An open letter:
So… here it is the end of January. How many of those New Year’s resolutions have you kept? How about a resolution that will place no demands upon your wallet? This resolution can also make you a HERO – something many of us have always yearned to do.
What am I talking about? Becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor. Every day across America 18 people die awaiting a transplant. As of Jan. 7, 2011 there were 110,112 individuals in the United States awaiting a life- saving organ transplant. Every ten minutes another person is added to the list. (more…)
by Don Huiner, Father of organ recipient
I believe everyone has at least one person in their life who has influenced and inspired them to make a difference. In my case, one such person was my daughter, Erika.
Erika was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as an infant. In our efforts to understand the implications of her disease, my wife, Eileen, and I had several counseling sessions with a psychologist. He told us that we could not live Erika’s disease for her. Rather, our job as parents was to help her become the strongest, most self-reliant person that she could be. (more…)
By now, most of us have heard the numbers related to organ and tissue donation…more than 110,000 Americans are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant, including 3,300 candidates from the state of Ohio. The solution to this crisis is one in which everyone can play a role, by learning more about the dramatic difference one individual can make through organ and tissue donation. (more…)
If you’ve visited Lifeline of Ohio in the last two months, you may have recognized a new face sitting at the front desk in the communications office. I’m Anna McGuire and I am the new Communications Assistant. I joined the Communications Team in November, and I truly have learned something new every day since then. (more…)
By Dr. Gregg Hadley, cornea recipient and Lifeline of Ohio board member
Twenty years ago, I knew I’d need a cornea transplant. I was diagnosed with Fuchs dystrophy, a rare genetic condition that led to the degradation of my corneas. (more…)
Our Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) partners are crucial to saving lives. In fact, 95 percent of registered organ, eye and tissue donors in Ohio signed up at the BMV. It is my responsibility to make sure these agencies have all the information and support they need while on the front lines of donation. (more…)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Jan. 18, 2011
Columbus, OH – New officers have been selected to serve on Lifeline of Ohio’s Board of Directors:
- Mark A. Bainbridge, chairperson – retired partner, Ernst & Young
- Roger Walker, vice chairperson – principal, Walker Consulting LLC
- Ronni H. Richards, secretary – retired special education teacher
- Donald Fanta, treasurer
Lifeline of Ohio also named a new Medical Advisory Board Chairperson:
- Laura Stillion, MHA, director, Comprehensive Transplant Center, OSUMC (more…)
By Bryan Warman, liver recipient, and his father, Gene, Lifeline of Ohio board member
I first got sick in the spring of 1992 when I was in the 7th grade. I thought it might be the flu, but as I continued to play lacrosse, I became more and more fatigued.
Our middle school had a professional shadowing day and I was working with my dad, Gene. He noticed my eyes were yellow.
I went to the doctor and was initially diagnosed with auto immune hepatitis. I started a vitamin regimen and was told I would soon feel better. But instead my condition worsened. I was referred to a gastroenterologist at Children’s Hospital. He told me a liver transplant might someday be necessary, but certainly not for several years. (more…)
When my husband sent me a text to tell me that “Family Guy” was about organ donation this past Sunday, I groaned. Knowing the show can push limits, I expected it to portray the exact myths we work to dispel every day when we encourage individuals to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. To my surprise: it was heartfelt, with a side of humor. (more…)
Each year, Lifeline of Ohio’s community education program struggles to reach new schools and surpass the current percentage of schools we visit — 59 percent. We are always looking for ways to connect with teachers and generate interest in our programs. (more…)
