Cobertura Reciente en los Medios
Hospital 101: Donation Ambassador Workshop
By Kim Robuck, Hospital Development Manager
Last year, 151 critical care nurses, respiratory therapists, and other professionals key to the donation process attended a Donor Alliance ambassador training workshop. Hospital ambassadors are provided with in depth education on all aspects of the organ donation process, from the referral through organ & tissue recovery. Following the workshop, they facilitate communication and serve as a resource to their peers. Last year, Donor Alliance collaborated with ambassadors and other healthcare professionals to facilitate 139 organ donations in order to provide 424 lifesaving organs for transplantation.
Coroner’s Corner: Emma Hall, Boulder County Coroner
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Emma Hall, Boulder County Coroner[/caption]
Q&A with Boulder County Coroner, Emma Hall
When did you know you wanted to become coroner?
When I was a young child, only four years old, there was a murder that occurred near my home. At the time this incident left me with so many unanswered questions; however, one question always remained with me. Were the family’s questions answered? That question and this case inspired me to take an interest in becoming a coroner.
Do you have a personal tie to organ and/or tissue donation?
I have a cousin whose daughter was hit and killed by a car just one week prior to Christmas many years ago. She was only sixteen at the time; she passed away several days later in the hospital. Multiple discussions were had with many mixed emotions and opinions amongst various family members; although, in the end the final wishes of her parents were to proceed with donation. Her gift to other children helped her parents have some closure in their great loss. These are the types of cases that remind me how important the gift of donation can be to the family.
Tell us about the first time your work involved organ and/or tissue donation.
When I first started working in this field, donation was a high priority for the Coroner’s Office where I was employed. That exposure provided a great opportunity for a lot of education and experience with families and decedents who went through the donation process. There are too many cases to select just one or even a first. They have all left a lasting impression on me and will continue to do just that.
What about organ and/or tissue donation makes you committed to helping facilitate the donation?
I think in this field it’s important to find the positive things when we can. One of the areas that I find very rewarding is working with families to help facilitate the last wishes of their loved ones. I believe, anytime we can ensure their wishes are met we should do just that. When those include donation, I am always committed to help facilitate the donation while still balancing the responsibility to determine manner and cause of death. Although I know we could never heal a loss, I know we can make the interaction less impacting by assisting the families in any way we possibly can.
What is the one thing you would want others to know about your work?
I would want them to know just how rewarding this role can be. I wouldn’t define it as work. Although it may seem odd to some, I find the role of a coroner extremely rewarding. It takes special people with passion to fit into that role, and it’s a very important role. We definitely meet people at the most difficult times of their lives, this is inevitable. However, knowing that we can fulfil the role of assisting families through the process of losing a loved one is extremely rewarding. That’s why it is so much more than just work that I do or a job I currently have.
What are you most proud of?
I am very honored to be able to serve my community as the Boulder County Coroner. As a child it was one of my dreams to make a difference in my community, and I truly feel with my role as a Coroner I have accomplished that. I am proud of the service that I have provided for the community and the improvements I have been able to make to the Boulder County Coroner’s Office as a whole.
What book is on your nightstand?
Live Happy! A book of inspirational thoughts on love, life and laughter.
Staff Spotlight: Alison Gillum
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Alison Gillum, Wyoming Community Relations Coordinator[/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: Alison Gillum
Position: Community Relations Coordinator - WY
Years at Donor Alliance: 9 months
Why you chose to work at Donor Alliance: It is very important for me to know that the work I do every day makes a positive impact in the lives of others. I knew that coming to DA would allow me the opportunity to do just that. My job provides me with the privilege of getting to know the most amazing donor families and recipients, all while working alongside some of the most talented, passionate, dedicated people I’ve ever met.
What does donation and transplantation mean to you: Donation and transplantation represents hope and possibility to me. Donation provides hope to donor families at one of the hardest times of their lives, and every time someone new joins the organ, eye and tissue registry, it brings hope to someone in need of a lifesaving transplant. Donation and transplantation provides people with so much possibility through a second chance at life. There is no greater gift that anyone could give or receive.
Any direct connection to donation and transplantation: I don't have a direct connection, but donation and transplantation is a cause I'm very passionate about.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working (hobbies and such): I enjoy spending time with my husband getting out and exploring Wyoming! There is so much natural beauty to appreciate here. We’re still discovering all the hiking trails and parks. Additionally, I’m kind of history nerd, so I really enjoy visiting all of the great historic sites around the state as well.
Advocate Spotlight: Cary Galvin
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Cary Galvin, Donor Sister[/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 Cary Galvin, a Donor Sister from Casper, Wyoming.
What has been your favorite memory volunteering for Donor Alliance?
I recently volunteered at the Casper Coyotes game and had an older lady stop at the table to talk to me it was just one of those conversations that you feel comfortable telling your story.
What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?
The last book I read was Turbo Twenty Two by Janet Evanovich. I would definitely recommend all of her books, she is an amazing author and keeps you wanting more.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose?
If I could have lunch with anyone it would be Abraham Lincoln.
What is your favorite thing about fall?
My favorite thing about fall is the changing leaves and cooler air.
What is your favorite holiday & why?
My favorite holiday is Halloween. I love to carve pumpkins and to see the kids dressed in their costumes.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Remember that you are only one person and you need to breathe.
“My Hero Said Yes!”
You may have seen our “My Hero Said Yes!” transplant recipients sharing their stories around Colorado and Wyoming. These “My Hero Said Yes!” stories are a localized representation of the lifesaving impact of organ, eye and tissue donation.
Each sign, poster or television spot that you have seen tells the inspiring, real-life story of a transplant recipient right here in our area while also honoring their donors who made a selfless and heroic decision by saying “yes” to registering as organ, eye and tissue donors. The campaign features ten amazing transplant recipients from around Colorado and Wyoming doing the things they have been able to return to thanks to their transplants: their jobs, hobbies, favorite sports, and more.
To learn more about the transplant recipients featured in the “My Hero Said Yes!” campaign, visit the Our Stories page. For more information on how you can register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit www.DonateLifeColorado.org or www.DonateLifeWyoming.org.
Celebrating the Gift of Life This Holiday Season
This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and forget to take a moment to be grateful for what you have. As the sister of an organ donor who passed away in 2004, I like to take time around the holidays to remember my sister’s heroic gifts of life, and be grateful for the second chance she gave to so many others.
I remember my sister Kenzie’s sweet laugh and freckles. She was the glue that did and still does hold my family together. Kenzie was a good student; a typical teenage girl that enjoyed driving around in her little Honda Civic listening to music with her friends. Kenzie tragically passed away in October 2004, just four days before her 18th birthday. As a registered organ, eye and tissue donor, Kenzie was able to save the lives of five transplant recipients after her death.
The beginning of my re-building process after Kenzie’s death was the moment I learned of the news of her donation. Since then, my family and I have spoken with nearly all of Kenzie’s recipients, and have met her heart recipient, Dylan, and his family. Dylan has had Kenzie’s heart for 12 years and I can’t imagine anyone more deserving.
In July 2016, Dylan, his wife, brother and parents met me and my family at a coffee shop. After sharing stories and pictures and shedding many tears, we decided to go to “Kenzie’s tree.” Before our father passed away, he planted a tree and installed a bench with a plaque in a park near the home where we grew up. It was there that Dylan asked us if we wanted to hear his heart, Kenzie’s heart. After placing our hands over his heart and feeling it beat, we all sobbed. The best way I can put the experience into words is that I was overwhelmed with familiarity. In that moment, Dylan was no longer a stranger and wouldn’t be again.
The gift of donation truly weaves in and out of your grief for your loved one as the years go on. It has become part of the yin and yang of the story of my sister. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang – dark and light – describe how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected and interdependent in the natural world. How these forces may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another. The stories of Kenzie’s recipients are the light in my dark.
In sharing Kenzie’s story this holiday season, 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.
Video: Kate Geer – 2017 Rose Parade Float Rider
We're honored to have Kate Geer and her family represent us at the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. Kate will travel from Grand Junction to ride on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float on Monday, January 2 in honor of her husband Derek Geer, a Mesa County Sheriff's Deputy who was killed in the line of duty in early 2016. Derek saved four lives through organ donation after his death. The float has become the world’s most visible campaign to inspire donation. Kate will be joined on the float by 23 other individuals from around the country whose lives were impacted by donation and transplantation.
Since her husband’s passing, Kate has been an active advocate for donation. Leading up to her appearance in the Rose Parade, Kate participated in a Donate Life flag raising and pinning ceremony on December 6 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Grand Junction, CO. In addition to a Donate Life flag being raised at the hospital in honor of Derek, as a symbol of thanks, Kate pinned Donate Life pins onto members of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office that worked alongside her husband.
The 128th Rose Parade will start at 8 a.m. PST on January 2, 2017 and be broadcast live in the U.S. by broadcast partners ABC, NBC, HGTV, Hallmark Channel, Univision and more. Check local broadcast listings for more information. For more information about the 2017 Teammates in Life Donate Life Rose Parade Float, visit http://www.donatelifefloat.org.
Casper Coyotes Host Donate Life Weekend
Donor Alliance teamed up with the Casper Coyotes hockey team this year for the first ever Donate Life Weekend to promote Donate Life Wyoming - the organ, eye and tissue registry for Wyoming. It was an action packed weekend as the Coyotes took on their rivals from the south, the Colorado Eagles. Fans with hearts on their driver's licenses had the opportunity to enter to win an autographed Coyotes jersey. By the end of the weekend over 150 registered donors were in the running to win the jersey.
The Yotes rolled out the red carpet on Saturday night for Casper native, heart recipient, and Donor Alliance Advocate for Life, Jason Wynia, who started the game out with a ceremonial puck drop. "We are so grateful to be able to partner with the Casper Coyotes to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. Their support has really enabled us to get the word out about the nearly 200 Wyomingites currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, and why it's so important to register to be a donor," said Donor Alliance Community Relations Coordinator, Alison Gillum. The Coyotes will be promoting Donate Life Wyoming all season long. If you're interested in catching a game, please visit their website for more information: http://www.caspercoyotes.com/.
“Gift of Life” Balloon Dazzles at Parade of Lights
On December 2nd and 3rd, donor families and recipients came together to celebrate the Gift of Life at the 42nd Annual 9News Parade of Lights in Downtown Denver. Donor Alliance's Gift of Life balloon delighted the crowd! Surrounded by donor families, recipients and their families, the Parade of Lights and our balloon is a touching tribute to the gifts that donation and transplantation bring to the community and families. See all of the photos from the parade below!
2016 Cheyenne Christmas Parade – Celebrating the Gift of Life
The Donate Life Wyoming float made its debut in the Cheyenne Christmas Parade on Saturday, November 26, 2016. A festive group of organ recipients, living donors, donor families and friends came together to ring in the holiday season and celebrate organ, eye and tissue donation. Among the group was a heart recipient from Cheyenne and his donor family from Denver. They had the opportunity to share their incredible story with KGWN/CBS-5 in Cheyenne. See the coverage here.
Coloradans Celebrate Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation at 2016 9NEWS Parade of Lights
This holiday season, Coloradans touched by organ, eye and tissue donation will be raising awareness for the cause and trying to inspire others to register at the 9News Parade of Lights. On December 2 and 3, nearly 50 Coloradans that have either had a family member become a donor, or who have received a transplant themselves, will be escorting a “Gift of Life” balloon in Denver’s 9News Parade of Lights. This annual holiday tradition will feature the Donate Life Colorado “Gift of Life” balloon, which is a jumbo balloon in the shape of a gift box, honoring those who have donated and representing the hope made possible by donation. Families of donors and transplant recipients from throughout Colorado will lead the float.
This year marks the 42nd Annual 9News Parade of Lights. The two-mile parade in Downtown Denver is free to attend and features marching bands, ornate floats and a special appearance by Santa. For more information about the 9News Parade of Lights, including the parade route, visit: http://denverparadeoflights.com/.
Coloradans can register their decision to be donors by saying ‘yes’ each time they obtain or renew a driver license or state ID, or at www.DonateLifeColorado.org anytime.
Advocate Spotlight: Lucy Williamson
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Lucy Williamson, Liver Recipient[/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 Lucy Williamson, a liver recipient from Cheyenne, Wyoming.
What has been your favorite memory in volunteering for Donor Alliance?
I was honored to be the keynote speaker the the Wyoming Donor Family Tribute in 2010. It also happened to be on my one-year transplant anniversary. Sharing my gratitude with donor families was a powerful moment for my family, friends and I.
What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?
I got to read a lot this summer vacation. My favorite was the Martian. I highly recommend the book but have not seen the movie. Another great read is Hidden Kitchens by The Kitchen Sisters.
If you could be any animal, what animal would you choose and why?
Polar Bear. They are strong, beautiful, wild, respected and comfortable in the water and on land.
If you could have lunch with anyone, who would you choose?
Michelle Obama. Awesome, strong, intelligent woman who has made a difference.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Hire smart people. You can teach them what you need them to know.