Cobertura Reciente en los Medios

Transplantation Science: Frequently Asked Student Questions

Through Transplantation Science, an award-winning, free program for 7^th through 12^th graders, 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 typically receive a number of great questions from students. It is our hope that this page will serve as a frequently updated resource that answers some of the most common questions our educators see. If you have a question about organ and tissue donation that is not answered here, share it with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/DonateLifeColorado, or Facebook.com/DonateLIfeWyoming, or on Twitter @DonateLifeCO or @DonateLifeWY.

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 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 at the driver license office or online does not pertain to living donation, only to donation after death. Click here, for more information on living donation. You can also learn more about what you are committing to when you say ‘yes’ at the driver license office, here.

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 can I help besides by being a donor?

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

• Most importantly, we encourage you to talk to your family about what your decision is regarding donation. Whether someone is a registered donor or not, it is tremendously helpful for the family through their own grief process when they know what their loved one wanted.
• 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 educated decisions when they are asked about being a donor at the Driver License Office. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit our volunteer page.
• Another way to consider raising awareness for organ and tissue donation every day is by getting a Donate Life license plate at the DMV.
• Last but certainly not least, consider a living donation. For more information on living donation, visit our Living Donation page to find the transplant center closest to you.

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 the sites that come from reputable medical resources, including:

• OrganDonor.gov
• Johns Hopkins Medicine
• UCHealth
• Children’s Hospital
• Porter Adventist Hospital
• Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center

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, but it is important to ask questions when you don’t understand something. We appreciate any and all questions regarding organ and tissue donation, and continue to be grateful to all of the schools and teachers requesting Transplantation Science to help students gain a better understanding of organ, eye and tissue donation.

To learn more about Transplantation Science, visit our program page.

National Minority Donor Awareness Week

Observed annually, National Minority Donor Awareness Week (August 1 – 7) was created to increase awareness of the need for more organ, eye, and tissue donors, especially among minorities. This special observance honors minorities who have been donors, and encourages others to register as donors as organ, eye and tissue donors. In addition, this observance also encourages the public to take better care of their health in order to reduce the number of people needing a transplant.

In our community, there are more than 2,500 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. Of those waiting, 42% belong to multicultural communities with 58% of them being Hispanics, 25% of them being African Americans and 9% of them being Asians.

Although organ transplant candidates are not matched based on race/ethnicity, transplant matches made within ethnic groups can be more compatible. That is why it is so important for people in minority communities to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and share their decision with their families.[caption id="attachment_14199" align="alignleft" width="449"] Event at Museum of Nature & Science[/caption]

This August, we partnered with the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to celebrate this observance by providing interactive, educational activities at the SCFD Community Free Day on August 6. Through this initiative, we were able to reach more than 10,000 museum guests and educate them on the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors.

You can help those waiting for a second chance at life by saying “yes” at the driver license office or Driver Services, or anytime at Donate Life Colorado.

IN THE NEWS: The top organ, eye and tissue donation stories from around the nation in July

July’s biggest organ, eye and tissue donation news and stories from around Colorado, Wyoming and the U.S.:

Donor Alliance’s Donor Dash holds special meaning for Eric Studesville

In partnering with Donor Alliance, which sponsors the Donor Dash, Studesville found an outlet to help their memory live on. “I wanted to do something to continue the legacy of giving and talk about how unselfish that was to do something for somebody else and potentially save a life, which she did,” Studesville said. Read more.

“It’s an affirmation of his gift of life”; deceased Boulder man’s liver saves another’s life

Keith Stampley traveled to Broomfield from Alton, Ill. to show his thanks to the mother of the man whose liver has given him a new lease on life. Read more.

The Pedal For Life founder shares why the campaign was started

For the founder of the organization, Bruce Brockway, the cause is personal. According to Pedal For Life, Bruce's ten year old son helped save the lives of 132 people who needed a transplant after his passing. Read more.

Tennessee woman surprises husband with match for kidney transplant

Steven Winfree has been going through cycles of dialysis to help him survive. He has kidney failure and desperately needs a transplant. When his wife, Heather Winfree, found out she was a match to donate her kidney to him, she decided to tell him in a very special way and captured the moment on video. Read more.

Donor Dash 2017: Thousands Gather at Denver’s Washington Park to Celebrate the Gift of Life

On July 16, Donor Alliance hosted the 18^th annual Donor Dash at Washington Park in Denver. 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. This year, more than 5,800 registered participants gathered to support and spread awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.

A big thank you to all of the participants, speakers, volunteers and organizations who helped make this year’s Donor Dash a huge success!

Video: Heart Recipient Writes Children’s Book

Receiving a heart transplant at just 2 years of age, Syriah wanted to give back. Working with her teacher at Northglenn High School, Syriah wrote a children's book to help kids like her who were facing a transplant. Syriah presented that book along with others written by her classmates to the Transplant Center at Children’s Hospital Colorado. The hopes are that these patients will read these stories and realize that they're not alone in this! This project was a part of our incredible Transplantation Science Program designed for students in middle and high school. Click here to learn more about this FREE course.

Advocate Spotlight: Noel Morris

[caption id="attachment_13955" align="alignright" width="299"] Noel Morris - Donor Mother[/caption]

Donor Alliance volunteers and advocates are the heart and soul of our efforts to inspire and inform our community about the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors in Colorado and Wyoming. Each of our volunteers and advocates has their own unique and inspiring story to tell. This month, we are featuring Noel, a Donor Mother from Centennial, CO.

Favorite memory volunteering with Donor Alliance: My favorite memory so far was getting to do the Christmas parade in Wyoming with my family. It was a wonderful experience.

If you could take an all-expenses paid vacation, where would you go: I would go home to California in the Santa Barbara area.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw: Last book or movie would be Wonder woman and I would recommend it. I love superhero movies.

What is your greatest accomplishment: My greatest accomplishment is graduating from college I’m the only one in my family to graduate from a college so it meant a lot to me and it was a good learning experience.

What song would you sing at karaoke night: That’s a hard one I sing all the time and I love so many different types of music but I guess it would be Fields of Gold by Eva Cassidy.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do: If I won the lottery I would take a 3 month vacation.

What is one thing you could not go a day without: I could not go a day without My family.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Advice, I can spend my days focusing on all the difficult things I’ve been through and the loss of those I’ve loved or I can choose to be happy for what today will bring and find Joy in God and the people who surround me.

Staff Spotlight: Kristi Colton

[caption id="attachment_13956" align="alignright" width="276"] Kristi Colton - Donor Alliance Recruiter[/caption]

We’re so proud to work with each and every one of our staff members here at Donor Alliance. In our Staff Spotlight, we like to take a minute to let you learn more about who we are and why we work at Donor Alliance.

Name: Kristi Colton

Position: Recruiter

Years at Donor Alliance: 1 year, 4 months

Why you chose Donor Alliance: I chose Donor Alliance because I wanted to be in a position where I was giving back to our community. It didn’t hurt that all the staff I met during the process were so welcoming. I stay with Donor Alliance because of our mission. I’m inspired by the selflessness of donor families, the hope given to recipients, and my fearless coworkers every day.

Tell us about your background: My background comes from the staffing and recruiting industry. I spent quite a few years working for a staffing company doing large-scale outsourced staffing, then moved into more specific Business Services roles. Eventually I made my way up to Executive Recruitment for a variety of industries.

What do you enjoy doing away from the office: I’m a HUGE hockey fan- Go Pens! I love watching hockey, trying to make sure I get my FitBit steps in, and spending as much of my summer at Red Rocks as possible!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received: Try not to burn bridges! Who knows when you will meet, see, or need someone’s assistance in the future!

If I won the lottery:. I would a) go to Italy! And b) spend the next hockey season seeing a game in every NHL arena.

A Mother Hears Her Son’s Heartbeat In the Woman Whose Life He Saved

After 24 years, Judi, a Donor Mother from Fort Collins, gets to hear her son's heart beating in the woman whose life he saved through organ donation. An incredibly powerful moment all made possible because of Shane's heroic donation. We were so incredibly honored to be a part of this incredible day.

Get the Facts: Are My Family or My Estate Ever Charged for Donation?

Many of those waiting may never get a second chance at life as it is estimated that every day in the U.S. 22 patients die because of the lack of donor organs. Many people who have never considered organ donation or have delayed registering to become a donor do so because of inaccurate information or assumptions about organ donation and transplantation.

One of the post common myths about organ donation is that there is an additional cost the organ and tissue donor’s family or their estate. However, there is in fact no cost to the donor’s family for organ, eye and tissue donation. The local, federally-designated organ procurement organization assumes all costs associated with recovering and processing organs and tissues for transplants once death has been declared and authorization is confirmed through either the donor registry, or from the family in lieu of registration. These costs are never passed on to the donor family. Donor Alliance’s culture and values are built on respecting and appreciating the gift of donation, which we have found is a comfort to both donor families and transplant recipients.

Eventually, the costs are reimbursed by transplant centers. Once a transplant is completed, the transplant center will bill private and public insurance plans. Hospital expenses incurred before the donation of organs or tissue and funeral expenses remain the responsibility of the donor’s family.

Get the facts on other common organ donation and transplantation myths by visiting Why Donate. For answers to other questions about organ donation and transplantation, visit our Donation FAQ page. To register to become an organ, eye and tissue donor you can say “yes” at the driver license office, or anytime at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.

Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo Parade Day 2017

On a bright and hot July 11, 2017, Donate Life Wyoming joined other Casper groups to "Stirrup Some Fun" in the Central Wyoming Fair & Rodeo Annual Parade. Advocates and volunteers gathered from all over Wyoming, donning cowboy hats and University of Wyoming t-shirts to show their support for organ, eye and tissue donation.

Cayde Brannaman, double lung recipient of Cheyenne, and Jason Wynia, heart recipient of Casper, walk in the parade to thank and honor the families of their donors. Cayde took aim with her water soaker and a mischievous smile at hundreds of Casper residents ready for the cool down.

Heart Recipient rides in the “Daddy of ’em all!”

Cheyenne Frontier Days PRCA Rodeo, truly the "Daddy of 'em all", included a special cowboy again this year.

Ryan Rochlitz, a CFD Alum and a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, competed again this year. He shared his story of receiving a life-saving gift.

Ryan says, "People may not think about registering to be a donor until they are directly affected by it. I would encourage anyone considering it to think about how they would feel if someone they loved needed a transplant. It’s also important to make sure you educate yourself so you can make a well informed decision based on facts and not a misconception you may have. You can be a hero to someone waiting for a lifesaving transplant."

[embed]https://youtu.be/HqYNnQm9Ih4[/embed]

Donor Dash: What You Need to Know for Race Day

On Sunday, July 16, thousands of people will join us at Denver’s Washington Park to support organ, eye and tissue donation at the 18^th annual Donor Dash 5K run/walk. To make the most of your Donor Dash experience, here is what you need to know to help you prepare for race day:

1. Arrive Early! We’re hoping to break attendance records with 6,000 people, so come early, expect some congestion and use it as an opportunity to meet some other people who’ve been touched by the gift of life.
2. Parking: Parking is available at South High School and transportation assistance will be provided from the parking lot to the start line, which is near Mississippi and Franklin. Please reserve transportation assistance for those who are unable to make the trek.
3. Race Course and Map: You can find a race day map of the course and activities here. The course and layout are similar to prior Donor Dashes and should look familiar to return dashers.
4. Race, Expo and Program Start Times: The race begins at 8:00 a.m. for runners and 8:05 a.m. for walkers. Dogs and strollers are welcome, but please wait to start your race with the back of the group and be courteous to the runners and walkers around you. The expo area opens at 8:00 a.m. near the finish line and the program begins at 9:30 a.m. sharp!
5. Free Team Photos: Teams of 10 or more are eligible for a free team photo. Have all team members report to the team photo area near the start line to take advantage of professional team photos from 7:00 – 7:45 a.m. or following the race from 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. If you are trying to get your photo taken pre-race, make sure to do so before 7:30 a.m.

For any additional information, visit our Donor Dash FAQs page.