Staff Excited about Positive Experience at Annual Conference
A group of Lifeline of Ohio staff recently attended the NATCO—The Organization for Donation and Transplant Professionals annual conference in San Antonio, Texas.
The conference is a chance for donation and transplant professionals to connect, collaborate and exchange ideas on current issues and challenges facing the donation community.
In addition to numerous panels, speakers and educational opportunities, the conference featured a special showing of the film “Ordinary Angels,” which was inspired by the true story of a hair stylist who rallied a community to help a widowed father save his critically ill daughter’s life.
The story, set in 1994, follows toddler Michelle Schmitt, in need of a liver transplant, and her family as they endure health and financial struggles, then race against the clock and a snowstorm to try to get to Omaha, Nebraska for Michelle’s transplant surgery.
Lifeline of Ohio Surgical Recovery Lead Preceptor Madison Blevins attended the conference and said, “I really enjoyed the guest speakers—particularly Ashley Schmitt (Michelle’s sister), whose family the movie ‘Ordinary Angels’ was based on.”
She added, “NATCO was really a great chance to learn more about NRP (normothermic regional perfusion) which is becoming increasingly common. It was very helpful to learn more about how other organ procurement organizations facilitate a smooth experience for both the procurement staff and for hospital staff throughout the process.”
Lifeline of Ohio Director of External Partner Relations Faith Hilterbrand echoed Madison’s positive response to the conference.
“The best part of the conference was having our team in attendance to connect, share and learn with other industry professionals. I think we all came home excited to institute new ideas and continue the amazing work we do!”