye and tissue donation at the 18th annual Donor Dash 5K run/walk. To make the most of your Donor Dash experience, here is what you need to know to help you prepare for race day:
- Arrive Early! We’re hoping to break attendance records with 6,000 people, so come early, expect some congestion and use it as an opportunity to meet some other people who’ve been touched by the gift of life.
- Parking: Parking is available at South High School and transportation assistance will be provided from the parking lot to the start line, which is near Mississippi and Franklin. Please reserve transportation assistance for those who are unable to make the trek.
- Race Course and Map: You can find a race day map of the course and activities here. The course and layout are similar to prior Donor Dashes and should look familiar to return dashers.
- Race, Expo and Program Start Times: The race begins at 8:00 a.m. for runners and 8:05 a.m. for walkers. Dogs and strollers are welcome, but please wait to start your race with the back of the group and be courteous to the runners and walkers around you. The expo area opens at 8:00 a.m. near the finish line and the program begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp!
- Free Team Photos: Teams of 10 or more are eligible for a free team photo. Have all team members report to the team photo area near the start line to take advantage of professional team photos from 7:00 – 7:45 a.m. or following the race from 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. If you are trying to get your photo taken pre-race, make sure to do so before 7:30 a.m.
For any additional information, visit our Donor Dash FAQs page.
Organ Donation Allows Grateful Dad to Spend Father’s Day with His Sons
By Douglas Carlson, liver transplant recipient
As a recipient of a life-saving liver transplant, when Father’s Day rolls around each year and I’m spending time – that I wasn’t sure I was going to get to have – with my sons, I like to reflect on my second chance at life, and to be thankful to my hero who made it all possible.
In 1992, I started having severe side aches. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare liver disease, and was placed on the transplant wait list. For the next seven years, I waited, hoping I would live long enough to see my two sons graduate from high school. On June 29, 1999, I received a life-saving transplant that has given me the time I was hoping for with my sons, and so much more.
Now, I work hard to keep healthy and honor my donor. I follow a good diet and play ice hockey two days a week. Last summer I was lucky enough to celebrate my 70th birthday and can’t thank my donor and donor family enough for the selfless gift that has helped to keep me alive. My donor family, whom I’ve had the privilege of meeting a number of times, holds a very special place in my heart.
In sharing my story, I am hopeful that I can help to inspire others to say “yes” to organ, eye and tissue donation. DonatelifeColorado.org is a great resource with the facts you need to make an informed decision about donation and to register as a donor online. You can also register while obtaining a driver’s license or state ID.
IN THE NEWS: The top organ, eye and tissue donation stories from around the nation in May
May’s biggest organ, eye and tissue donation news and stories from around Colorado, Wyoming and the U.S.:
Casper Woman Saves Her Stepdad’s Life
April was National Donate Life Month and in Wyoming, nearly 200 people await a lifesaving organ transplant. News13 met with Shea Bicknese, of Casper, who made the ultimate sacrifice when she donated one of her kidneys to her stepdad. Watch the story here.
Former Wyoming Senate president wants organ donation laws to change
Phil Nicholas served in the Wyoming Legislature for 19 years, the last two as the president of the Senate. But recently, the Republican was on the other side of the dais, asking lawmakers for help. He wants organ and tissue donation laws that make it easier for Wyomingites to give the gift of life. He also asked lawmakers to eliminate hurdles to transplants. Read more.
Facing inevitable liver transplant, young girl didn’t need to look far for a living donor
Peri Erickson and her mother participated in only the second pediatric live-donor transplant this year performed through a partnership between Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado Hospital. Read more.
Chance meeting ends in life-saving kidney transplant for vet
Edgar Roberts will receive his transplant Tuesday after meeting his donor, John Branson, by complete chance at a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Georgia. Read more.