As the holidays roll around, I’m sharing my experience with the true spirit of giving. I was given a second chance at life thanks to the generosity of a selfless organ donor.

In 2018, my battle with a rare disease brought me to the brink of acute liver failure. I entered the ICU, unaware of the life-changing event that awaited me. In just 22 days, I emerged from the hospital with a new liver, marking the beginning of a remarkable chapter in my life.

I’ve since regained my health, but also found purpose and fulfillment in a career within the very healthcare system that saved me. My story isn’t just about survival; it’s about embracing life with renewed vigor and gratitude – the only way to truly express my sincere thanks for the selflessness that saved my life.

Since becoming a liver recipient, I’ve also become a passionate advocate for donation, championing the mission of saving lives through donation and transplantation. On December 9th, I [walked] with Donor Alliance alongside dozens of others who have been touched by donation in the Festival of Lights in Colorado Springs. I’m hopeful that my story serves as a reminder of the impact each of us can have by registering as organ, eye, and tissue donors.

The gift of a new chance at life has meant everything to me. It defied the natural course of events that would have sunset my life at just 35, offering me a miracle that words struggle to capture.

Jeremy Mares

Pueblo, CO

Register in Colorado  Register in Wyoming

The post Gift of Life Story of Hope: Jeremy Mare’s Second Chance at Life appeared first on Donor Alliance.

The Gift of Life balloon was escorted by Colorado families whose loved ones made the decision to donate and transplant recipients who benefitted from donation. The group was made up of roughly 20 moving stories of hope, including:

• Melanie Merrill-Kennedy, Recipient’s Mother, Parker, CO: 

Each year as the season of giving arrives, I like to reflect on one of the greatest gifts our family has been given: the gift of life. My son, Pochie, is a liver transplant recipient and was given a second chance at life thanks to his heroic donor and their family.

With a career in the medical field and after years of caring for transplant patients, I’ve always had an appreciation for the incredible transformation made possible through a donor’s gift of life. That feeling of gratitude grew even more after I became the mother of a transplant recipient.

It’s been almost 12 years since I met Pochie and later brought him into our family’s life. I met him the day I admitted him for his liver transplant. He touched my heart and I vividly remember telling our social worker that if he ever needed another foster placement to contact me.

Nine months later, in December 2012, I received an email that he needed another foster placement with the potential for adoption. I called my husband immediately and told him I couldn’t help feeling this was meant to be. Who better to take care of a liver transplant recipient than me? My husband agreed, and we brought Pochie home with us. I can’t imagine our family without him, and it was all made possible because someone said “yes” to organ donation.

Following the death of their child, at a time of tremendous grief, pain and heartbreak, the parents of Pochie’s donor made the decision to say yes to organ, eye, and tissue donation. I’m forever grateful for their decision.

In honor of Pochie’s donor and to raise awareness for organ, eye, and tissue donation, I will walk with Donor Alliance in the 9NEWS Parade of Lights in downtown Denver on Dec. 2. I will be escorting the “Gift of Life” balloon alongside dozens of others who have been touched by donation and transplantation.

In sharing our story, I’m hopeful that it will inspire others to say “yes” to organ, eye, and tissue donation. DonorAlliance.org is a great resource to help people make an informed decision about donation and to sign up to become a donor online. You can also register anytime you obtain or renew a driver license or state ID.

Melanie Merrill-Kennedy

Parker, CO

The 9NEWS Parade of Lights is a downtown Denver tradition that brings joy to people of all ages in the form of illumination.

Join the 66 percent of Coloradans who have registered to be organ, eye and tissue donors. For more information about organ and tissue donation, please visit DonorAlliance.org. To register to be an organ and tissue donor, please visit DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

The post “Gift of Life” Balloon Dazzles at 9News Parade of Lights for 12th Year appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Meet Jessie in our December 2023 Donor Alliance Staff Spotlight

Tell us a little about your role at Donor Alliance:

I, along with the PR team, work to engage and educate Colorado and Wyoming residents. This includes traveling to the DMVs, digital marketing, advertising, media relations, events, and public education.

What do you enjoy most about/what’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? 

As a Community Relations Coordinator, I enjoy working with the community and our advocates to help spread awareness about organ eye and tissue donation. Hearing our advocates tell their stories is so inspiring and beautiful.

Tell us about a time at work that really moved you. What’s the most meaningful interaction you’ve had at a Donor Alliance event? Most moving experience you’ve been a part of? 

While traveling to the DMVs around Wyoming, I have heard stories from our DMV staff, who are working to educate the Wyoming residents daily. When you hear these stories of your “neighbors,” it touches our hearts even more.

If you change anything about your life, what would you change? 

Tough question… Currently live somewhere warmer.

When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun? 

When I am not working, I love to explore and stay active. I always have something going on, whether it is traveling somewhere or attending an event in Wyoming. I honestly just like to stay busy!

The post Donor Alliance Staff Spotlight, December 2023: Jessie Caputa appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Typically, organ and tissue donors are individuals who have recently passed away. They have either registered as organ and tissue donors before death or had their family make the decision on their behalf. In 2022, Colorado ranked second in the nation for donor designation. 66% of residents are registered, surpassing the national average of 48.9%. Wyoming also ranked among the top five nationally. 61% of residents were registered in 2022.

Approximately 1,500 people in Colorado and Wyoming await lifesaving organ transplants. This contributes to the over 100,000 individuals nationwide on the waiting list. Thousands more could benefit from organ and tissue donations, providing a new chance at a healthy and productive life. Unfortunately, the demand surpasses the available donors. A single person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

Global and US Organ Donor Statistics

Currently, over 103,000 people are on the national transplant waiting list. The list is diverse—it includes people of every age, ethnicity, and gender. Blood type and other medical factors weigh into the allocation of every donated organ. In 2022, more than 42,000 organ transplants were performed in the United States. This is an increase of 3.7% over 2021 and a new annual record, according to preliminary data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network. Also, for the first year ever, more than 25,000 kidney transplants were performed in the United States, which marked an increase of 3.4% over 2021. In addition, annual records were set for liver (9,528), heart (4,111) and lung (2,692) transplants.

Demographic Breakdown and Historical Trends

In 1954, the kidney was the first human organ to be transplanted successfully. Liver, heart, and pancreas transplants were successfully performed by the late 1960s. Lung and intestinal organ transplant procedures started in the 1980s. Until the early 1980s, the potential of organ rejection limited the number of transplants performed. Medical advances in the prevention and treatment of rejection led to more successful transplants and an increase in demand. In 2022, the U.S. reached an historic milestone of one million transplants.

The need for life-saving organ transplants affects all communities regardless of race, age, and sex. However, there is a far greater need for organ transplants among multicultural communities. Similarly, a prevalent need for more multicultural individuals to sign up as organ and tissue donors. Almost 60% of those on the waiting list nationally are from multicultural communities. The highest populations include Hispanics, African Americans, and Asian/Pacific Islander. While organs are not matched according to race or ethnicity, transplant matches made within ethnic groups can be more compatible.

That’s why it is so important for people in multicultural communities to register as an organ donor. Data has shown that people from diverse backgrounds are more likely to need an organ transplant. This is partially because some diseases that may lead to organ failure, such as diabetes and high blood pressure are more prevalent in multicultural populations. For example, African Americans, Hispanics, and Pacific Islanders are three times more likely than Caucasians to suffer from end-stage renal disease, often as the result of high blood pressure and other conditions.

The Importance and Impact of Organ Donor Registration

Saying “yes” to organ and tissue donation saves and heals lives. Every year, organ and tissue transplants provide hope to tens of thousands of people suffering from disease, injury, trauma, or blindness. People can register to give the gift of life when they get or renew their driver license or state ID, or anytime online.

As of 2022, 170 million people in the U.S. have registered as donors. Nearly 21,300 donors bringing new life to recipients and their families. Here in Colorado and Wyoming, 278 donors in the region saved more than 700 lives through organ donation last year. Nearly 2,000 tissue donors saved and healed more than 143,000 people last year.

The Organ Donation Process

When a person has a life ending injury and is connected to ventilated support, the hospital contacts Donor Alliance who evaluates if donation is possible. Donor Alliance talks with the family about donation and honoring their loved one’s decision. A nationwide database quickly identifies the best match for an organ recipient for transplantation. Donor Alliance then walks alongside the family during the recovery process, ensuring the donor’s gifts are safely received at transplant centers in a timely manner.

Timing is important as organs can only be preserved for a fairly short time. Transplant teams prefer the shortest possible preservation time to offer the best chance of a successful transplant. Kidneys are usually transplanted within 36 hours after removal from the donor. The liver, pancreas, and intestinal organs are typically transplanted within 12 hours. Hearts and lungs have the shortest preservation time; they are usually transplanted within six hours.

The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) partners with the community and with innovative technology companies to continuously improve the proprietary, secure online-based systems involved in placing donated organs efficiently. These partnerships also support the collection of essential data that help improve the national system and increase the number of transplants. Researchers test and innovate to increase efficiency—enabling all parts of the organ donation and transplant community to thrive and to save and heal even more lives.

Personal Stories and Testimonials

Amy is a donor mother from Englewood, CO. In 2001, Amy’s daughter, Nicole, was just 15 years old when she passed away. There is nothing more devastating than losing a child. But in the midst of her loss, Amy made a decision that ultimately saved many lives. Amy’s daughter Nicole donated her heart, liver, and kidney to people in need of life-saving transplants. Because of this generous gift, numerous people were given a second chance at life.

Mandee is one of those people. She had suffered from a congenital heart defect since birth, but after receiving Nicole’s heart, Mandee has a new lease on life. In 2003, Mandee was a bridesmaid at Nicole’s sister’s wedding.

“Donor Alliance has been a great lifeline for me. They were there for our family during our grief and they serve as a support to us today. Almost 10 months after Nicole died, I attended a Donor Alliance workshop on how to tell your story. I always knew that donating was the right thing to do, but until that day I never realized how many people die waiting for organs. That was the day I realized I’d been so wrapped up in the tragedy of Nicole’s death that I forgot that she gave three people a new lease on life. It really hit home that something good had come out of this tragedy.” – Amy, Donor Mother

Legislation and Policy Impact

The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act, enacted in 1968, provides the legal foundation upon which organs and tissues can be donated for transplantation as a gift. The donor registries for our region are a confidential, first-person authorization list of a person’s decision to give the gift of life. By registering their decision, a person is giving hope to those awaiting lifesaving and healing transplants.

Both state and federal laws and regulations provide a safe and fair system for allocation, distribution, and transplantation of donated organs. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) is the federal agency that oversees the organ transplant system in the United States. The U.S. Congress passed the National Organ Transplant Act (NOTA) in 1984 to address the organ donation shortage and improve the organ matching process. NOTA then established the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) to maintain a national system to match organs and individuals.

Donor Alliance is the federally designated Organ Procurement Organization (OPO) for Colorado and most of Wyoming. It is one of 56 unique organizations across the country responsible for the evaluation, recovery, preservation, and transportation of organs for transplantation. In addition to its responsibilities as an OPO, Donor Alliance also helps save and heal lives through tissue donation. Every year, tissue transplants provide lifesaving and healing hope to tens of thousands of people suffering from disease, injury, trauma, or blindness. Donor Alliance is also unique in that it manages the Donate Life Colorado and the Donate Life Wyoming donor registries, which are symbols of the cause.

Psychological and Social Aspects

For donor families, they can find solace in the knowledge of their loved one’s life-saving legacy. For instance, successful heart transplant recipients enjoy higher energy levels, a better quality of life, and the blessing of living longer.

Financial Aspects

Costs associated with recovering and packaging organs and tissues for transplant are never passed on to the donor family. The family may be expected to pay for medical expenses incurred before death is declared and for expenses involving funeral arrangements.

Becoming an Advocate for Organ Donation

Donor Alliance advocates are the heart and soul of its efforts. They inspire the public about the importance of registering as organ and tissue donors in Colorado and Wyoming. Donor Alliance relies heavily on volunteer participation to make its programs possible, from grassroots advocacy to public outreach through education and awareness events. Advocates help put a face to the cause, sharing their stories about how they’ve been personally touched by the gift of life. Making this connection with the public also helps amplify the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor and why it’s equally important to share that decision with family members and friends. They support the mission in increasing how many people are organ and tissue donors.

Join Donor Alliance’s “Advocates for Life” volunteer program—it’s comprised of donor family members, transplant recipients, transplant candidates and others who are passionate about supporting organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

The post How Many People are Organ Donors? appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Buddhism and Organ Donation: Understanding the Connection

You’ve probably heard that organ, eye, and tissue donation is a generous act supported by all major religions in the United States, but what does Buddhism say about organ donation? In this comprehensive guide, we break it down for you.

Organ and Tissue Donation: An Act of Compassion that Saves Lives

Organ and tissue donation saves and heals thousands of lives every year and is a generous act supported by all major religions in the United States, including Buddhism. To give you an idea of the lifesaving impact, last year in our regions , 740 people received lifesaving organ transplants thanks to a record 278 organ donors. In addition, 1,911 heroic, local tissue donors provided lifesaving and healing tissue to thousands in need.

Buddhism Views on Donation and Transplantation

In general, Buddhists believe that organ and tissue donation is a matter of individual conscience and place high value on acts of compassion. Reverend Gyomay Masao Kubose, president and founder of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago, stated, “We honor those people who donate their bodies and organs to the advancement of medical science and to saving lives.”

Further Insights into Buddhism and Organ Donation

Buddhism, often characterized by its philosophy of compassion and selflessness, inherently aligns with the concept of organ donation. It views organ donation as an act of giving without expecting anything in return. The decision to become an organ donor is profoundly personal, reflecting an individual’s exercise of free will and expression of compassion for others.

The Role of Compassion and Altruism in Buddhism

In Buddhism, compassion is the driving force behind all actions. Organ donation is seen as a compassionate act that can significantly alleviate the suffering of those in need. It embodies the Buddhist belief in the interconnectedness of all life and the inherent desire to mitigate the suffering of others. By donating organs, Buddhists actively contribute to the well-being and survival of fellow beings, harmonizing with their spiritual values.

Promotion and Support of Organ Donation in Buddhist Communities

Numerous Buddhist communities and organizations proactively promote and support organ donation. They recognize that this aligns seamlessly with the principles of compassion and selflessness that are central to Buddhism. These groups have made a great deal of effort to educate the public about the value of organ donation and to empower its members to make well-informed decisions about donating their bodies. 

Can Buddhists Donate Organs and Tissues?

Yes. There are no rules in Buddhism for or against organ donation. In Buddhism, the decision to donate organs and tissues relies on the individual’s decision, and the importance of letting loved ones know your decision is important.

Given that relieving suffering is central to Buddhism, donating to help those in need could be considered an act of compassion and generosity. While there are many different Buddhist traditions, organ donation is viewed as an individual decision.

Respecting and Caring for the Deceased

Traditional funeral and burial services are important to all faith communities, and Buddhism is no different. For Buddhists, the death process is an important time that should be treated with care and respect.

At Donor Alliance, the federally-designated, non-profit organ procurement organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation in Colorado and most of Wyoming,  donors are treated with the utmost respect and dignity throughout the entire donation process. When someone’s lifesaving and healing gifts are eligible to be donated, a team of specialist surgeons will carry out the process, showing respect during the recovery by caring for the donor in a way that still allows a traditional open casket funeral.

Why Buddhists Should Consider Organ and Tissue Donation After Death

The need for an organ transplant can affect any of us at any given moment. Today, the person in need of a lifesaving and healing transplant could be a stranger, but tomorrow, it could be a loved one or even yourself. And the numbers don’t lie; nationally there are over 100,000 people, and nearly 1,500 in our region, waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, many of whom identify as Buddhists.

Making the decision to discuss organ donation with your religious leaders and loved ones, and registering to be an organ and tissue donor  brings hope to those waiting and saves lives.

Sign Up As a Donor and Give the Gift of Life

Now that you know organ and tissue donation is one of the greatest acts of love and compassion you can perform, take the time to learn the facts about donation and register to be a donor today at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. Have friends and family who practice Buddhism? Please consider sharing this article with them. Let’s continue to spread the facts about donation and transplantation within our neighborhoods and faith communities.

The post Buddhism and Organ Donation appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Get to Know Angie Padia in this Month’s Advocate Spotlight:

What is your favorite memory volunteering at Donor Alliance?

My favorite memory…it’s hard to pick just one. However, the memory that stands out to me the most is my first Donor Dash. All the stories, memories and tributes shared with me was extremely impactful and really drove home the importance of advocating for this mission.

What are your favorite ways to volunteer with Donor Alliance? 

I LOVE community events. I adore speaking with the children and giving them a smidge of education in regards to donation.

What is your favorite season and why?

My favorite season is probably Spring, but warm Spring, not the cold, dreary Spring. So late Spring, when all the regrowth happens.

What is your favorite holiday and why? 

Christmas- the Christmas season is so full of joy and giving.

What are some of your hobbies?

Now that all four of our kids are all young adults, I am just getting back to having hobbies of my own. Right now I would say my favorite hobby is taking care of our dogs and looking at paint swatches. I also like to shop on Amazon- is that a hobby?

What are you most proud of?

Hands down, I am most proud of our four children. 

What song would you sing at karaoke night?

I would 100% sing a crowd favorite like Small Town Girl or I Love Rock and Roll- that way everybody else would sign it and I would be off the hook! 

Who is your hero? 

I don’t have just one hero, my heroes are all of those who have faced devastation and have bravely continued on with their lives in love and not bitterness.

Where would you go on an all expenses paid vacation? 

I would love to go check out Australia.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Drink lots of water. You don’t need a banger of headache on top of all of this!”- Simple advice, but oh so true! 

If you’re interested in volunteering with us we’d love to have you join our Advocates for Life program! Get started.

The post Advocate Spotlight: Angie Padia appeared first on Donor Alliance.

We invited our partners at the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank to write a guest blog about eye donation this month.

What is Eye Donation?

Eye tissue donation is when someone decides to give the gift of sight upon their death. Specially trained recovery technicians from the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, the local eye bank for Colorado and most of Wyoming, will recover the donated eye tissue from deceased donors.

The cornea is the eye tissue that is primarily recovered. It is the clear front part of the eye. If you wear contact lenses, they sit directly over your corneas. This amazing tissue controls 65-75% of the eye’s ability to focus light, so it has a big impact on a person’s ability to see.

The cornea is then transplanted to replace a living person’s damaged or nonfunctional cornea. The recipient can usually see in a day or two. Cornea transplant surgeries performed in the U.S. have a 98% success rate. The first successful transplant of any human tissue into another person was a cornea transplant in 1905.

Why Do We Need Eye Donors or Even Cornea Transplants?

Eye donors can give the gift of sight through eye donation. In the U.S. about 12% of people who are blind have corneal blindness. This can be due to disease or damage to their eyes that resulted in scars to their cornea. Cornea transplants can cure this type of blindness.

Since 1961, more than 2 million men, women and children worldwide have had their sight restored through corneal transplantation.

Corneal Transplants Give Recipients a New View on Life

An eye donor gives the gift of sight. For recipients, it is life changing. That was the case for Sue Mountain-Morgan, who was diagnosed with keratoconus — a form of corneal blindness — in her late teens.

Things appeared to have two edges to Sue, and she had no depth perception. Things like doors, table edges, and especially stairs or curbs were hard to see. Even big things like cars were hard to make out. When she was walking home from school one day, she stepped out in front of a car that she thought was far away. It was actually very close and hit her. Thankfully she suffered only minor injuries.

Sue’s vision declined as her condition progressed. But, when she was 36, she received a cornea transplant that changed her life. She was able to do things she had never done before, like learn to drive and get her driver license.

But the impact was bigger than that. “Without this surgery, I would not be able to have the job I’ve had for the last 33 years,” she said. “I would not have been able to see my daughter or my grandchildren.”

Sue said she often thinks about her donor and his wonderful gift to her.

“I still cry when I think about it,” she said. “I truly feel blessed that I was able to have this procedure. I would have been blind by now if I did not.”

You Can Help Cure Blindness

Sue’s story — like the stories of cornea recipients everywhere — is one of joy and gratitude, gratitude for the eye donor who made the choice to give the gift of sight to another.

Anyone can register to be an eye donor. Even people who are blind or have poor vision themselves can help cure another’s blindness through eye donation after death. Since only 12% of blindness in the U.S. is due to corneal blindness, the corneas from someone with other vision problems can still help others see.

If you are not already registered to be a donor, consider saying Yes to giving the gift of sight to another in need when you get or renew your driver license or state-issued ID card. You can also register your donation decision online at Donate Life Colorado. And don’t forget to talk to your family about how important donation is to you.

Jaime’s Story

*Donor Alliance Addition

When Jaime was merely six years old, he experienced the rapid development of aggressive cataracts in both of his eyes. These cataracts progressed so swiftly that, within just four weeks of diagnosis, he was on the verge of losing his sight. Half a year after undergoing surgery on both eyes, it became evident that Jaime’s right cornea had incurred damage during the procedure, necessitating a cornea transplant.

Following a successful partial cornea transplant, Jaime’s outlook on life has been entirely transformed. Jaime’s mother is equally filled with gratitude for the fresh opportunity provided to her son, enabling him to once again experience the vibrant colors of life.

Today, Jaime has fulfilled his dream of graduating with an engineering degree from the School of Mines in Golden, Colorado and is now pursuing a Master’s Degree. Thanks to a generous donor, Jaime and his family look to the future with optimism and gratitude.

As fervent proponents of organ, eye, and tissue donation, Jaime and his family have dedicated their time to volunteer with organizations such as Donor Alliance and the Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank. Their mission is to emphasize the paramount importance of consenting to donation and thereby making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

The post November is Eye Donation Month – You Can Give the Gift of Sight appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Organ transplants can be an expensive surgical procedure. The reality is that for many transplant patients and candidates, it is not feasible to pay for the full cost of transplant surgery or the additional postoperative costs out of pocket. Fortunately, there are resources and transplant patient financial aid programs they can turn to that can help pay for their procedure or aftercare.

Transplantation Cost Factors

The costs associated with receiving a lifesaving transplant are unique to each patient and vary depending on many factors including type of transplant/care needed, location, hospital and insurance coverage.

How to Prepare Financially Before a Transplant

In preparation for an organ transplant, it’s important to work with your transplant center’s financial coordinator, your health insurance provider and, if applicable, your employee benefits team to develop a financial strategy and review the latest available resources and information.

While you should always talk to your insurance provider and financial coordinator about covering the cost of your transplant, we’ve put together a list of some additional resources that can help provide financial assistance to transplant candidates, recipients and their families.

Resources, Programs and Financial Assistance for Transplant Patients

Assistance for Adults

1. Air Care Alliance
   Air Care alliance provides a central listing of all known groups whose members perform free public benefit flights for patient transport and other public service missions.
2. American Transplant Foundation
   The American Transplant Foundation helps provide financial assistance to living donors by reimbursing them for lost wages after the surgery and providing access to lifesaving medications. Through its Patient Assistance Program and 1+1=LIFE Mentorship Program, ATF supports patients in 46 states with a specific focus on Colorado.
3. Help Hope Live Help Hope Live is an online platform helping families create individual pages to support community-based fundraising for loved ones with unmet medical related expenses.
4. Liver Health Connection
   An existing program operating in conjunction with transplant teams at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and University of Colorado Hospital (UCHealth), that provides financial assistance to patients undergoing liver transplantation.
5. National Foundation for Transplants (NFT) NFT offers hope and help to transplant patients and their families by providing fundraising expertise, advocacy, promoting organ and tissue donation, and supporting innovative solutions for lifesaving treatment.
6. National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
   NKF’s Patient Information Help Line, NKF Cares, offers support for people affected by kidney disease, organ donation or transplantation. A trained peer mentor speaks with patients, family members and care partners and can share their own experiences about dialysis, transplant or living kidney donation.
7. Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation
   The Patient and Family Assistance Program provides direct financial support and resources to help cover critical non-medical expenses to families of patients that are pre and post-transplant.

Assistance for Children

1. COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association)
   COTA helps children and young adults who need a lifesaving transplant by providing fundraising assistance and family support. COTA doesn’t charge for its services and doesn’t take a percentage of funds raised.
2. Oracle Health Foundation
   Oracle Health Foundation is an organization that provides funding for children who need assistance with clinical necessities: surgery, medication, therapy, medical equipment and travel related care.

Get the full list of local transplant centers to inquire about additional resources.

Help Increase Awareness about the Gift of Life

If you are already a registered organ, eye and tissue donor, please take the time to share your decision with your family and encourage them to sign up to become donors at the time of death at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

The post Is Financial Assistance for Transplant Patients Available? appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Understanding Double Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction: Procedure and Recovery Process

A double mastectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of both breasts, often as a preventive measure in cases of genetic predisposition to breast cancer. This intricate process consists of several crucial steps, with a unique twist in some cases: the inclusion of donated tissue from someone who passed away. Donated tissue, such as fat grafts or skin flaps from the patient’s own body or tissue from a donor, plays a vital role in the reconstruction process, ensuring a more natural, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing result. Beyond the surgery itself, one of the most common concerns is the recovery time. While recovery can vary from person to person, incorporating donated tissue can potentially expedite the healing process by promoting blood flow and tissue regeneration, ultimately helping patients on their journey towards physical and emotional recovery.

Cathy’s Story

Seven years ago, Cathy Holman received a preventative double mastectomy, including reconstructive surgery. Both her mother and sister had developed breast cancer, so due to her hereditary risk, Cathy decided this was the best option for facing what was likely the inevitable. The journey, both physically and emotionally, was a long experience. One thing many people don’t consider when getting a double mastectomy with reconstructive surgery is the fact that they will likely be utilizing donated tissue from a tissue donor during the reconstruction. This is just one of the many ways registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor can significantly impact lives in ways not frequently thought about. For those considering a double mastectomy, whether as a preventative measure or after facing breast cancer head-on, Cathy’s story is sure to help you through the process. 

You can learn more about Cathy’s journey at prairiewifeinheels.com

Coping with the Emotional and Physical Aspects of Double Mastectomy

One of the things that helped Cathy prepare for the double mastectomy was having a surgeon who was willing to present her with all the potential options. Initially, Cathy wanted to use her own tissue to support her reconstruction, but unfortunately, she did not have enough excess tissue. This ultimately led to a discussion about donated tissue as an option. Of course, the idea of donated tissue can be emotionally challenging. However, realizing the donated tissue comes from someone who was generous both during life and after death, and who wanted their gifts to be used to help people, is representative of their lasting impact. Donated tissue allows for a more natural-looking reconstruction and provides more support, making it a stronger alternative that allows patients to return to their favorite activities even more quickly. Cathy explained how she was able to play, hold her kids, and enjoy life because of her generous tissue donor. Amazingly, just one tissue donor can help up to 10 patients undergoing breast reconstruction.

Healthy Habits That Help during a Double Mastectomy Recovery and Breast Reconstruction Process

Cathy’s recovery following her double mastectomy and reconstruction was no easy task; thankfully, the donated tissue helped make it easier. Many people don’t realize that a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery is not a one-time procedure. It requires multiple surgeries over the course of a few months to a year. Being active, eating healthy, and ensuring enough recovery time allows for a strong and healthy recovery from a double mastectomy and reconstruction. Ultimately, donated tissue helps immensely with this process by allowing the recipient to become active more quickly and ease back into their normal life.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Ways to Get Involved

By registering to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor, you have the potential to help someone in need of breast reconstruction. Show your support for all the members of our community in Colorado and Wyoming who are fighting against this aggressive disease by signing up as a donor. You can also register as a way to honor the special women in your life. Registering is easy! Simply say “Yes” the next time you renew your driver’s license or state ID or sign up online at any time through DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

The post How Tissue Donation Impacts Breast Cancer Journey appeared first on Donor Alliance.

According to the Organ Procurement Transplant Network, so far in 2023, 39 lung transplants have been performed locally, yet more than 100 people are still on the waiting list.

When is a lung transplant needed?

When damaged lungs can no longer be supported by medication or with breathing devices, or a patient’s lung function becomes life-threatening, they will need a transplant. Donate Life America explains how there are many diseases that can damage lungs enough to need a transplant. Diseases include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, scarring of the lungs, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis with advanced fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. Unhealthy or damaged lungs can make it difficult for the body to get the oxygen it needs to survive.

Transplant process:

Step 1: Transplant Evaluation

First up, one will need to be evaluated to see if they qualify for a transplant. This evaluation will include both emotional and physical well-being tests.

Step 2: Lung Allocation Score

If one qualifies for a transplant, they will be given a score that determines their place on the waiting list. This is called the Lung Allocation Score (LAS). Many things play a part in this score, including severity of disease and organ function, age, etc.

Step 3: Waiting List Placement

Once someone is evaluated, they will receive their placement on the waiting list. Position on the waiting list can fluctuate depending on many factors, such as if someone lower on the list is a better match than someone up higher, the way a person’s health changes, and more.

Step 4: Transplant Surgery

Once a match is made, people on the waiting list will go into surgery. The length of the surgery will depend on whether the person is receiving a single or double lung transplant.

Step 5: Post-Transplant

Following lung transplant surgery, there are many things that the recipient will need to pay attention to. First, the recipient will start taking medications including anti-rejection medications. Depending on how long it takes the recipient to heal and adjust to the new lungs, they can spend up to a few weeks in the hospital. Diet, exercise, and pain management following the transplant are very important to pay attention to as well.

Meet Mike, lung transplant recipient:

For Healthy Lung Month, Mike Todd, a lung recipient and donor family member, sat down for an interview with us. Mike received his lung transplant just about 6 years ago. In the following video, Mike gives insight into how life is as a lung recipient.

Did you know signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor means you have the potential to donate and save someone who needs a lung transplant? Show your support for Healthy Lung Month and to all of the members of our community who are fighting against lung disease by signing up as a donor. Signing up is easy! Simply say ‘Yes’ the next time you get your driver license or state ID or sign up anytime online at DonateLifeColorado.org.

The post Learn About Lung Transplants & Lung Transplant Surgery appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Get to Know Rhonda Hill in this Month’s Advocate Spotlight:

What is your favorite memory volunteering at Donor Alliance?

The very first health fair I was able to attend as a recipient was just a few months after my transplant and I was able to secure a portion of the National Donor Quilt for our booth! It was a fantastic experience!

What are your favorite ways to volunteer with Donor Alliance? 

I love doing transplantation science classes with the kids!

What is your favorite season and why?

It would have to be fall, partly because of the beauty and the weather but also because my transplant anniversary is in October!

What are some of your hobbies?

Horseback riding, SCUBA diving when I can, lots of DIY around the house and recently I have taken up painting.

What are you most proud of?

My amazing son and my two adorable grandsons! 

What song would you sing at karaoke night?

Anything by Patsy Cline. 

Who is your hero? 

I have so many, but I would have to say my donor, because without her gifts, I wouldn’t be here today.

Where would you go on an all expenses paid vacation? 

French Polynesia.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My Dad used to say, “When you wake up each day, YOU are the only one who can decide if it’s going to be a good day, or a bad one, so choose wisely”. 

If you’re interested in volunteering with us we’d love to have you join our Advocates for Life program! Get started.

The post Advocate Spotlight: Rhonda Hill appeared first on Donor Alliance.

Back to the two ways to donate a liver: through deceased donation or through living donation. If a deceased donor is eligible to donate their liver, they can donate it to one person, or in some cases, it can be split into two parts and save two people! Medical science and technology is pretty incredible and is constantly developing new technologies that help us save more lives through organ, eye and tissue donation. The regenerative ability of the liver is also what allows a living donor to donate up to 60% of their liver to another person. Once the living liver donation is complete, it will regenerate in both the living donor and the recipient.

What does the liver actually do?

Most of us know we have a liver, but what does it actually do within our bodies? The liver is one of the largest and most complex internal organs. The liver weighs about 3.3 pounds in adults and is made up of a spongy mass of wedge-shaped lobes. And no wonder it is so large, as it has many functions that are necessary for a healthy life:

• It helps process carbohydrates, fats and proteins and stores vitamins.
• It processes nutrients absorbed from food in the intestines and turns them into materials that the body needs for life.
• It makes the factors the blood needs for clotting.
• It secretes bile to help digest fats.
• It breaks down toxic substances in the blood such as drugs (also medications) and alcohol.
• It is responsible for the metabolism of most drugs.

Local Stories of Liver Donation and Transplant

There are currently 10,000 people waiting for a liver transplant in the U.S. Despite the great need, there were only 9,528 liver transplants in 2022. Even as the number of organs available to be transplanted increases year after year, there remains a big gap between available organs and the number of people in need of a lifesaving liver transplant.

We asked two of our Advocates for Life to share their stories about liver donation and transplant. Listen to their stories below.

Melody Connett, Jill’s Legacy

Tiffany Davis, Liver Disease Has Many Faces and Many Ages

What You Can Do To Help

If you have questions about liver transplants or living liver donation, always consult with your physician first. Remember, while not everyone can be a living donor, anyone can sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death.

Inspired to say Yes to saving lives through donation? Sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor today, by visiting Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

The post Liver Donation: Learn the facts during National Liver Month appeared first on Donor Alliance.