I returned to the office this week, inspired after five days in Austin, Texas. I went to the SXSW Interactive conference to represent Lifeline of Ohio and came away with great ideas for spreading our message and a few stories to remind me why our work is so important.
I left my mark on an interactive wall at sxsw!
What amazes me, is that no matter where I go or what I do, I am bound to meet people who have been touched by organ and tissue donation. In one session at the conference, I met a nurse from a hospital in Massachusetts who told me she had seen first-hand the results of transplantation. She works with pediatric patients who have been able to live on thanks to organ donors, making her an advocate for the cause. In that same circle was a man whose brother-in-law gave the “Gift of Life” after his death. A decision that had a positive impact on the family.
The next day, as I was making my way through the exposition, I came across someone who told me he was a living kidney donor, so he understood the need! Not only did this conference give me new tools to save lives, but it also reinforced that organ and tissue donation touches every community.
My trip got me revved up and ready to put some new ideas in place for Donate Life Month and pass along my enthusiasm! You can help spread the word by getting involved in our 24-hour event on April 2!
- Rachel Lewis, media relations/community outreach coordinator
