Cobertura Reciente en los Medios

Growing Awareness and Support Through Another Successful National Donate Life Month

[caption id="attachment_22516" align="alignleft" width="498"] Porter Adventist Staff on Blue & Green Day[/caption]

As we close out this year’s National Donate Life Month (NDLM), the team at Donor Alliance is incredibly thankful for the amazing partnerships, immense support and strong advocates throughout the month of April who helped make the month a huge success in Colorado and Wyoming. NDLM aims to encourage Americans to sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation.

In honor of NDLM, hospitals across Colorado and Wyoming hosted flag raising ceremonies and engaging light displays throughout the month to help honor those who’ve given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation, celebrate the transplant recipients whose lives have been saved and recognize those who continue to wait for a transplant.

DMV partners throughout Colorado and Wyoming, showed their support for donation and transplantation by joining in on the celebrations! From displaying educational materials, to decorating local driver license offices and dressing up in blue and green on National Blue & Green Day, our DMV partners played an integral role raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation in April.”

[caption id="attachment_22546" align="alignright" width="524"] Cheyenne Driver Services Staff on Blue & Green Day[/caption]

NDLM Highlights:

We’ve gathered a selection of some of our favorite stories and coverage from throughout the month Hearing the impact that donation has had on individuals, families and the Colorado and Wyoming communities has been an immense and powerful aspect of the month.

• Denver Post: Former Bronco salutes his heroes – lifesaving donors
• KOAA-TV (NBC) Colorado Springs: “Donate Life” in April
• KUSA-TV (NBC) Denver: Ballet dancer surprises UCHealth patient
• Western Slope Now: Veterans Donate Life
• Greeley Tribune: When it comes to organ donation, more heroes are needed
• Wyoming News Now: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center is shining a light on National Donate Life Month

[caption id="attachment_22514" align="alignright" width="527"] Penrose Hospital Shining a Light on Donation[/caption]

How YOU Can Continue to Help:

We appreciate all who helped Donor Alliance make NDLM a success in raising visibility and awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Even though the month has come to an end, you can still show your support for the nearly 2,000 Coloradans waiting for a lifesaving transplant, year-round! Remember, to follow us on social media, share our content and you can always sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor online at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.

Hollywood Isn’t Reality – Fact Checking New Netflix Series, Chambers

Have you heard of the new horror series streaming on Netflix, Chambers? Maybe you've even started watching it.

If not, the basic premise is a heart recipient takes on sinister characteristics of her donor. It stars Uma Thurman.

While Hollywood is full of entertainment, it's not always full of facts. Story lines centered around donation and transplantation, often contain sensationalism and even errors and Chambers in no different.

Problems With Shows Like Netflix Chambers

• Perpetuates fears
• Spreads misinformation, not facts
• Could impact the lifesaving gift of organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation

How YOU Can Help Set the Record Straight

• Write an email to the production company SuperDeluxe
• Write a letter to Leah Rachel, show creator/writer/executive producer at: 3532 Hayden Ave. Culver City, CA 90232
• Tweet at the showrunner: @AkelaCooper
• Tweet at Netflix CEO: @reedhastings
• Submit a comment to Netflix media center

You can find full, sample content provided by Donate Life Hollywood, including tweets, letters and more here.

As we know, this isn't the only show that has had donation and transplantation as their main story line. Grey’s Anatomy and The Good Doctor are just a few hospital dramas that at times, contain sensationalized story lines.

It's important we all do our part to educate others on the facts behind organ, eye and tissue donation. Shows like Netflx Chambers may harm public trust.

Research shows that story lines perpetuating fear about organ donation keep people from registering as a donor, which can cost lives.

Every day, 18 people die because an organ was not donated in time. Shows like “Chambers” create fear & distrust around organ donation and keep people from saying yes to donating life.

As always, you can get the facts at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. Be sure to share the facts with others!

Semana Nacional del Trasplante Pediátrico: Terminando la Lista de Espera del Trasplante Pediátrico

Qué es

La Semana Nacional de Trasplantes Pediátricos es un tiempo para hablar sobre el trabajo innovador que realizan nuestros socios clínicos, honrar a las familias de donantes cuyos hijos han salvado y sanado vidas a través de la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos y un tiempo para que las familias receptoras compartan su agradecimiento.

Como parte del Mes Nacional de Donación, la Semana Nacional de Trasplante Pediátrico se celebra durante la última semana completa de abril, del 22 al 26.

El objetivo es difundir el poderoso mensaje de terminar con la lista de espera de trasplantes pediátricos y reconocer a aquellos que han sido tocados por la donación pediátrica de órganos, ojos y tejidos.

Datos estadísticos

Localmente (Colorado y Wyoming):

• 25 niños menores de 18 años están esperando un trasplante que les salve la vida.
• El órgano más necesitado para aquellos que esperan localmente es el riñón.
• En el 2018 hubo 10 donantes pediátricos a nivel local.
• En el 2018, la mayoría de los donantes pediátricos tenían entre 11 y 17 años.

Nacionalmente:

• Cerca de 2,000 niños menores de 18 años están en la lista nacional de espera para trasplantes.
• Más de 500 de los niños que esperan, tienen entre uno y cinco años.
• 1,900 niños recibieron trasplantes en el 2018.
• En el 2018, hubo 875 donantes pediátricos.
• En el 2018, la mayoría de los donantes pediátricos tenían entre 11 y 17 años.

Maneras en las quedes ayudar

Estate atento a nuestras publicaciones en las redes sociales durante la semana del 22 al 26 de abril. ¡Comparte las publicaciones en tu página con #NationalPediatricTransplantWeek!

Recuerda, puedes inscribirte para ser donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos cuando obtengas o renueves tu licencia de conducir o en cualquier momento en línea en DoneVidaColorado.org o DoneVidaWyoming.org.

Como recordatorio, para las personas menores de 18 años, un padre o tutor legal debe autorizar la donación. Al obtener una licencia de conducir, los jóvenes de 15 a 17 años pueden inscribirse para ser donantes, pero hasta que los menores cumplan 18 años, su padre o tutor legal toma la decisión final sobre la donación.

YOU Can Shine A Light On Donation at Home For Blue & Green Day!

On Friday, April 12th, supporters of organ, eye and tissue donation across the United States will celebrate National Blue & Green Day as part of National Donate Life Month!

Why it’s Important:

Today there are nearly 115,000 people in the U.S. awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant and millions more awaiting lifesaving and healing tissue grafts. In Colorado and Wyoming, there are nearly 2,000 people awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

While 69% of Coloradans and 60% of Wyomingites have already signed up on the Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming Registry, April 12^th is the perfect time to show your support and help educate and inspire people to sign up.

How to Participate:

• Change your porch lights - this year, it’s as easy as switching out a light bulb! Just swap out your current porch lights for blue and green ones. You can find the colored lights at your local hardware store for under $5! Get in on the fun and let your neighbors know that YOU support organ and tissue donation! Don’t forget to share your photos with us on social media using #ShowYourHeart and #BlueandGreenDay!

• As always, you can show your support by donning your favorite blue and green outfit! Take a picture, share it on social with why you support organ, eye and tissue donation… and don’t forget to tag Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming!

• #ShowYourHeart project - find our decorating stations and decorate an inspirational cork heart. Remember, you can bring these hearts to participating restaurants or movie theaters and redeem for freebies! Also, be sure to share a picture with you and your cork heart on social media with #ShowYourHeart (while wearing your blue and green, of course)!

• Donate Life America photo contest - wear your best outfit, get a group together for a picture, make your best blue and green food… the options are endless. Just follow the link above to learn how to submit your best #BlueandGreenDay pictures!

• Sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org!

What is a Donate Life flag raising ceremony and what does it mean?

Have you ever seen a Donate Life flag raising ceremony? Ever wondered what the Donate Life flag represents? In this post, we’re breaking down what the ceremony means and why they are held, what the flag stands for, and how you can continue to show your support for organ, eye and tissue donation.

National Donate Life Month is just around the corner!

This month-long celebration in April honors the generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors and their families and commemorates all transplant recipients and those still waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

What is a Donate Life flag raising ceremony and what does it mean?

If you have never been a part of a flag raising ceremony or you have driven by a local hospital and witnessed the Donate Life flag flying on their flagpole in April, you’ve probably wondered what it means.

Each year, hospitals across the United States raise Donate Life flags and fly them all month long as part of National Donate Life Month (NDLM). NDLM is a time to spread awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation and to honor those who gave the gift of life. Donate Life flags have served as a nationwide display of unity, remembrance, and hope, while honoring those touched by donation and transplantation since 2006.

Flag raising ceremonies, though unique to the attendees and the hospitals hosting them, is a display of honor and support for organ and tissue donation and transplantation.

Beginning next week, numerous hospitals in our region will raise the Donate Life flag in a ceremonial fashion. To find an event near you to attend, visit our event calendar.

Each ceremony is unique to the attendees and hospital, but the display of honor and support for donation and transplantation holds true across Colorado and Wyoming.

What Does the Donate Life Flag Represent?

Since 2006, Donate Life flags have served as a nationwide display of unity, remembrance and hope. They are a symbol to honor heroic organ, eye and tissue donors.

While Donate Life flag raising ceremonies are often held in April for National Donate Life Month, the Donate Life flag can actually fly all year long.

In Colorado, many hospitals fly the flag every time someone has given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. Flying that flag is a small yet powerful way to honor selfless donors and their families.

What Can You Do to Show Your Support?

Now that you know what the Donate Life flag represents and why flag raising ceremonies take place in Colorado, we encourage you to keep an eye out for the Donate Life flag when you drive by a local hospital. Some even hold a small moment of silent reverence for donors and their family whenever they see the Donate Life flag flying high.

This April, be sure to #ShowYourHeart in honor of National Donate Life month. Getting involved is easy! Upload a photo, customize it with a heart that represents the gift of life, then share that photo, and why you signed up as a donor, on social! Help us reach 2,000 photo submissions in April to represent the number of people in our local area waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

One way you can show your support and honor all those who have given the gift of life all year long, is to sign up as an organ, eye and tissue donor. You can sign up online anytime at Donate Life Colorado or at the Driver License Office, when you renew or obtain your driver license or state I.D.

If just 2,000 of us inspire one person to sign up, thousands of Coloradans could be saved through organ, eye and tissue donation. Just like to Donate Life flag spreads awareness and honor for the gift of life, you can spread awareness too to help save lives – the lives of our neighbors, friends and loved ones.

Join the celebration this year by signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming. Then checkout all the other ways you can celebrate National Donate Life Month with us and #ShowYourHeart!

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Colorado and Wyoming Shine A Light on Donation for National Donate Life Month

#ShowYourHeart for National Donate Life Month this April and help shine a light on donation!

As part of the #ShowYourHeart Project, Donor Alliance teamed up with area hospitals and organizations to help spread awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.

You're encouraged to get involved and show your support for the nearly 2,000 people in Colorado and Wyoming waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Check out some of our initiatives this April:

Illumination Project

NEW this year: Participating hospitals across Colorado and Wyoming will be awash with blue and green lights throughout National Donate Life Month to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation!

How it works:

Community members are encouraged to view the #ShowYourHeart Illumination Project. Be sure to snap a picture of the light and share it on social media with #ShowYourHeart!
Hospitals participating in our #ShowYourHeart Illumination Project:

• Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
• Lutheran Medical Center
• The Medical Center of Aurora
• UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
• UCHealth Memorial Hospital (Colorado Springs)
• North Colorado Medical Center
• North Suburban Medical Center
• Parker Adventist Hospital
• Penrose Hospital
• Porter Adventist Hospital
• Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
• Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
• Saint Joseph Hospital
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• St. Francis Medical Center
• St. Mary’s Medical Center
• Swedish Medical Center
• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
• Wyoming Medical Center

Want to shine a light on donation at home? Take part in the fun on National Blue & Green Day by swapping out your regular outdoor lights, for blue and green ones!

#ShowYourHeart Project

#ShowYourHeart with us! Decorate hearts with personalized messages of inspiration to show appreciation for those who have signed up to become organ, eye and tissue donors and inspire others to do the same.

How it works:

Locate a decorating station in your area by checking our map:

Decorate your heart and share on social media with #ShowYourHeart. You're also encouraged to share why organ, eye and tissue donation is important to you!

Decorated hearts can be saved and redeemed for free promotions. Simply take your decorated heart, or show the heart on your driver license, to a participating restaurant or movie theater for special discounts.

More Ways to Get Involved

• Attend one of our events in April
• Check out our online toolkit for free National Donate Life Month Resources
• Follow us on Social Media!

Remember, you can ALWAYS #ShowYourHeart and your support year-round by signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. Then share your decision with your family and loved ones.

Colorado y Wyoming se Iluminan en Apoyo a La Donacion durante el Mes Nacional de la Donacion

#MuestraTuCorazon en el Mes Nacional de la Donación este Abril y enciende una luz por la donación!

Como parte del proyecto #MuestraTuCorazon, Donor Alliance se asoció con hospitales y organizaciones del área para ayudar a difundir el mensaje de la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos. Te invitamos a participar y mostrar tu apoyo a las casi 2,000 personas en Colorado y Wyoming que estan esperando un trasplante de órganos que les salve la vida. Echa un vistazo a las actividades que temos planeadas para el mes de abril:

Proyecto de Iluminación #MuestraTuCorazon

Varios hospitales participantes en Colorado y Wyoming estarán iluminados en en luces azules y verdes durante todo el Mes Nacional de la Donacion para crear conciencia sobre la importancia de la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos!

Cómo funciona:

Invitamos a todos los miembros de la comunidad a ver el proyecto de iluminación #MuestraTuCorazon. ¡Asegúrate de tomar una foto de un hospital iluminado y compartirla en las redes sociales con #MuestraTuCorazon

Los hospitales que participan en nuestro Projecto de Iluminacion #MuetsraTuCorazon incluyen:

• Cheyenne Regional Medical Center
• Lutheran Medical Center
• The Medical Center of Aurora
• UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
• UCHealth Memorial Hospital (Colorado Springs)
• North Colorado Medical Center
• North Suburban Medical Center
• Parker Adventist Hospital
• Penrose Hospital
• Porter Adventist Hospital
• Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center
• Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center
• Saint Joseph Hospital
• Sky Ridge Medical Center
• St. Francis Medical Center
• St. Mary’s Medical Center
• Swedish Medical Center
• UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
• Wyoming Medical Center

¿Quieres mostrar tu apoyo a la donacion iluminando tu casa? ¡Unete a la diversión en el Día Nacional Azul y Verde cambiando tus luces exteriores normales, por las azules y verdes!

#MuestraTuCorazon con nosotros!

Decora corazones con mensajes personalizados de inspiración como una muestra de agradecimiento a todas las personas que se han inscrito para ser donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos e inspirar a otros a hacer lo mismo.

Cómo funciona:

Localiza una estación de decoración en tu área revisando nuestro mapa: Decora tu corazón y comparte en las redes sociales con #MuestraTuCorazon. ¡También te invitamos a compartir por qué la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos es importante para ti! Los corazones decorados se pueden guardar o canjear por promociones gratuitas. Simplemente lleve tu corazón decorado, o muestra el corazón en tu licencia de conducir, en cines o restaurantes participantes para obtener descuentos especiales.

Más formas de participar

• Asiste a uno de nuestros eventos en abril.

• Echa un vistazo a nuestro kit de herramientas en línea para obtener los recursos del mes nacional de Donate Life gratis

•¡Síguenos en las redes sociales!

Recuerda que puedes #MostrarTuCorazon y tu apoyo durante todo el año registrandote como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos en DonateLifeColorado.org o DonateLifeWyoming.org. Una vez que te registres, no olvides compartit tu decisión con tu familia y seres queridos.

Donation 101: Focus on Relationships

Throughout April, our team of Donation Consultants will be coordinating a variety of hospital activities in celebration of National Donate Life Month. Some of these events include flag raising ceremonies to honor organ and tissue donors and illumination displays to raise donation awareness. Through critical care rounds, lunch and learns, hospital leadership presentations, and donation booths, we will share stories that highlight the lifesaving and healing gifts of organ and tissue donation.

Through the continued collaboration with our hospital partners, and generosity from our donors and their families, we’re able to work towards achieving our mission, to save lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation, every day. Last year, we recovered a record number of organs and tissues for transplantation! Our hospital development team recognizes that donation does not happen in a vacuum. Our relationships with hospitals, coroners, funeral homes, and other key partners in the donation process makes the critical difference!

We hope to see you at our donation awareness events. Please stop by to say hello! To find out more about events planned in your hospital contact your local Donation Consultant, visit our events page or send an email to Kim Robuck at krobuck@donoralliance.org.

National Kidney Month: The Importance of Donation

In honor of National Kidney Month this March, we're reminding Colorado and Wyoming residents to think about the health of their kidneys and urge all residents to sign up as organ, eye and tissue donors.

Kidney Disease:

Did you know that 90% of those with kidney disease don’t even know they have it? Kidneys work as the body’s chemical purifier, filtering waste from 150 quarts of blood a day and performing vital functions that help direct red blood cell production and regulate blood pressure. Over time, the kidneys can become damaged with little or no physical symptoms.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, roughly 30 million Americans suffer from kidney disease.

Taking Care of Your Kidneys:

According to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), one in three Americans are at-risk for kidney disease. As mentioned above, since many don't know they have kidney disease, NKF has created a quiz to see if you're at risk.

Early diagnosis is key, so make sure to visit your doctor once a year; general health screenings monitor for kidney function. There are also a few simple steps you can take to help protect your kidneys, including reducing the amount of processed foods in your diet, exercising regularly and staying hydrated.

Local Stats/Facts:

In Colorado and Wyoming, there are nearly 2,000 people on the waiting list for lifesaving organ transplants – and more than 80% of them are awaiting a kidney. Kidneys are the most transplanted organ and the average time a patient spends on the waiting list is 3-5 years. Kidneys are one of several organs that a living donor can give – allowing folks that are able to be a living donor to make a huge impact through organ donation while they are still alive.

For more information on living donation, click here.

Remember, while not everyone can be a living donor, everyone CAN sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death. Sign up anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

Does my religion support organ, eye and tissue donation?

Have you ever wondered what your religion says about donation and transplantation? No doubt, this is one of the questions that often comes up when discussing donation and transplantation. The good news is that all major religions support organ, eye and tissue donation, and see it as an act of compassion and love.

In fact, many religions have made statements addressing donation and transplantation. Some religions openly support organ, eye and tissue donation and encourage their followers to consider “paying it forward” by giving the gift of life. Other religions leave the decision to the individual.

Here are two easy ways for you to learn more about your faith’s view on organ, eye and tissue donation:

• Become familiar with your faith’s doctrine

Most people are not aware of their faith’s position regarding organ and tissue donation. Becoming familiar with your faith’s perspective on organ, eye and tissue donation after death will help clear up some of your questions and concerns. You can visit our Faith and Donation page to read statements made by different faith leaders addressing donation and transplantation. These resources include statements made by most religions practiced in the United States.

• Discuss donation and transplantation with your leaders

Another way for you to learn how donation and transplantation is viewed by your faith is to talk to your leaders. By discussing organ, eye and tissue donation with your faith leaders and addressing specific questions, you’ll have a better understanding of your faith’s traditions, ceremonial requirements, and how these are or can be compatible with donation and transplantation. Being informed can provide additional assurance and peace of mind when making the decision to become a donor.

The need for transplantable organs and tissues affects people from all backgrounds regardless of age, race or religion. You have the ability to leave a legacy of love through organ, eye and tissue donation and save lives. You can sign-up anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming. Remember, once you’ve signed up, share your decision with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Student Questions

Through Transplantation Science, an award-winning, free program for 7^th through 12^th graders, many thousands of students throughout Colorado and Wyoming are able to get new perspective on organ, eye and tissue donation. The 50-90 minute workshops at schools throughout the region, aim to give students a better understanding of what it means to be a registered organ, eye and tissue donor and how transplantation works.

During and after these sessions, our educators receive a number of great questions from students. You have probably had similar questions! Checkout the most frequently asked questions and their answers below. If you have a question about organ and tissue donation that is not answered here, review the full FAQs on the Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming registry websites.

Does the family get to meet who they’re donating to?

Sometimes. Soon after donation occurs, the family of a donor will be given general non-identifying information about their loved one’s recipient(s), including age, gender, region of residence, and hobbies/interests. Donor families and recipients may correspond with each other at any time, and this process is facilitated by Donor Alliance and transplant centers in a way that ensures donor and recipient confidentiality. If correspondence continues over time—and both parties agree—they may begin to communicate directly. Some go on to meet each other in person, while others may be more comfortable communicating without direct contact. It is also possible that either party may decline to correspond or meet for various reasons. To learn more about process, visit our corresponding with recipients FAQ.

How does donation impact the donor’s family?

Every family deals with grief differently. However, many families find that donation creates something positive out of one of the most difficult moments of their lives. To read more about how donation has touched some of the lives of donor family members, visit our Donor Family Stories page.

How do the doctors feel in that situation?

This is a personal question dependent on each doctor, and one that we are not able to answer. What we can tell you is, the doctors who care for a patient in the hospital are not associated with the doctors who perform the recovery and transplant surgeries on donors. Medical professionals always try all lifesaving measures and death is declared prior to and independent of donation.

How does the life of the donor change after donating their organs or tissues?

The majority of transplanted organs are provided by deceased donors. However, about 25 percent of organs provided for transplant in Colorado are provided by living donors, or people who donate one of their kidneys or a piece of their liver to someone else. Although living donation requires major surgery—and all major surgery comes with some risks—the vast majority of living donors go on to live a full and active life, with no complications from surgery. It is important to note that signing up on the Donate Life Colorado/Wyoming Organ & Tissue Donor Registry does not pertain to living donation, only to donation after death. Learn more about what you are committing to when you say Yes at the DMV here.

How can I help besides by being a donor?

There are a number of ways to help beyond registering to be a donor.

• #StartTheConversation: Most importantly, we encourage you to talk to your family about your decision regarding donation. Whether someone is signed up or not, it is tremendously helpful for the grieving family when they know what their loved one wanted.
• Volunteer: You may also consider volunteering. We have many events that we staff with our volunteer program, Advocates for Life. The focus of this program is to educate the public about what organ and tissue donation is so that they are able to make an educated decision about being a donor.
• Donate Life Materials & Observances: At our community events, Transplantation Science classes, and local DMV locations, you can get a Donate Life item to showcase your support. In Colorado, consider raising awareness for organ and tissue donation every day by getting a Donate Life license plate at the DMV. We celebrate national observances in our local communities and you can join in on the fun too! Check out the upcoming events and observances in your area.
• Living Donation: Last but certainly not least, consider a living donation. Learn more about living donation here. Remember not everyone can be a living donor, but anyone can sign up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death.

What advances have been made through organ transplants?

As in any medical field, there are constant advances and innovation in organ donation and transplantation. We encourage you to do additional research for information on this topic, and choose sites that come from reputable medical resources.

Can you provide any information about the people whose organs students see in Transplantation Science sessions?

In order to protect the families of the donors whose organs are available for our Transplantation Science program, we are given limited information. The information that your educator gave you included all of the details that we have. The important thing to remember is that those donors were people who decided to donate their organs for educational learning.

What happens to the donor after all of the organs and tissues to be donated have been recovered?

Our donors and their families are treated with great care and respect throughout the entire donation process. Following the recovery of organs and tissues from the donor, the donors are returned in a presentable state to their families, often via funeral homes or services. It is the family’s responsibility to make arrangements with a funeral home. Donor Alliance is not involved in the decision-making process when selecting a funeral home, but will work closely with the staff of the funeral home of choice or the coroners to coordinate where the donor will go post recovery.

How do autopsies affect organ and tissue donation?

Autopsies do not prevent organ and tissue donation. Donor Alliance coordinates closely with the coroner’s office to make sure that donation does not interfere with death investigations. If the coroner is aware that it was the wish of the deceased and/or their family to be an organ and tissue donor, they will work to perform an autopsy within a time period that allows for donation.

Thank you to all of the students who continue to share their questions and comments with us! Organ and tissue donation and transplantation can be difficult to understand and talk about, but it is important to ask questions when you don’t understand something. We continue to be grateful to all of the schools and teachers requesting Transplantation Science to help their students gain a better understanding of donation and transplantation.

To learn more about Transplantation Science and schedule your FREE class today, click here.

Can transplanted organs be donated again?

The essential gift of organ donation is the ultimate act of “paying it forward” with the donation of healthy organs and tissues. But what if that gift didn’t have to stop at just one transplant? What if healthy organs could save more than one life? For some on the waiting list for kidney and liver transplants, that dream could become a reality with some transplanted organs now able to be donated again

A new, emerging practice in transplantation allows for the successful transplantation of an organ in more than one recipient. Last year, Doctor Jeffrey Veale, director of the UCLA Kidney Exchange Program made news for successfully transplanting a healthy kidney into a second patient, after the first recipient’s tragic death in an auto accident.

We continue to learn more about transplantation, how the body handles it, and how recovery works. In the case of many recipients, a healthy organ - even one that has been transplanted before - can still make a big impact. Last year’s procedure by Dr. Veale and his team successfully re-transplanted a donated kidney into a 70-year old woman who had been waiting for a new kidney while on dialysis for close to 10 years.

“I don’t want to see a healthy kidney that was functioning well after a transplant go to waste,” Dr. Veale says. “About 20 to 25 percent of patients who have a kidney transplant die with a functioning kidney. There are so many years left on those kidneys that could save other people.”

The opportunity to expand the viable donor pool could help hundreds of lives each year, estimates Dr. Veale. “Even if we do this and save five lives, it’s worth it.”

There are nearly 115,000 people in the U.S. waiting to receive a lifesaving organ transplant, nearly 2,000 of which are in our community. Signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor is quick and easy to do by saying Yes at the driver license office or Driver Services, or anytime at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.