Lifeline of Ohio’s Neonatal Donation Program: The Tiniest of Donors
We support families facing unforeseen, traumatic events prior to, or immediately after, the birth of their newborn. Lifeline of Ohio’s Neonatal Donation Program, which began in 2017, offers parents who receive a non-survivable diagnosis for their baby the chance to create a lasting legacy. Their child’s beautiful, but all-too-brief, life can create a powerful ripple effect to others by donating organs and tissues providing hope to families through research.
The Neonatal Donation Program was an idea conceived by the family of Noah Calhoon (pictured left). Noah’s parents, Kelly and Adam, approached Lifeline of Ohio after he was given a diagnosis of “not compatible with life outside of the womb” at his 12-week ultrasound appointment. After learning donation may be a possibility, they knew what their child was meant to do – leave a rich legacy through research.
We thank Noah and his family for bringing this idea to Lifeline of Ohio. And, we thank each family since then who has donated through this program.
Please see below for more information on this program. Any questions, please email neonataldonation@lifelineofohio.org.
Learn more about our Neonatal Donation Program
When should someone contact Lifeline of Ohio?
A referring physician or family member should call Lifeline of Ohio when:
- There has been a confirmed diagnosis of a life-limiting anomaly of an unborn child.
- When parents choose to proceed with the pregnancy with the intent of donating the baby’s organs and tissue for research purposes.
At this time, an email should be sent to neonataldonation@lifelineofohio.org. A Lifeline of Ohio representative will be in contact within 24 hours.
The representative will ask questions about the baby’s diagnosis, current gestational age, delivery hospital, vaginal or C-section delivery, mother’s medical history and other pertinent contact information. These questions will help determine what organs and tissues may be possible to donate.
We will remain in close contact with the family from the initial call through the birth of their baby. We will work in tandem with the care team as well to ensure all parties have questions answered regarding the baby’s donation(s).
After the baby’s gifts of donation have been recovered, Lifeline of Ohio will keep in contact with the family to let them know where their child’s donations went and what research projects their gifts are aiding.
Where does the donation take place?
Neonatal donation takes place at the birth mother’s planned delivery hospital. Most often, Labor and Delivery suites are equipped to provide an operating room environment where recovery of donated organs and tissues for research can take place.
Why is this program important?
This program offers support and options for families who are facing unforeseen events prior to, or immediately after, the birth of their newborn.
While this is often a traumatic and chaotic time, donation for research is a decision parents can make which may provide solace and hope. Their child’s precious gift to medical research will impact countless lives.
25 Hours Podcast
One of Lifeline of Ohio’s first neonatal donors was little Noah Calhoon. He lived for 25 hours and created a lasting impact on hundreds of lives through organ and tissue donation research. Hear his parents talk of their decision to donate on the ‘To Be Continued’ podcast.
If you have questions, please email neonataldonation@lifelineofohio.org and a Lifeline of Ohio representative will be in contact within 24 hours.
