Cobertura Reciente en los Medios

Colorado Earns Top Spot in the Nation for Highest Donor Designation Rate, Wyoming Sixth in the Nation

Colorado is now number one in the nation for highest Donor Designation Rate and Wyoming also solidifies the sixth spot in the nation.

Donor Designation Rate or DDR is the rate at which individuals join the state organ and tissue donor registry as a percentage of licensed drivers and ID card holders.

An amazing 69.1% of Coloradans said Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation in 2018 and 60.6% of Wyomingites said Yes, both surpassing the national average of 49%, according to Donate Life America (DLA). Year after year, Colorado and Wyoming remain among the top states in the country in respect to DDR. We further explain why Coloradans and Wyomingites might be so generous and willing to say Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation, here.

“We are humbled and inspired by the generosity of the more than two-thirds of Colorado and Wyoming residents in our communities that have made this landmark achievement possible through their selfless decisions to sign up as organ, eye and tissue donors,” said Sue Dunn, Donor Alliance president and CEO. “We also could not have reached this milestone without the help of our partners. We’re grateful for their support and the support of the communities we serve. Yet, we know our work is never done and we will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of those still waiting for a lifesaving transplant.”

To recognize the efforts of Donor Alliance and the Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles in solidifying donor designation in Colorado, DLA in partnership with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Associations (AAMVA), awarded Colorado the Gold Award for highest DDR in the region and in the nation.

“Our front-line team members work diligently to register as many donors as possible,” Robert Baker, Interim Driver License Director said. “Everyone at the DMV realizes the gravity of our partnership with Donor Alliance, and we are glad to do our small part in helping save lives.”

Wyoming was also recognized with the Bronze Award for the third highest DDR in the region.

"With 99% of registered Wyoming residents signing up to be organ, eye and tissue donors at Driver Services, we value the partnership with WYDOT,” Ryea’ O’Neill, WY Community Relations Coordinator at Donor Alliance said. “The assistance the employees give in providing educational materials and information to the public is invaluable.”

Donate Life America DMV Innovation Award

In addition to being recognized for having some of the highest Donor Designation Rates in the country, the Colorado DMV training staff also received the Donate Life America DMV Innovation Award for its collaboration with Donor Alliance.

Over the last two years, Rhonda Reichel and the Division of Motor Vehicles Training Department has worked closely with Donor Alliance on an innovative way to measure the effectiveness of training and retention of information about organ and tissue donation presented in new employee training. New licensing technicians receive a 90-minute instruction block during the DMV’s intensive, week-long Driver License Fundamentals class. During the class, technicians learn: who Donor Alliance is, how the donor registry and donation process work, what the facts about donation are and how to answer customers' questions.

Before the instruction block, driver license training staff gives new employees a survey to gauge their knowledge of the facts about donation. New licensing technicians typically answer about 79% of the questions correctly. After about five months, the driver license training team sends out another assessment for licensing technicians to complete. The results show marked improvement and retention of the information with about 94% of the questions being answered correctly.

Donate Life America and AAMVA identified the collaborative process between Donor Alliance and the Colorado DMV as innovative. “This award is humbling,” said Driver License Training Supervisor Rhonda Reichel. “Our training staff is constantly looking for ways to improve and our work with Donor Alliance is part of that drive. I’m just glad that we have a partner that’s as dedicated to their mission as we are to training those who serve Coloradans."

Join the 69.1% of Coloradans and 60.6% of Wyomingites and say Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation when you renew or obtain your driver license or state ID or sign up anytime online at donatelifecolorado.org or donatelifewyoming.org.

DMV Appreciation Week Coming Up Sept. 23-27

DMV Appreciation Week is around the corner! It's a time to recognize and thank driver license partners for their support and commitment to asking the donation question of their customers every day.

Thousands Celebrate Life at the 20th Annual Donor Dash 2019

On Sunday, July 21st in Denver's Washington Park, thousands gathered to celebrate life at the 20th Annual Donor Dash 2019! This year, the event attracted 5,594 participants that all came together to also recognize 20 years of dashing for a cause.

The Donor Dash is a 5K run/walk that honors the lives of organ, eye and tissue donors; celebrates the lives of organ, eye and tissue recipients; and recognizes those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant.

The event featured some old favorites like the Diaper Dash! As well as touching ways to pay tribute to all of the heroic donors who gave the gift of life, such as the Donate Life Memorial Garden and Wall of Honor.

New this year, we had a video board, sharing the heartfelt stories from those directly touched by organ, eye and tissue donation. We also took a special look back at the very first Donor Dash in 2000 on Y2K - it's truly amazing to see how much the event has grown in the last 20 years. The links to those videos can be found at the bottom of this post.

As always, we want to extend a big thank you to all of the participants, speakers, volunteers and organizations who helped make the 20^th annual Donor Dash a huge success! Watch the 20th Annual Donor Dash recap video, below!

Enjoy the Donor Dash 2019 Recap

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4lRVD-Qt90[/embed]

If you couldn't make it out to the event this year, no worries! You can show your support any time year-round by saying Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. If you've already said Yes, we encourage you to share your decision with your family.

Be sure to save the date for the 21st Annual Donor Dash scheduled for Sunday, July 19th, 2020!

Watch Kacey Johnson, Tissue Recipient's story.

Watch Connor Randall, Two-Time Heart Recipient's story.

Watch Robin Mitchell, Donor Mother's story.

Watch the Donor Dash History video.

Jennifer Prinz Recognized with Denver Business Journal Awards for Business Excellence

Donor Alliance, COO, Jennifer Prinz is being recognized by The Denver Business Journal (DBJ) for her outstanding leadership both in donation and transplantation and in the Denver business community.

Jennifer has been named a finalist for the 2019 Outstanding Women in Business Awards that recognize female leaders for their innovation, entrepreneurship, professional accomplishment and community leadership. Jennifer was also recognized by the DBJ with a C-Suite Award for her invaluable contributions to the Denver business community through her work as Chief Operating Officer of Donor Alliance.

Throughout her career, Jennifer has been passionate about organ, eye and tissue donation, and as a result, she has helped to ensure that countless patients in need have received the lifesaving or healing transplants they required. She joined Donor Alliance in 2008, and as the COO leads the day-to-day operations of the clinical, quality, hospital development and human resources departments.

Under Jennifer’s leadership, Donor Alliance has surpassed many significant milestones that have helped to improve the climate for transplant patients in our service area. Colorado and Wyoming have consistently remained some of the top states in the nation for donor designation rates, and last year alone, Donor Alliance facilitated recoveries from 160 donors, saving the lives of a record-breaking 489 people.

Jennifer has been a pillar in the Denver healthcare community for more than a decade. Her mentorship and teachings have had lasting impact on her team as she continues to instill innovative practices and develop leaders that ensure Donor Alliance’s continued success. Although the thousands of Coloradans and Wyomingites whose lives have been saved and healed by organ and tissue transplants may not know her name, she is helping to lead the charge behind the scenes to ensure the lifesaving and healing transplants they rely on are available.

Congratulations to Jennifer on both of these distinguished, well-deserved honors!

ECHO Donate Life: Compartiendo la Importancia de la Donación de Órganos y Tejidos con las Comunidades Multiculturales

Sobre ECHO Donate Life

ECHO Donate Life (14-27 de julio) es una celebración anual centrada en compartir la importancia de la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos con comunidades multiculturales para alentarlos a salvar y sanar vidas al registrarse como donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos.

Creado por la Asociación para Asuntos Multiculturales en Transplantes (AMAT) por sus siglas en ingles y Donate Life America, ECHO Donate Life tiene como objetivo ayudar a iniciar conversaciones sobre la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos y los trasplantes. Al brindar herramientas para hablar sobre este tema y compartir tu apoyo a la donación y los trasplantes y se busca dar pie a tener conversaciones abiertas entre las familias, los amigos y los vecinos.

Necesidad Local

En Colorado y Wyoming, hay casi 2,000 personas esperando un trasplante de órganos para salvar su vida. Aunque la compatibilidad de órganos no se evalúa según la raza o el origen étnico, los trasplantes realizadas entre personas del mismo grupo étnicos pueden ser más compatibles. Esa es una de las muchas razones por las que es tan importante que más personas en comunidades multiculturales se registren para convertirse en donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos después de fallecer.

• 25% Hispanos
• 11% Africoamericanos
• 5% Asiaticos
• 2% Multiracial
• 2% Indigenas norteamericanos/Nativos de Alaska
• <1% Asiaticos de las Islas del Pacifico

Cómo puedes involucrarte:

1. Mantente atento a nuestras publicaciones en redes sociales durante la semana del 22 al 27 de julio. Comparte nuestro contenido en tus redes sociales con #ECHODonateLife. No olvides compartir también con (o etiquetar) a amigos y familiares. Hazle ECHO el mensaje de donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos y nos ayuda a salvar vidas.
2. Participa en el Reto ECHO. Lo único que debes hacer para participar es compartir un video de ti mismo (30 segundos a 1.5 minutos como máximo) hablando sobre por qué apoyas la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos. Tambien pudes comentar en las redes sociales por que apoyas la donacion e invitar a la comunidad a registrarse como donante. ¡Comparte con #ECHODonateLife y haznos tag en @DonateLifeCO, @DoneVidaColorado o @DonateLifeWY para ingresar al reto y tener la posibilidad de ganar un regalo especial!

¡Usa tu voz y hazle ECHO el mensaje de que la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos salva vidas! Comparte ECHO Donate Life en tu comunidad. Recuerda, puedes registrarte para ser donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos cuando obtengas o renueves tu licencia de conducir o identificación estatal en el DMV o en cualquier momento en línea en DonateLifeColorado.org, DoneVidaColorado.org o DonateLifeWyoming.org. Si ya te registraste para ser donante, tómate el tiempo para compartir tu decisión con tus seres queridos.

ECHO Donate Life: Sharing the Importance of Organ and Tissue Donation with Multicultural Communities

About ECHO Donate Life

ECHO Donate Life (July 14-27) is an annual observance focused on sharing the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation with multicultural communities to encourage them to save and heal lives by signing up to be organ, eyes and tissue donors.

Created by the Association for Multicultural Affairs in Transplantation (AMAT) and Donate Life America, ECHO Donate Life aims to help start meaningful conversations about donation and transplantation. Giving people the tools to share their support for donation and transplantation and creates open discussions among families, friends, and neighbors.

Local Need:

In Colorado and Wyoming, there are nearly 2,000 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant. While organs are not matched according to race or ethnicity, transplant matches made within ethnic groups can be more compatible. That is one of the many reasons it is so important for people in multicultural communities to sign up to become organ, eye and tissue donors.

Local need by ethnicity

• 25% Hispanic
• 11% African American
• 5% Asian
• 2% Multiracial
• 2% American Indian/Alaska Native
• <1% Pacific Islander

How You Can Get Involved:

1. Be on the lookout for our posts on social media during the week of July 22-27. Share our content on your own social media pages with #ECHODonateLife. Don’t forget to also share with (or tag) friends and family. ECHO the message of organ, eye and tissue donation and help us save lives
2. Participate in our ECHO Challenge. All you need to do to participate is share a short video of yourself (30 seconds to 1.5 minutes tops) or comment on social media talking about why you support organ, eye and tissue donation and invite the community to sign up. Share with #ECHODonateLife and tag @DonateLifeCO, @DoneVidaColorado or @DonateLifeWY to be entered in a special giveaway for a change to win some cool swag.

Help us ECHO Donate Life in your community! Use your voice and ECHO the message that organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives! Remember, you can always sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor when you obtain or renew your driver license or State ID at the DMV or any time online at DonateLifeColorado.org, DoneVidaColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. If you have already signed up to be a donor, please take the time to share your decision with your loved ones.

Are you ready for the 20th Annual Donor Dash?

This year, the Donor Dash is celebrating 20 years of dashing for a cause and bringing awareness to organ, eye and tissue donation! Thousands will join us on Sunday, July 21^st at Denver’s Wash Park to honor organ and tissue donors, celebrate transplant recipients and recognize those still waiting for a lifesaving transplant. This year we have new, exciting exhibitors and a special 20^th Annual program planned after the race! Take the time to also enjoy the Diaper Dash with your kiddos and honor your loved ones in the Memorial Garden.

How to join in on the celebration: Final online registration closes on Friday, July 19^th at 6 p.m. Team registration closes on Sunday, July 14^th at midnight. You can also register the morning of the race at the Registration Tent in Washington Park located near Franklin and Mississippi Streets.

Where does the race take place? The 5K run/walk and celebration of life kicks off in Washington Park. The start line is located near S. Franklin St and E. Mississippi Ave.

Where can you park? Parking is available at South High School across E Louisiana Ave. on the south side of the park (see map above). Transportation assistance will be provided from the parking lot to the start line, near E Mississippi St. and S Franklin St. You can reserve transportation assistance for those who are unable to make the trek.

Important times to know:

• 7:00 a.m. Race Day Registration/Packet Pickup
• 8:00 a.m. 5K Runners Start/Expo area opens
• 8:05 a.m. 5K Walkers Start
• 9:15 a.m. Diaper Dash in the Expo Area for ages 3 and younger
• 9:30 a.m. Program Begins at Stage with speeches from donor recipients, family members and Super Bowl 50 Champion, Ryan Harris

Volunteer! Want to attend the event but don’t want to run? Volunteer! We are always looking for race day volunteers to help us make the Donor Dash a success.. Click here to check out volunteer opportunities and sign up. If you can’t help out at the event, we also have volunteer opportunities available the week leading up to the Donor Dash! To sign up for those opportunities, please send an email to donordash@donoralliance.org.

Check out our FAQ page for any additional questions about the race. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Remember, if you can’t attend or volunteer at the Donor Dash this year, you can always show your support by saying Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation year-round. Signing up is easy, just head to donatelifecolorado.org or donatelifewyoming.org, anytime!

AOPO Recognizes Sue Dunn for Leadership and Innovative Practices in Donation and Transplantation

At the 2019 Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) conference, our own CEO and President, Sue Dunn, was recognized for her leadership efforts in donation and transplantation with the 2019 Sallop AOPO Excellence in Leadership Award. 

Sue was awarded the honor for her outstanding management achievements and innovative practices in the organ procurement field throughout her 30 years of service to donation and transplantation.

Under Sue’s leadership, our organization has come to stand apart as a leader in the field and has improved the climate for transplant patients in Colorado and Wyoming. Her significant landmarks have been achieved through ongoing process improvement, relationship management with hospitals throughout our two-state service area, rigorous community education, public relations and advertising efforts, and more.

In 2018, Sue was elected as the UNOS President and over the past year has worked with other members to strategically increase the number of transplants, provide equity in access to transplants and improve outcomes for waitlisted patients, living donors and transplant recipients, to name a few.

She has also led the charge in the organization, enacting a number of innovative processes last year that supported the increase in lives saved. These advancements included the facilitation of the first donor under the HOPE Act (meeting HIV+ criteria) in our service area and the implementation of a CT scanner to help maximize the gift of life by allowing a single liver to be transplanted into two donors.

Congratulations to Sue for this well-deserved honor!

https://youtu.be/Lgd-AOE2mMU

Donation 101: Organ Donation Terms We Don’t Use and Why

Words are powerful. How certain words or terms are used can have a significant impact, especially when it comes to organ, eye and tissue donation. Language not only plays an important role in perpetuating or debunking common myths and misconceptions about organ, eye and tissue donation, it can also serve as a way to pay respect to those who have given the gift of life and their loved ones.

The list below provides guidelines around which organ donation terms to avoid and the most appropriate terminology to use instead. Avoiding certain terms and phrases can both reduce concern among donor families and help to increase public understanding and acceptance of the donation process.

Use the terms Recover or Procure instead of Harvest, and Donated Organs and Tissues instead of Body Parts

While some of these organ donation terms may be used and accepted medically, they aren’t appropriate to use out of respect for the donor families, especially when referring to their loved one’s organs. We’ve heard feedback from donor families that terms such as “harvest” make them feel like their loved one is equated with a crop. Using terms like “recover,” “procure” and “donated organs and tissues” instead, helps loved ones and the general public understand that the entire donation process is respectful and that donors and their families are treated with the utmost care.

Deceased Donor or Deceased Donation instead of Cadaver or Cadaveric Donation

Similar to the terms above, while “cadaver” has long been accepted medically, it is important to use terminology that is considerate of donor families and conveys to the public the respect and care that donors are treated with throughout the entire process. Additionally, while there didn’t used to be a need to make a distinction between living and deceased donation, more and more people are making the life-saving decision to become a living donor. Using the terms “deceased donor” and “deceased donation” help to make a clear distinction between living and deceased donors.

Ventilator Support or Mechanical Support instead of Life Support

Death can occur in one of two ways: cardiac death, when the heart is no longer able to beat on its own, and brain death, which is the irreversible loss of function of the brain, including the brain stem. Use of the term “life” support can cause confusion when it comes to brain death, in particular. Brain death is final and finite; it is not the same as a coma or persistent vegetative state. When death occurs, there is no form of support that can make that person live again. When brain death has been determined, a donor may give the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation. In that case, “mechanical” support is the support given to a deceased donor to supply blood and oxygen to sustain the organs and tissues that may be donated.

Donation is a Decision not a Wish

Signing up as an organ, eye and tissue donor is a first-person authorized advanced directive, meaning you have made the decision to donate your organs, eyes and tissues at the time of your death. Using the term “wish” rather than “decision” implies that you are hopeful that you will become a donor but that your choice is not final. However, your decision to be a donor cannot be changed by your family. Your decision takes precedence over your loved one’s wishes, which is why it is so important to tell your family about your decision to help others.

Learn more and sign up to become a donor anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

Life After Transplant – Scott’s Story

Preventing rejection, restored health, lifestyle changes, medications, new lease on life – all are part of life after transplant. It’s important to note, however, that everyone’s transplant journey looks a bit different, it’s completely unique to them.

Transplant Terminology:

Let’s start by breaking down some common phrases and definitions associated with transplant.

Preventing Rejection: A word often heard from transplant recipients and in the transplant world is “rejection.” According to UNOS, rejection is when the organ recipient’s immune system recognizes the donor organ as foreign and attempts to eliminate it. As scary as this can sound, some degree of rejection is associated with every transplant. How the body takes to the new organ, is again – unique to the recipient and their body. It’s important for transplant recipients to listen to their body, work with their transplant team and call their doctor if they experience any symptoms associated with rejection. Symptoms list and more information on transplant rejection can be found here.

Transplant Team: These are the folks that will help recipients through the stages of their transplant, during and after. From the transplant surgeon to the transplant doctor, medical care team and more, all are there to help the recipient get the transplant they need and teach them how to best care for their precious gift. Get to know the members of a transplant team.

Lifestyle Changes: Remember, getting a transplant is major surgery and on top of recovery time, there will need to be continued care for the gift the recipient has received. Changing some habits is a necessity for transplant recipients. This could mean, changing their diet, drinking more water, giving up alcohol, taking certain medication, and/or regularly meeting with members of their transplant team. It could also mean eventually returning to the activities recipients once enjoyed before they were sick; hiking, skiing, swimming, running, etc. The changes will look different for everyone and as always, recipients should discuss this with their transplant doctor. Dive deeper in possible lifestyle changes after transplant, here.

Local Transplant Recipient Story:

To get a better glimpse into what life after transplant looks like, we sat down with Donor Alliance Advocate for Life and liver recipient, Scott Pinkney, from Northglenn, CO. Scott received his gift in 2011 after waiting for two years and unknowingly living with hepatitis C for 30 years. Listen to his touching story:

https://youtu.be/Sw258C08aYw

“It’s a selfless gift which, saves lives. I’m here to tell you, it saves lives and it saved mine,” said Pinkney. Remember, you can be a hero to people like Scott who need a lifesaving transplant. Just visit DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org to sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

You can also learn more about what life after transplant is like by visiting the UNOS website.

¿No tienes una licencia de conducir o ID estatal? No Importa, Aún Puedes Registrarte Como Donante de Órganos, Ojos y Tejidos

Una de las preguntas que recibimos a menudo cuando informamos a la comunidad sobre la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos es cómo pueden inscribirse para ser donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos después de fallecer.

Aunque la mayoría de las personas se registran para ser donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos al obtener o renovar su licencia de conducir o ID estatal en su DMV local, hay otras formas en las que puedes inscribirte para ser un donante.

Formas adicionales para registrarse como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos

• Regístrate en línea: todos los residentes de Colorado y Wyoming pueden registrarse para ser donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos en nuestra página en cualquier momento, sin importar su edad, estatus migratorio o condición médica. El proceso solo toma unos minutos, es confidencial y seguro y no se necesita documentación adicional. Los residentes de Colorado pueden obtener más información y registrarse en DoneVidaColorado.org. Los residentes de Wyoming pueden decir Sí a la donación en DoneVidaWyoming.org.
• Solicita una forma de registro: también puede inscribirse como donante completando una forma de registro impreso. Solicita una contactándonos aquí. Una vez que lo recibas la forma de registro, simplemente completa la información y envíanoslo por correo. Una vez que recibamos la forma de registro completada y firmada, se registrará tu decisión de ser donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos.
• Regístrate en eventos comunitarios: otra forma fácil de inscribirse como donante es visitar nuestras mesas de información en uno de los más de 150 eventos comunitarios en los que participamos durante todo el año. Consulta nuestro calendario de eventos y visítanos el evento más cercano a ti.

Ahora que conoces todas las diferentes formas en las puedes decir Sí a la donación y los trasplantes, te invitamos a hablar sobre la donación con tus seres queridos y a que consideres dar el regalo de la vida a través de la donación. Obtén más información y regístrate en cualquier momento en DoneVidaColorado.org o DoneVidaWyoming.org. Una vez que te registres como donante, comparte tu decisión con tu familia.

Heroes and Their Families Honored at 2019 Donor Family Tribute

Hundreds of heroes and their families were honored at Donor Alliance's 2019 Donor Family Tribute.

What is the Donor Family Tribute?

[caption id="attachment_23011" align="alignright" width="350"] Butterfly Wall[/caption]

Every year, Donor Alliance hosts the Donor Family Tribute to recognize and honor the donors who have given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation and their families. 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. The 2019 Donor Family Tribute was held on Saturday, June 1^st at the Denver Center for Performing Arts – Seawell Grand Ballroom.

2019 Donor Family Tribute Featured:

• Inspiring Speakers

  [caption id="attachment_23023" align="alignright" width="350"] Crystal Padilla[/caption]

  1. Colleen Reed, liver recipient, from Denver, CO: On August 25, 2016, with roughly 70 percent of her liver comprised solely of tumors, Colleen received a lifesaving liver transplant from a generous organ donor. In the midst of tragedy and loss, the donor’s gift saved Colleen’s life and the lives of others. Colleen spoke to the gratitude she felt towards her donor and donor’s family. She hopes to live in ways that bring honor to her donor’s life.
  2. Crystal Padilla, bone recipient, from Aurora, CO: At 33 years old, Crystal was diagnosed with a rare type of osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. A tumor had completely engulfed her arm leaving a bone transplant as her only option for effective treatment. Within two weeks a suitable donor humerus bone was found and Crystal underwent a nine hour surgery to save her limb and life. Crystal spoke to how grateful she and her family is for her donor and to her wonderful care team.

• Heartfelt Testimonies by Donor Alliance Staff:

  [caption id="attachment_23027" align="alignright" width="350"] Sue Dunn[/caption]

  1. Sue Dunn, President & C.E.O of Donor Alliance: “Sometime in the last couple of years, you looked beyond your own immediate sadness and grief to offer the gift of life to someone you had never met, and most likely, will never know. Your gift transformed another person in ways that are unimaginable. Your gift also transformed you in ways that only you can know and appreciate. As you will experience today, the gift of donation has affected Donor Alliance as a staff, the larger community and organ and tissue recipients.”
  2. Lisa Lucas, Family Support Coordinator: “To say ‘thank you’ on behalf of the recipients your loved one and you have saved just does not seem to be enough. But thank you. Your loved one’s legacy lives on in those he or she saved. They also live on in myself and my colleagues. Every donor family we work with leaves a lasting impression upon us. Please know your mother, father, sister, brother, friend will not be forgotten.”

     [caption id="attachment_23013" align="alignright" width="350"] Donor Family Quilt[/caption]

• Rocky Mountain Threads of Life Quilts: The quilts commemorate individuals who have given the gift of life through the donation of organs and/or tissue. Each square of the quilt is created to represent the thoughts and feelings a family member has about their loved one. Families were invited to create custom quilt squares honoring the memory of their loved one.

• Butterfly Memorial Wall: Families were able to decorate a butterfly in memory of their loved one. Before the ceremony, these butterflies were hung on the wall, for all to see and honor. After the event, families wereable to take the butterfly home as a small keepsake.

  [caption id="attachment_23009" align="alignright" width="350"] Donor Family Quilt[/caption]

• Butterfly Seed Paper: Families were encouraged to write inspirational messages or notes to their loved one and hang the butterfly seed paper on lighted trees as they left the event. The seed paper represents the Lives Transformed that we are celebrated at the event on Saturday. Donor Alliance plans to plant the seed paper dedications at their office to sprout into a visual symbol of the legacy of each of your loved ones and their generous gift.

• Candle Lighting Ceremony: As their loved one’s name was read, families lit a candle as a way to remember and honor the legacy their loved one left behind.

  [caption id="attachment_23017" align="alignright" width="350"] Candle Lighting[/caption]

• Bell Ringing: The ringing of a bell historically signifies new beginnings. As the event ended, families were invited to participate in a bell ringing ceremony led by Sue Dunn to honor organ and tissue donors with a symbolic ringing of the bells. To symbolize the generosity of these amazing souls, a special signal of five rings will represent:
  1. The gift given
  2. The life honored
  3. The life saved
  4. The family remembering
  5. The legacy continuing

Ways to Stay Connected:

[caption id="attachment_23019" align="alignright" width="350"] Seed Paper Butterflies[/caption]

If you’ve been touched by donation, we’d love for you to visit the many resources we have available.

• Donor Family Facebook Page *NEW*: This group was started by the Donor Alliance Aftercare Department for the purpose of providing a forum for donor family members to connect with and support one another along their grief journey.
• Donor Family Resources: Please visit our resource page for an extensive list of resources available.

Oh behalf of all of us at Donor Alliance, thank you to the heroic donor families for sharing your time and the memory of your loved one with us. It's an honor to serve you.

Don’t Have a Driver License or State ID? No Worries, You Can Still Sign Up to Be an Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor

One of the questions we receive often when educating the community on organ, eye and tissue donation is how people can sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors after death. While most people sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors when obtaining or renewing their state ID or driver license at their local DMV, there are other ways in which you can sign up to be a donor.

If you don’t have access to a driver's license or state ID or simply forgot to say Yes to donation during your last visit to the DMV, you can still sign up anytime without having to make an extra trip to your local DMV office. Keep reading to learn the many ways you can register your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Additional ways to sign up as an organ, eye and tissue donor

• Sign up Online: All Colorado and Wyoming residents can sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors online anytime regardless of age, medical condition or immigration status. The process only takes a few minutes and NO further legal documentation is necessary. Colorado residents can learn more and sign up at DonateLifeColorado.org. Wyomingites can say Yes to donation at DonateLifeWyoming.org.
• Request a hard copy registration form: You can also sign up as a donor by completing a hard copy registration form. Request one by contacting us here. Once you receive it, simply complete the form and mail it back to us. Once we received the completed form, your decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor will be registered.
• Sign up at community events: Another easy way to sign up as a donor is to visit our donor designation stations at one of the more than 150 community events we participate in throughout the year. Check out our events calendar and stop by the event closest to you.

Now that you know all the different ways in which you can say Yes to donation and transplantation, we encourage you to discuss donation with your loved ones and encourage them to consider giving the gift of life. Learn more and sign up anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming. Once you have signed up, please share your decision with your family.