Golfing for Life
In an effort to increase awareness of the need for organ and tissue donors, Lane Aviation is hosting “The Donor in You” Golf Tournament on June 20, 2011 at The Medallion Club in Westerville. Throughout the tournament transplant recipients, donor families and others with a connection to donation will be on hand to share their experiences as they volunteer or golf alongside participants.
One player, Bill Padden from Cambridge, Ohio, is grateful for the opportunity to participate.
Bill Padden
Bill became sick suddenly in February 1991, andwas eventually diagnosed with a bilary problem in his liver at the age of 35. Shortly after his diagnosis, Bill’s health began to decline. At the time, Bill was an athletic director for Cambridge High School.
“It got to the point where I’d go to a Friday night game and have to take a break while I was there. I couldn’t even sit through an entire game without feeling fatigued. Then, for the rest of the weekend I would sleep. I knew something was really wrong at that point,” said Bill.
Bill was listed for a transplant at the University of Pittsburgh and on January 2, 1992 he got the call that would change his life.
“I was called and told that I was the back-up for the first patient they were bringing in. They asked me to make the trip just in case the liver wouldn’t work for the first person. After I arrived they told me that the liver was too big for the intended recipient and that I was next in line to receive it,” he said.
After surgery, Bill felt an immediate change. Now a 19-year transplant recipient, Bill is proud to participate in any activity that he wants to.
“I am so thankful to my donor for giving me the chance to live my life and to do what I want to do. I’m not limited by my health, only by my age,” he jokes.
Bill’s gift also allowed him to participate in the Transplant Games and to celebrate his 25th wedding anniversary this month. He will have the chance to play in the “Donor in You” Golf Tournament and share his story along the course.
“It’s an honor to play in this tournament alongside others who have been touched by donation. I was taught how to play golf by my grandfather when I was in fourth grade and I’m grateful to have the chance to show people what a difference the transplant has made in my life.”
In addition to allowing golfers the chance to meet individuals touched by organ and tissue donation, “The Donor in You” Golf Tournament provides an opportunity to support organ and tissue donation education, as all proceeds are donated to Lifeline of Ohio.
For further details or sponsorship information, click here. To register your team for “The Donor in You Golf Tournament,” please contact Kelly Hoffmann at Lane Aviation Corporation at 614-237-3747 (Ext. 265) or at khoffmann@laneaviation.com.