Cobertura Reciente en los Medios

#InTheNews: Uterine Transplants

One of the biggest stories in organ donation and transplantation so far this year has been the story of Jennifer Gobrecht, the second woman in the U.S. to have a uterus transplant from a deceased donor. You may have seen her story featured in any number of major news outlets across the country, including the New York Times, CNN and most recently People Magazine. So, what is a uterine transplant and how does it compare to other organ transplants? Let’s break it down.

What is a Uterine Transplant?

Uterus transplants are currently rare and still relatively new but have already helped some women who otherwise couldn’t carry their own children. The procedure involves transplanting a healthy uterus from a living or deceased donor into a recipient that has been diagnosed with Uterine Factor Infertility (UFI).

A handful of uterus transplants have taken place around the world over the last few years. The first uterine transplant performed in the U.S. was in Cleveland in 2016, but failed due to complications and the uterus was removed. Penn Medicine began conducting uterus transplants with more success in 2017 with the start of UNTIL (Uterus Transplantation for Uterine Factor Infertility). The practice has since expanded to include other programs throughout the country.

Why would a woman need a uterus transplant?

According to the Penn Medicine, all participants in these studies and programs suffer from Uterine Factor Infertility (UFI), meaning they were either born without a uterus—as in Jennifer’s case—or have had their uterus removed for medical reasons.

Candidates for a transplant go through a thorough medical evaluation before being listed for a transplant with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS). While uterine transplantation can occur using both living and deceased donors, most programs in the US work with living donors. Like all organ and tissue transplants, uterine donation is an act of altruism. However, while intended to help give and sustain a life through pregnancy, uterine transplants are not lifesaving and the uterus will eventually be removed from the recipient following a successful pregnancy or pregnancies.

Does Donor Alliance facilitate uterine transplants?

Currently, there aren’t any uterine transplant programs in our region, and Donor Alliance doesn’t recover uteruses in Colorado and Wyoming. If we were to begin facilitating these types of transplants, like other rare transplants including vascular composite allografts (face and hand transplants), the donation would only take place after conversations and authorization by the next of kin. State donor registries do not pertain to the VCA or uterine transplants, only to the standard transplantable organs and tissues.

Get the facts on the donation process, including which transplants we facilitate.

As always, you can sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor online anytime at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

Aftercare: Answering Common Aftercare Questions

Part Three of Three in our “Aftercare” Series

To wrap up our “Aftercare” series, we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions donor families have for our Aftercare department. The fact is, many donor families ask common questions.

From answering these questions to providing tools and resources, to facilitating communication between recipients and donor families, Donor Alliance is proud to be a resource for donor families once the donation process is complete.

“At Donor Alliance, the donation process does not end after the recovery of organs and tissues - we hope that it is just the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the donor’s family,” said Joyleen Helcoski, Donor Alliance Aftercare Coordinator. “It is an honor to walk with these incredible families along their journey of loss, hope, and healing, and to learn about their loved ones – our heroes – who give the gift of life.”

Common Questions Asked by Donor Families (and Answers!)

Q: What’s the process when it comes to receiving updates and communicating with tissue recipients?

A: “Many people don’t know that donated tissue, like bone grafts, skin grafts, and heart valves, go through an extensive process to prepare the grafts for transplant - this can take up to six months,” said Helcoski. While Donor Alliance is not provided with specific information about tissue recipients, donor families can request an update on the outcome of their loved one’s donation after the six month point and learn the number of recipients their loved one has helped. Fill out a request for more information.

[caption id="attachment_21078" align="alignright" width="450"] Advocates for Life[/caption]

Q: How can I get involved with Donor Alliance?

A: If you’re looking for a way to give back or volunteer your time, we’d love to have you join the 200 volunteers from Colorado and Wyoming in our Advocate for Life program. Advocates for Life are essential partners in raising awareness about organ and tissue donation. While a variety of volunteer opportunities are available, the key role of our Advocates is to educate and inspire the public to better understand and support donation. Interested in volunteering but not sure if you should dive into the full program just yet? Come out and help at the Donor Dash! Volunteering at the Donor Dash is a fun way to give some of your time while you decide if you’d like to join the program. Annually, we participate in parades throughout Colorado and Wyoming. If you and your family would like to walk to spread awareness, you can always view a list of our events. Be sure to also follow us on social (Colorado, Wyoming) for the latest volunteer opportunities.

[caption id="attachment_25698" align="alignright" width="450"] Donor Family Tribute[/caption]

Q: What Donor Alliance events can donor families attend?

A: Donor Family Tribute: Every year in Colorado and every other year in Wyoming, Donor Alliance hosts the Donor Family Tribute. This event recognizes and honors the families of those who have given the gift of organ and tissue donation. This memorable event, themed Lives Transformed, enables reflection on those lost and offers hope for new life that comes as a result of organ and tissue donation.
Donor Dash: Come celebrate the gift of life with us at the Donor Dash. The 21^st Annual Donor Dash will be held on Sunday, July 19, at Denver’s Washington Park. There are several ways that Donor Alliance donor families can honor their loved one who was an organ, eye and tissue donor at the Donor Dash. One way is to have a sign featuring a picture of their loved one in the Memorial Garden at the event. The Memorial Garden is a quiet space where families can visit their loved one’s sign before or after the race.
Wyoming Scavenger Hunt: The annual Donate Life Wyoming Scavenger Hunt aims to honor the lives of organ and tissue donors, celebrate the lives of transplant recipients and recognize those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant. Donor families are welcome to attend and honor their loved one with an ornament in our Donate Life Forest. This special place honors those connected to organ, eye and tissue donation; donors, recipients, living donors and wait list candidates.

[caption id="attachment_23013" align="alignright" width="450"] Donor Family Quilt[/caption]

Q: How can I honor my loved one’s gifts?

A: Donor Family Quilt Project: Donor Alliance donor families can create a quilt square in honor of their loved one, which will be sewn into a larger quilt and displayed at various events and gatherings across Colorado and Wyoming. Download a quilt square template and release form.
Forever Generous Suncatcher: Made of recycled glass, this 4¼ inch suncatcher can be displayed as a reminder that your loved one will always be: “Forever Generous through Donation.” Fill out the form to request a suncatcher.
Donor Memory Cards: Donor Alliance donor families can submit their loved one's photos and a poem, quote or prayer to create a memory card in their loved one’s honor. Find out more information about the special memory cards.

Q: Does Donor Alliance provide grief counseling?

A: While Donor Alliance does not facilitate grief counseling, we can provide you with information and tools to help find grief support for you or someone in your family. You can request these grief resources at any time.

This post is the final part in our three-part “Aftercare” series. If you haven’t already, give post one, “Resources for Donor Families,” and post two, “Connecting Donor Families & Recipients” a read. For more information and more aftercare resources, please visit the donor family resources page. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor any time on our websites: DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Are there more common questions from donor families you like to see answered? Let us know!

Wyoming Driver License Has a New Look and a New Heart Donation Symbol

This year, Wyomingites will see a new look for their driver license and state identification cards. Wyoming recently adopted this new version, showcasing Devil’s Tower on the front and the state capitol on the back. The goal was to make these forms of identification more secure and unique to the beautiful state. The licenses and ID cards feature numerous new security features, including a new designating symbol for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Wyoming residents will continue to be able to indicate on the application at the Driver Services office if they want to sign up on the organ, eye and tissue donor registry. Saying Yes means you are consenting to donating your organs, eyes and tissues at the time of your death, if medical professionals make the determination that you are a potential candidate for donation. Checking Yes at Driver Services saves lives!

A New Symbol for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

Previously, Wyoming residents who said Yes saw two red hearts in the top right-hand corner which denoted their decision to save and heal lives through donation. In 2020, those residents who are up for renewal or are getting their first license or ID will instead notice a small grey-scale heart with a ‘Y’ inside it in the bottom right corner. This new designating heart symbol means you said Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation.

If you are one of the thousands of Wyomingites who will renew their identification cards this year, we encourage you to learn the facts of donation and transplantation before you go to your local Driver Services office.

Share your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death with your family. Getting a new Wyoming driver license presents a perfect opportunity to show off the amazing new design. Then share with your decision with your loved ones and educate them on the new heart symbol.

National Donor Day: Stories that Inspire Awareness Around Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

National Donor Day 2020: Stories that Inspire Awareness Around Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation

Friday might be known best as Valentine’s Day, but February 14 is also National Donor Day. On a day dedicated to showing your friends, family, and neighbors how much they mean to you, we can’t think of a better way to spread the love than by helping to raise awareness of the lifesaving benefits of organ, eye and tissue donation. Today is National Donor Day 2020.

Advocates like Laurie Weaver, whose husband became a donor after passing away in 2018, are hoping that by sharing their stories with the community, they can help inspire others to discuss organ and tissue donation with their loved ones. Right now, nearly 115,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for a lifesaving transplant and about 2,000 of those people are living in our region.

Wyoming teacher saved countless lives by saying ‘Yes’ to organ, eye and tissue donation

In 2018, Sam Weaver passed away suddenly from a massive post-surgery stroke. Sam was a teacher, president of the Casper Mountain Fire Department Board, and was working on the Casper Mountain Ski History Project when he passed away. He lived his life wanting to help others and was able to continue that legacy after his passing because he made the selfless decision to sign up as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Through donation, Sam was able to donate his organ and give many others a second chance at life.

Just one month before his stroke, Sam and Laurie had discussed donation and their decision to help others by giving the gift of life. Together they decided to say Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation when they renewed their driver licenses. Laurie says knowing Sam’s decision ahead of time brought her comfort during a very sad time and helped her feel prepared when faced with the donation process.

How YOU can help on National Donor Day

Everyone can sign up to become an organ, eye and tissue donor by saying Yes when they get or renew a driver's license or state ID, or anytime at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Just one donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal more than 75 lives through eye and tissue donation. By signing up to become a donor and talking to your friends and family about donation, you can lend a hand in saving more lives. Starting the conversation can be hard, but your decision to become a donor cannot be changed by your family so it’s important for your loved ones to know about your decision to help others. Visit this guide for tips on how to start the conversation.

If you’re interested in other ways you can contribute to the conversation and help raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation, please visit: www.donatelife.net/things-you-can-do/.

Hospitales Locales, Familias y Donantes Salvan Número Récord de Vidas a Través de la Donación en el 2019

2019 es el Año Más Exitoso Registrado para la Donación de Órganos y Tejidos — Colorado y Wyoming

Donor Alliance, la organización sin fines de lucro designada a nivel federal que facilita la donación de órganos y tejidos en Colorado y la mayor parte de Wyoming, registró el año más exitoso que la región ha visto en la historia en el 2019.

¡596 vidas fueron salvadas por medio de la donación y el trasplante de órganos y miles más fueron salvadas y sanadas a través de la donación de tejidos!

“Cada día, nuestro personal trabaja incansablemente para salvar las casi 2,000 vidas en nuestra región que esperan un trasplante que les salve la vida, al mismo tiempo que apoya a las familias de los donantes que se apoyan en nosotros para honrar la heroica decisión de sus seres queridos de convertirse en donantes.” - Sue Dunn, Presidenta y CEO de Donor Alliance.

Año Récord para la Donación de Órganos y los Trasplantes

A través de los regalos generosos de los donantes de órganos y sus familias, Donor Alliance facilitó más trasplantes de órganos que nunca en el 2019.

Hubo un 19% más de donantes de órganos en el 2019 en comparación con el máximo establecido en el 2018, salvando un 22% más de vidas a través de la donación y el trasplante de órganos en el 2019 que nunca.

• Donantes de Órganos – un record de 191 donantes de órganos heroicos
• Órganos Trasplantados – las donaciones salvaron 596 vidas

Año Récord: Donación y Trasplante de Tejidos

En el 2019, hubo un 21% más de donantes de tejidos heroicos, siendo este el año más alto con 2,118 donantes de tejidos, incluyendo 1,950 donantes de piel y 127 donantes de válvulas cardíacas.

Mediante procedimientos como el injerto de piel y las cirugías reconstructivas, estas donaciones para salvar y sanar vidas y ayudarán a miles de personas a recuperar la movilidad y llevar vidas activas después de una enfermedad o trauma.

• Donantes de tejidos: 2,118 donantes de tejidos heroicos
• Tejidos trasplantados: miles de personas salvadas y sanadas

Año récord: Wyoming alcanza una tasa récord de designación de donantes (DDR) y Colorado continua como líder en la nación una vez más

Lograr nuestra simple pero poderosa misión es posible gracias a la increíble generosidad de los residentes de Colorado y Wyoming que se han inscrito para unirse al registro de donantes de órganos y tejidos.

Colorado y Wyoming continúan manteniendo algunas de las tasas más altas de designación de donantes (DDR), o porcentaje de individuos que se unen a los registros estatales de donantes, en el país.

Colorado alcanzó el número uno en la nación en el 2018 con un DDR del 69% y Wyoming estableció otro récord en el 2019 un DDR del 63%— la tasa más alta registrada para el estado de Wyoming. Ambos estados superan con creces el promedio nacional del 49%, según Donate Life America.

• Más de un millón de residentes se registraron para convertirse en donantes en el 2019
• Hubo 1,003,817 nombres en Colorado y 88,922 nombres en Wyoming añadidos a los registros de donantes de órganos y tejidos
• La tasa de designación de donantes alcanzó el 69% en Colorado
• La tasa de designación de donantes alcanzó el 63% en Wyoming—un número récord.

Este apoyo, combinado con nuestras alianzas solidas con hospitales y nuestra cultura guiada por nuestra misión, ayudó a salvar y sanar más vidas en nuestra región que nunca.

Además del increíble apoyo local para la donación, el progreso logrado este año también es el resultado de una serie de mejoras en el proceso realizadas a través del viaje de excelencia de desempeño (Performance Excellence Journey) de una década de la organización, que culminó con un Premio Nacional de Calidad (Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award ) en el 2018.

Estos avances incluyeron mejores procesos para identificar y referir posibles donantes de órganos después de muerte cardíaca y comunicaciones optimizadas con hospitales socios para mejorar la notificación oportuna de posibles donantes de órganos y tejidos.

A medida que los avances médicos ayudan a expandir los criterios de elegibilidad, los profesionales médicos también pueden maximizar la donación de órganos y tejidos más que nunca, permitiendo que más personas den el regalo de la vida.

Cómo puedes ayudar

A pesar de los increíbles logros alcanzados en el 2019 para las donaciones y los trasplantes en toda la región, casi 2,000 personas en el área continúan esperando un trasplante que les salve la vida.

Con estos pacientes en mente, Donor Alliance continúa educando incansablemente al público sobre la necesidad de más donantes y colabora estrechamente con 115 hospitales de cuidados agudos, cuatro centros de trasplantes, la división de vehículos automotores / servicios de conductores y otros socios en los dos estados.

Para obtener más información sobre la donación, o para registrarse como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos, visite DoneVidaColorado.org o DoneVidaWyoming.org.

Donor Alliance Saves and Heals More Lives Than Ever Before in 2019 – Colorado & Wyoming

2019 Most Successful Year Ever Recorded for Organ and Tissue Donation - Colorado and Wyoming

Donor Alliance, the federally designated non-profit organization that facilitates organ and tissue donation in Colorado and most of Wyoming, recorded the most successful year the region has ever seen in 2019, helping save the lives of 596 people through organ donation and transplantation and save and heal thousands more through tissue donation!

Each day, our staff works tirelessly to save the nearly 2,000 lives in our region waiting for a lifesaving transplant while also supporting the families of donors that lean on us to honor their loved one’s heroic decision to become a donor. - Sue Dunn, Donor Alliance President and CEO.

Record-Breaking Year: Organ Donation & Transplantation

Through the generous gifts from organ donors and their families, Donor Alliance facilitated more organ transplants than ever by 19%, exceeding the previous high set in 2018, and a 29% increase since 2013.

Ultimately, 22% more lives were saved through organ donation and transplantation in 2019 than ever before!

• Organ Donors - a record 191 heroic organ donors
• Organs Transplanted - donations saved 596 lives

Annual Snapshot:

The organization also facilitated the import of 18 organs for transplant and 94 flyouts.

In addition, 151 living donors in Colorado gave the gift of life.

Record-Breaking Year: Tissue Donation & Transplantation

In 2019, there were 21% more heroic tissue donors over the highest ever year with 2,118 tissue donors, including 1,950 skin donors and 127 heart valve donors.

Through procedures like skin grafting and reconstructive surgeries, these lifesaving and healing donations will help thousands of people regain mobility and lead active lives after disease or trauma.

• Tissue Donors - an amazing 2,118 heroic tissue donors
• Tissues Transplanted - tens of thousands

Annual Snapshot:

Record-Breaking Year: Wyoming Hits Record High Donor Designation Rate (DDR) & Colorado Remains in Position to Lead the Nation Once Again

Achieving our simple, yet powerful mission is made possible by the incredible generosity of the Colorado and Wyoming residents that have signed up to join the organ and tissue donor registry.

Colorado and Wyoming continue to maintain some of the highest donor designation rates, or percentage of individuals joining the state donor registries, in the country.

Colorado reached number one in the nation in 2018 with a 69% DDR and Wyoming set another record this year at 63%, the highest rate ever for the state - both states far surpass the national average of 49%, according to Donate Life America.

• More than one million residents signed up to become donors in 2019
• There were 1,003,817 names in Colorado and 88,922 names in Wyoming added to the organ and tissue donor registries
• The donor designation rate reached 69% in Colorado
• The donor designation rate reached a record 63% in Wyoming

This support, combined with our strong hospital partnerships and mission-driven culture, helped to save and heal more lives in our region than ever before.

In addition to the incredible local support for donation, the progress made this year is also a result of a number of process improvements made through the organization’s decade-long performance excellence journey, which culminated with a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in 2018.

These advancements included better processes to identify and refer potential organ donors after cardiac death and streamlined communications with hospital partners to improve the timely notification of potential organ and tissue donors.

As medical advances help eligibility criteria expand, medical professionals are also able to maximize organ and tissue donation more than ever before, allowing more people to give the gift of life.

How You Can Help

Despite the year’s incredible achievements for donation and transplantation across the region, nearly 2,000 people in the area continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant.

With these patients in mind, Donor Alliance continues to tirelessly educate the public on the need for donation and collaborate closely with 115 acute care hospitals, four transplant centers, division of motor vehicles and other partners throughout the two-state area.

For more information about donation, or to sign up as an organ, eye and tissue donor, please visit DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHB7-olMLiQ[/embed]

Light in the Darkness: Donate Life Float Wins Judges Trophy at 131st Rose Parade

For the second consecutive year, the Donate Life Rose Parade float has been awarded the Judges Trophy! The coveted award recognizes the float with the outstanding floral design and dramatic impact. This is the fourth time since the float’s inception in 2004 that the float has taken home this award also having been honored in 2008, 2012 and 2019.

2020 Theme and Design

Award-winning float designer Charles Meier created the float’s incredible design and Fiesta Parade Floats produced it with the help of thousands of volunteers and countless flowers.

This year’s parade theme, The Power of Hope, honors the opportunity to look beyond challenges of the moment and light a path to a brighter future. In its 17^th year in the Rose Parade, the 2020 Donate Life float, “Light in the Darkness” will highlight the power of unity, light and love as celebrated during Southeast Asia’s Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light shining in the darkness. The many lives that have been touched by donation embody the hope inherent in the festival.

More than 2,500 Donate Life volunteers provided over 10,000 decoration hours to complete this year’s float, which boasted 20,000 pink roses, and floral portraits of deceased organ, eye and tissue donors to pay tribute to those who are no longer with us.

2020 Donate Life Colorado Float Rider: Juan Carlos Montanez

Each year, the float is ridden and escorted by people from across the country that have been impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation. For more than a decade, Donor Alliance has sponsored one rider each year to represent Donate Life Colorado aboard the float. This year, we were honored to have Juan Carlos Montanez, a kidney recipient, represent Colorado and the greater Hispanic community. His donor’s generous gift of life is just one of the many reasons he has dedicated his time to raising awareness for the lifesaving gift of organ and tissue donation.

You can help spread hope and support the Donate Life Rose Parade float’s mission by signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor. Sign up anytime by visiting your state registry and clicking on ‘Become a Donor’: DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Celebrando la Vida en el Desfile de las Rosas del 2020, —Juan Carlos Montañez

Este año, tuvimos el honor de tener a Juan Carlos Montañez, un receptor de trasplante de riñón local, como representante de Colorado en el 131 ° Desfile de las Rosas en Pasadena, California. Juan Carlos honró a su donante a bordo del 17 ° flota anual de Donate Life Rose Parade el día de Año Nuevo. Se unieron a él otras 25 personas de todo el país cuyas vidas también han sido tocadas por la donación y los trasplantes.

En 2009, mientras trabajaba en el extranjero, a Juan Carlos le diagnosticaron una enfermedad renal aguda en etapa terminal y lo colocaron en la lista de espera para un trasplante de riñón. Después de seis años en diálisis peritoneal nocturna, Juan Carlos, que entonces tenía 41 años, recibió un trasplante de riñón que le salvó la vida en julio de 2015. Él está siempre agradecido por el regalo de la vida que le brindo su donante, y esta es una de las razones por las que ha dedicado su tiempo a crear conciencia sobre la donación de de órganos y tejidos y como esta salva vidas.

Luz en la oscuridad

El tema de este año de la carroza Done Vida del Desfile de las Rosas fue Luz en la Obscuridad y destaca el poder de la unidad, la luz y el amor, como se celebra durante el Diwali del sudeste asiático, o el Festival de las Luces, una celebración de la luz que brilla en la oscuridad. Las numerosas vidas tocadas por la donación representan la esperanza en este festival, y refleja la esperanza que Juan Carlos experimentó después de recibir su trasplante.

Reconociendo a aquellos comprometidos a ayudar a salvar vidas

Antes de su aparición en el desfile, Juan Carlos visitó la Oficina de Licencias de Conducir de Westminster para agradecer a los miembros del equipo de la División de Vehículos Motorizados de Colorado que se han comprometido a preguntarle a los residentes de Colorado que se registren como donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos. Juan Carlos les entregó rosas como agradecimiento por el trabajo que realizan a día a día para registrar donantes. La estrecha colaboración del DMV y el compromiso de los miembros de su equipo juegan un papel integral en el registro de miles de residentes de Colorado cada año que se inscriben para convertirse en donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos después de fallecer. Para más información sobre el Desfile de las Rosas, visita DonateLifeFloat.org.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=17&v=lYROH0Kp3wA&feature=emb_title[/embed]

Take Two: How Hollywood’s Dramatic Storylines Impact Donation and Transplantation

Let’s talk about Hollywood and organ donation. You’ve likely seen a medical drama series or movie with an organ donation and transplantation storyline. But, more often than not, they don’t get it right.

To better understand the impact these shows and movies have on their viewers, we sat down with Tenaya Wallace, founder of Donate Life Hollywood. Tenaya offers up insight into what shows got it right, what ones got it wrong and more importantly, what we can do to help spread the facts about donation in Hollywood.

What is Donate Life Hollywood?

Donate Life Hollywood (DLH) serves as a liaison between the entertainment industry and the Donate Life community. DLH’s mission is to harness the power of storytelling to save and heal lives.

[caption id="attachment_26020" align="alignright" width="573"] Tenaya Wallace, Donate Life Hollywood[/caption]

DLH is founded by Tenaya Wallace and is a project of the OneLegacy Foundation. DLH was first launched in 2008 in response to research published by Dr. Susan Morgan of Purdue University. We refer to this research throughout the article.

Tenaya’s ultimate goal with DLH is to save and heal more lives. “I know that powerful, positive and authentic storylines coupled with a clear call to action can inspire people,” says Tenaya.

Why are Organ Donation and Hollywood Important to Talk About?

“When you watch a donation storyline the question is not whether it’s accurate but whether it is authentic and positive,” says Tenaya. “Problematic storylines perpetuate fears and myths. That is when we go into action.”

Dr. Morgan’s research shows that when storylines in Hollywood perpetuate fears and myths surrounding the donation and transplantation process, it stops people from making the decision to sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death.

Studies also show that people believe what they see about organ donation because so few people have a personal experience with donation or transplantation. Because of this, Tenaya says writers should be careful when incorporating these storylines into their work.

What Shows Got it Wrong?

“A big reason Hollywood gets it wrong is simply that they don’t know it’s wrong, and they don’t know that their storylines could cost real lives,” says Tenaya.

• The Resident: last season an “organ broker” was woven into their storyline in regards to living kidney donation. “This black market for organs myth is making a comeback in Hollywood,” says Tenaya.
  • Why it’s wrong: human organ trafficking in the United States is illegal. Financial incentives for organs and tissue are against the law and are in direct conflict with both the altruistic nature of organ and tissue donation and federal laws. Per federal law, organizations and individuals are prohibited from providing money, goods or any valuable consideration in exchange for organ or tissue donation.

• Law & Order: two seasons ago this show had a storyline where a doctor was forging consent for her pediatric patients. “This kind of story creates real fear and distrust, and it’s that fear that stops people from registering,” says Tenaya.
  • Why it’s wrong: Tenaya says that the writers of this show were actually trying to promote an “opt-out,” or presumed consent system instead of an “opt-in” system. The US operates under a system of “expressed volunteerism” or “opt-in,” with consent for donation received from donors and their families. Read more about the difference between opt-in and opt-out is, here.

Does Hollywood Ever Get it Right?

“Hollywood does want to help,” says Tenaya. She’s even had success alerting shows, like Samantha Who?, that they got the facts wrong, thus prompting the writers to apologize and change storylines as to not perpetuate fears and myths surrounding donation.

• Three Rivers on CBS: Tenaya sat down with the head writer for this series, Carol Barbee, and DLH consulted on every episode of the show. Tenaya says that this partnership with Three Rivers led to a national six percent increase in the public’s willingness to sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors.

How Can YOU Help?

To really get Hollywood’s attention and respect, we must show the power and value of the Donate Life community. Here’s how:

• Twitter: if you watch a show with a negative storyline, tweet at them. You can also check out DLH’s Twitter (@DL_Hollywood) to see if Tenaya has tweeted about a storyline.
• Reach Out to DLH: If you see a negative storyline and want to alert Tenaya, please reach out to her on Twitter (above) or by email.
• App: In the works as a future program, DLH plans to develop an app that everyone can simply download to their phones. The app will send users notifications of episodes with negative storylines and have curated responses that you can simply send to a show by the touch of a button. Stay tuned for more information on this app!

At the end of the day, “we know our stories best and Donate Life Hollywood wants to help those stories get told,” says Tenaya.

As always, you can show your support for organ, eye and tissue donation best by saying Yes at the driver license office when you obtain or renew your license or state ID. You can also sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors anytime online at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Thank you, Tenaya Wallace (Donate Life Hollywood) for your insight and help with this article!

Aftercare: Connecting Donor Families & Recipients

Part Two of Three in our “Aftercare” Series

Many donor family members and recipients have expressed how meaningful it is to connect with one another. Donor Alliance encourages correspondence between donor families and recipients, and is proud to help facilitate these connections whenever possible.

“To support these amazing families along their journey of grief, and help connect them with the hope and healing that donation can bring, is a privilege,” said Joyleen Helcoski, Donor Alliance Aftercare Coordinator.

How Can Donor Families and Recipients Start the Process of Connecting?

• Connecting Donor Families & Organ Recipients: If Donor Alliance donor family members are interested in connecting with their loved one’s organ recipient(s), they are welcome to initiate contact first. There are two ways donor family members can initiate that contact:
  • Mail a paper letter or card to the Donor Alliance office and include: the full name of your loved one who donated, your full name and relationship to your loved one, the date your loved one passed away. (Donor Alliance, 200 Spruce Street, Suite 200, Denver, CO 80230)
  • Donor family members can also submit a letter electronically, by completing this online form.

Once Donor Alliance receives the letters, by mail or electronically, Aftercare staff members then forward the letter to the recipient’s transplant center where it will then be delivered to the recipient.

Struggling with what to write? We have suggestions, here.

Organ recipients may also make the initial contact with their donor families, they should send their letters to their transplant center to get the communication process started.

• Connecting Donor Families & Tissue Recipients: The process is a bit different for Donor Alliance donor families whose loved ones donated tissue grafts (bone, soft tissue, heart valve or skin). In this case, the tissue recipients must be the first to initiate correspondence and once that happens, donor family members may respond.

It’s important to note that Donor Alliance’s role in the communication process is to facilitate written correspondence and keep the identities of donor family members and recipients confidential until both parties decide they’re ready to communicate directly.

What if Donor Families Don’t Hear From Their Loved One’s Recipient(s)?

Just as it is a donor family’s choice whether or not to write to recipients, it is a recipient’s choice whether or not to respond. There are many reasons why a recipient might not contact their donor family. Many recipients struggle with survivor’s guilt, or have a difficult recovery after their transplant. Some simply can’t find the words to express their gratitude. Regardless of whether or not a recipient decides to write, they are undoubtedly grateful for the second chance at life that was given to them by their donor.

[caption id="attachment_1664" align="alignright" width="483"] Larry (Donor Father) with Bill (Heart Recipient) holding a picture of Larry's son Tyler - Bill's donor.[/caption]

Local Connections:

We have several amazing stories of donor family members meeting their loved one’s recipients. While just a few are listed below, there have been many more connections made, both public and private, between donor families and recipients in our area.

A few stories:

• Judi, a donor mother from Fort Collins, meets her son’s heart recipient, here.
• Phil, a tissue recipient, meets his donor’s mother, here.
• Larry, a donor father from Cheyenne, WY, meets his son’s heart recipient, here.

This post is part two in our three-part “Aftercare” series. If you haven’t already, give post one, “Resources for Donor Families,” a read.

For more information and more aftercare resources, please visit the donor family resources page. If you haven’t already, we encourage you to sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor any time on our websites: DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Celebrating Life at the 2020 Donate Life Rose Parade – Juan Carlos Montanez

This year, we are honored to have Juan Carlos Montanez, a kidney recipient, represent Colorado at the 131^st Rose Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Juan Carlos will be honoring his donor aboard the 17^th annual Donate Life Rose Parade float on New Year’s Day. He will be joined by 25 other people from across the country whose lives have also been touched by donation and transplantation.

In 2009, while working abroad, Juan Carlos Montanez was diagnosed with acute End-Stage Renal Disease and placed on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. After six years on nightly peritoneal dialysis, Juan Carlos, then 41, received a lifesaving kidney transplant in July 2015. He is forever grateful for his donor's gift of life, which is one of the reasons he has dedicated his time to bringing awareness about the lifesaving gift of organ and tissue donation.

Light in the Darkness

The theme of this year’s Donate Life Rose Parade float is Light in the Darkness, and highlights the power of unity, light and love, as celebrated during Southeast Asia's Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, a celebration of light shining in the darkness. The many lives touched by donation embody the hope inherent in this festival, and reflects the hope Juan Carlos Montanez experienced after receiving his transplant.

Recognizing Those Committed to Helping Save Lives

Ahead of his appearance in the parade, Juan Carlos visited the Westminster Driver License Office to thank Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles team members who have committed to asking Colorado residents to sign up as organ, eye and tissue donors. Juan Carlos handed out roses to them as a thank you for the work they do daily in registering donors. The DMV’s close partnership and the commitment of its team members play an integral part in registering thousands of Coloradans each year who sign up to become organ, eye and tissue donors.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYROH0Kp3wA&feature=youtu.be[/embed]

Watch the Parade

The Rose Parade will start at 8 a.m. PST on January 1, 2020 and be broadcast live in the U.S. by broadcast partners ABC, NBC, HGTV, Hallmark Channel, Univision and more. Check local broadcast listings for more information.

For more information about the 2020 Donate Life Rose Parade float, visit DonateLifeFloat.org.

Aftercare: Recursos para las familias de donantes

Recursos para las Familias de Donantes (Primera parte de tres de nuestra seria "Aftercare")

Los miembros de la familia de los donantes son el corazón y el alma de nuestra misión en Donor Alliance. A través de su cooperación y apoyo durante uno de los momentos más trágicos de sus vidas, las familias donantes juegan un papel vital en salvar vidas a través de la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos.

"La mejor parte de mi trabajo es conocer y trabajar con familias que, en su peor día, optaron por ayudar a otra persona”, dijo Joyleen Helcoski, Coordinadora de Aftercare de Donor Alliance.

El departamento de Aftercare o atención posterior de Donor Alliance se preocupa por los familiares de los donantes después del proceso de donación, fomentando la comunicación continua y ofreciendo recursos útiles a lo largo del proceso.

Para iniciar con nuestra serie de "Aftercare", en este artículo, nos enfocaremos en los recursos disponibles para las familias de los donantes.

Información y Recursos:

Desde eventos hasta herramientas en línea, brindamos apoyo continuo a las familias de los donantes una vez que se completa el proceso de donación. Es importante destacar que los recursos que se mencionan a continuación están disponibles para todas las familias en cualquier momento en nuestra página de recursos para familias de donantes. Además, muchos de los recursos están disponibles en español.

• Evento conmemorativo: el Donor Family Tribute (Tributo a las Familias de los Donantes) es un evento para que los familiares de los donantes de Donor Alliance se reúnan y honren la vida y el legado de sus seres queridos que fueron donantes. El evento se celebra anualmente y es gratuito.
• Proyecto de colcha para las familias de los donantes: las colchas de Rocky Mountain Threads of Life (Hilos de Vida) son otra forma para que los familiares de los donantes recuerden a su ser querido que dio el regalo de la vida. Las familias de donantes de Donor Alliance pueden crear un cuadrado de colcha en honor a su ser querido, que se coserá a una colcha más grande y se exhibirá en varios eventos y reuniones en Colorado y Wyoming. Para descargar una plantilla cuadrada de edredón y una forma de autorización haga clic aquí.
• * NUEVO * Grupo privado de Facebook: el objetivo de este nuevo grupo de Facebook es tener un lugar para que los familiares de donantes se conecten y se apoyen mutuamente durante su viaje de duelo. Se alienta a todos los familiares de donantes de Donor Alliance a unirse al grupo, ya sea para participar en una conversación o simplemente para seguir en la página y ver el contenido. Los miembros de la familia de los donantes de Donor Alliance pueden solicitar unirse al grupo de Facebook, aquí. Aunque el grupo privado de Facebook se maneja en Ingles, se invita a todas las personas a ser parte y participar sin importar su idioma.
• Recursos para el duelo: Donor Alliance puede ayudar a conectar a las familias donantes con recursos de apoyo para afrontar el duelo en su comunidad, así como grupos de apoyo, literatura sobre la pérdida y el duelo. Los recursos de duelo se pueden solicitar en cualquier momento, aquí

En las próximas publicaciones de nuestra serie de "Aftercare", hablaremos sobre cómo las familias de los donantes y los receptores pueden comunicarse y ponerse en contacto y estaremos respondiendo algunas de las preguntas comunes.

Para obtener más información y recursos sobre el programa de Aftercare, visita la página de recursos para familias de donantes. Si aún no lo has hecho, te invitamos a registrarse como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos en cualquier momento en nuestros sitios web: DoneVidaColorado.org o DoneVidaWyoming.org.