Cobertura Reciente en los Medios
Staff Spotlight: Sammi Magyar
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 share who we are and why we work at Donor Alliance. In this month’s staff spotlight, meet Sammi Magyar. Sammi is the Events Coordinator at Donor Alliance and has been part of the team 1.5 years.
This Month’s Staff Spotlight is on Sammi Magyar:
Name: Sammi Magyar
Position: Events Coordinator
Years at Donor Alliance: 1.5 years
Tell us a little about your role with Donor Alliance: I am in charge of planning all of our signature events (Colorado and Wyoming Donor Family Tribute, Donor Dash, and Scavenger Hunt). I also help with our Community events and the logistics for those. I am also on the PRIDE committee in which we get to plan our staff meetings, holiday parties… all the fun things for the organization.
What do you enjoy most about your role/what’s the most rewarding aspect of your role: I love the event planning process and seeing everything come together on event day. I really enjoy collaborating with others and brainstorming ideas on how to create a successful event. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing and hearing how appreciative our donor families and recipients are for our hard work that goes into these events. Even though I haven’t been able to plan any “normal” events yet due to the pandemic, I still feel very appreciated for my committee and I’s work on these events. It is such an emotional and rewarding feeling knowing that our donor families feel that we did our absolute best to honor their loved ones through our events.
Tell us about a time at work that really moved you, most moving experience you’ve been a part of: I don’t have one specific time in my mind but whenever I am able to hear any of our advocates stories, that is something that emotionally moves me, every time. I am so proud to work at Donor Alliance and see the life changing and meaningful work that we do.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun: I love spending time with my friends and family! I love traveling to other states and visiting friends. When it is warm out, I love to be outside in the sun! I also love going to concerts and football games!
What piece of advice would you give your younger self: Always say yes to adventure!
Thanks for reading our staff spotlight!
Celebrate the Holiday Season with Donate Life!
The holiday season is upon us and we are more eager than ever to participate in all of the festive events throughout this next month. This is also the time of year where we take extra time to honor, recognize and celebrate the lives of the donors who have gone before us, the recipients who have been given a second chance in life and those who are waiting for a lifesaving and healing organ, eye or tissue transplant. The Donate Life community is involved in wonderful events this holiday season to celebrate the gift of life.
9News Parade of Lights
We are all excited that the 9News Parade of Lights is back in-person this year on Saturday, December 4! Join us this weekend as our Advocates float our “Gift of Life” balloon down the streets of Denver. Each Advocate who is walking will be in a colored hat to show their connection to organ, eye and tissue donation. Donor families whose loved ones were organ, eye and tissue donors will be in blue Santa hats. Transplant recipients and their families will be wearing red Santa hats. Living donors will wear purple Santa hats. And finally, Advocates for the Cause of organ, eye and tissue donation will wear elf hats. Share your #GiftofLife story with us on social!
If you can’t be at the parade on Saturday, we will also have our stationary Donate Life Colorado “Gift of Life” gift box on display in Downtown Denver at the Dairy Block between 18th & 19th and Blake & Wazee streets from December 5-26. Stop by, scan our QR code with your cell phone camera and share your own story about how the gift of life has affected your life.
Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade
If you live in the Colorado Springs area, join us at the Colorado Springs Festival of Lights Parade in downtown Colorado Springs on Saturday, December 4. Passionate Advocates, Donor Alliance staff members and their families are coming together to spread awareness to their community about the impact of organ, eye and tissue donation. Share your #GiftofLife story with us @DonateLifeColorado! Don’t miss out!
Annual Rose Parade
On New Year’s Day, local heart and kidney transplant recipient, Tony Young will represent our region on the 19th annual Donate Life Rose Parade float in the nationally televised Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Tony will be joined by several other participants from across the country whose lives have been touched by donation and transplantation.
https://youtu.be/1sPaa20wyUI
The 2022 Donate Life Rose Parade float, “Courage to Hope”, will feature the majestic, winged Lion of Venice from Italy’s Piazza San Marco, set amidst the Venetian Gothic architecture of the Palazzo Ducale and Venice’s quintessential gondolas and flowing canals. The traditional gondolas will carry organ, eye and tissue recipients, including Tony, symbolizing the continued sailing of their life journey thanks to their donor’s gifts.
May this holiday season fill you and yours with joy, hope and a giving spirit. Say yes to giving the gift of life at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.
How is Someone Added to the National Transplant Waiting List?
Have you ever wondered how someone is listed on the national transplant waiting list? We often hear about the national waiting list and the thousands of people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, but not everybody is familiar with how the listing process works. In this edition of Donation Essentials, we break down how the process works for you.
What Exactly is the National Transplant Waiting List?
The Waiting List is a computer system that stores the medical information of every person waiting for an organ transplant in the United States and Puerto Rico. It is part of a system that matches donated organs with waiting list candidates fairly and accurately within highly constricted time frames.
How Patients are Added to the National Transplant Waiting List
Now that you know what the waiting list is, let’s dive into how being listed works. Keep in mind that each person’s journey is unique. The process explained below may differ for each patient and at each transplant center depending on the center’s evaluation policies and requirements. Generally, the process of being added to the waiting list looks like this:
- Be Referred by a Physician: In general, determining if someone may need an organ transplant starts with a conversation with their primary doctor. After considering
different factors unique to the patient’s medical condition, the physician would determine if an organ transplant might be an effective course of treatment for the patient’s condition, or if they should be referred to a specialist, like a nephrologist (kidney doctor). If the physician, or specialist, decides an organ transplant is possibly needed, then the patient is referred to a Transplant Center for evaluation. A transplant center is a hospital that is staffed and equipped to perform complex organ transplant procedures. It’s important to note that transplant is not an effective treatment for all end-stage disease so the evaluation phase is key to see if transplant would in fact help the patient. Patients can also contact a transplant center directly. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, “a referral from a doctor is not necessary, but your doctor may have test results and medical history that will make it easier for the transplant center to start the evaluation process.”
- Select a Transplant Center: Once determined that an organ transplant is needed, the next step is to choose a transplant center. While a patient may be referred to a local transplant center, it’s important for the patient to consider different options and make sure the transplant center meets his/her needs. A few things that should be considered when selecting a transplant center are its location, the patient’s accessibility to reach the transplant center for all appointments before and after the transplant, compatibility with insurance provider and financial considerations, among many more. You can find information about, compare transplant programs, and more at SRTR.org.
- Transplant Evaluation: The patient then schedules an appointment for a transplant evaluation. The purpose of this evaluation is to determine if a patient is a viable
candidate for a transplant; the evaluation can be a lengthy and stressful process with long days, many tests and clinic visits. The Standard Transplant Evaluation usually includes the following tests: blood typing, tissue typing, dental exam, chest x-ray, cardiac work-up, pulmonary work-up, infectious disease testing, cancer screening, gender-specific testing, psychological evaluation to determine emotional preparedness and an evaluation of social and financial supports and ability to care for yourself and your new organ after transplant. Other testing may be required depending on each patient’s case, the organ needed and his or her medical history. *1
- Local Transplant Center Evaluation Policies: Transplant evaluation policies are managed directly by transplant centers. The criteria for all prospective candidates at an individual transplant center is the same for each patient. All prospective candidates are evaluated against a rigorous set of standards and must meet such criteria to be considered for a transplant. Documentation of U.S. citizenship is not required at any of the four Transplant Centers in Colorado, and immigrants can receive transplants if they meet the same requirements. Most Colorado and Wyoming residents in need of an organ transplant are listed at one of the transplant centers in the Denver metro area.
- The Transplant Center Determines if a Patient is a Suitable Candidate: Once the transplant evaluation is completed, the transplant team determines if a patient is a suitable transplant candidate. If the patient is a viable candidate, the transplant center will add him/her to the OPTN national waiting list for a transplant. Then, the transplant team contacts the patient in writing about 10 days after being listed to inform the patient about the date and time his/her name was added to the national waiting list. *1
What if the Transplant Center Does Not Accept Me as a Transplant Candidate?
Unfortunately, not all patients are viable transplant candidates. Patients who don’t meet the evaluation criteria are encouraged to ask their transplant team about their options as they may need to manage other medical conditions first or may even be too healthy for a transplant now. Patients should also consider getting a second opinion at a different transplant center, as they may still be a candidate at another transplant center. *1
Why are transplant listing requirements so strict
The process of adding a patient to the waiting list can be complex and unique to each patient and his/her medical history. Rigorous standards and requirements are in place to determine a patient’s suitability and ensure each precious gift of life made by generous organ donors and their families is maximized.
What can we do to help maximize our chances for transplant?
Unfortunately, the need for donated organs outweighs the number of organs available for transplant and not all people, even those on the waiting list, may receive an organ transplant in time. That’s why it’s important that more people, no matter their age, health or medical history, sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors after death. Without these generous donors and their families who say Yes to donation it wouldn’t be possible to save and heal thousands waiting for the gift of life each year. You can give hope to those waiting for the gift of life by signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor anytime at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.
Also, consider living donation. Living donation is an amazing way we can help save lives now. Be sure to ask the transplant center about how to find a living donor.
*1 Source: Talking about transplantation, what every patient needs to know https://unos.org/wp-content/uploads/unos/WEPNTK.pdf
Transplantation Science – A Free Program for Grades 6-12
November is the month of gratitude and this November, we’d like to take a moment to thank all of the teachers who support our Transplantation Science
program every year. We are grateful that you continue to look for ways to bring interactive activities into your classroom and value the feedback you give us. Support your science curriculum with our continually improving, free Transplantation Science STEM program for middle and high school students.
Each year, DMV staff tells us that the donation question can be an awkward moment between new drivers and their parents. Transplantation Science not only teaches the science behind organ and tissue donation and transplantation, but it also encourages students to take what they learn home and have a discussion about what they want their decision to be. That way, they are prepared and know what their decision is when they arrive at the DMV. Check out our exciting program options below to see if it is a good supplement to your life science, biology or anatomy program.
Free Transplantation Science STEM Program Options
We offer different class formats to meet the needs of each school and teacher. Check out the many ways you can connect with transplantation science below.
Transplantation Science In-Person Class
A trained educator brings all of the educational materials needed to set up four stations through which students rotate. Students love learning about each transplantable organ and how it functions by examining real, plastinated organ and tissue specimens from the human body. They will also learn about the conditions leading to the need for an organ, eye or tissue transplant, learn how organ allocation works and complete activities in a free workbook.
Transplantation Science Traveling Trunk
We ship all the materials for the class to you, you set up and run the stations on Day 1 and we will schedule an educator to video conference with your students on Day 2. This is typically reserved for schools that are located more than 100 miles from Denver, Colorado Springs or Casper with less than 50 students. However, this was opened up to all schools in 2020 due to the conditions created under the pandemic and limited availability of some educators to teach in person.
Transplantation Science Digital Curriculum
In 2020, we created a digital curriculum to make the program more accessible in our new virtual world. As a part of our digital curriculum, students still have an opportunity to see some of the materials used in the stations and work through different activities. We encourage setting up a Zoom conference with an educator after students have completed the digital curriculum.
High School Medical Careers Program
If Transplantation Science doesn’t fit your school’s needs, consider requesting a speaker through our Donor Alliance Staff Speakers Bureau. The Medical Careers presentation includes an overview of the donation process and the facts about donation combined with a review of the careers available at Donor Alliance. This is ideal for students who are interested in medical careers and is a great way to invite students to explore what is available in the fields of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Bring Transplantation Science to Your School
So this November, thank a teacher and if you know a science teacher who might be interested in this free Transplantation Science STEM program, please share this information with them!
¿Apoya mi religión la donación de órganos y tejidos?
Para los fieles, comprender la conexión entre su religión y la donación es clave para decir Sí a salvar vidas y registrarse como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos. A menudo, el apoyo religioso a la donación es una de las preocupaciones que surge cuando se habla de donación y los trasplantes y se toma la decisión de ser donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos después de la muerte.
Todas las Religiones Principales Apoyan la Donación
¿Sabías que todas las religiones mayores en los Estados Unidos apoyan la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos? Sí, eso es correcto. Muchos líderes religiosos han hecho declaraciones sobre la donación y los trasplantes. A través de dichas declaraciones, no solo expresan el apoyo de su fe, sino que también explican cómo alguien puede "vivir su fe" al tomar la decisión de registrarse como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos para salvar vidas. Por ejemplo, algunas religiones apoyan abiertamente la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos y animan a sus seguidores a que consideren “hacer el bien por el prójimo” dando el regalo de la vida después de la muerte. Otras religiones optan por dejar la decisión al individuo.
La Donación de órganos se Considera un Acto de Bondad y Caridad
Salvar vidas mediante la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos es un acto altruista y generoso. Y, desde una perspectiva religiosa y espiritual, la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos, tanto después de la muerte como en vida, se considera un acto de bondad y caridad hacia los necesitados. De hecho, algunas religiones, como el catolicismo, ven la donación como el mayor acto de amor y compasión que uno puede tener por su prójimo. Gracias a la generosidad de los donantes de órganos, ojos y tejidos, cada año se salvan y sanan miles de vidas mediante la donación y los trasplantes.
¿Por qué los Fieles Deben Considerar ser Donantes de órganos, Ojos y Tejidos?
En nuestra comunidad, hay casi 2,000 personas esperando un trasplante de órganos que les salve la vida, muchas de las cuales se identifican a sí mismas como personas de fe. Lamentablemente, se estima que aproximadamente 20 pacientes mueren cada día debido a la falta de órganos disponibles para trasplantes. Tomar la decisión de aprender más sobre la postura de tu fe con respecto a la donación después de fallecer y luego registrarse desinteresadamente como donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos brinda esperanza a quienes esperan un trasplante que salve sus vidas. Aprende cómo puedes compartir tu decisión de regístrate como donante con tu comunidad de fe durante National Donor Sabbath celebrado del 12-14 de noviembre.
La donación de órganos es el mayor acto de caridad que puedes realizar. Conocer los hechos sobre la donación te ayudará a tomar una decisión informada, en lugar de permitir que los mitos o falta de información influyan en tu decisión.
Familiarízate con la Postura de Tu Religión Sobre la Donación
Si tienes dudas sobre si registrarte para ser donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos después de la muerte, te sugerimos que te comuniques con tus líderes para saber cómo tu fe considera la donación y los trasplantes. Al hablar sobre la donación con tus líderes religiosos y al abordar preguntas específicas, comprenderás mejor las tradiciones de tu fe, los requisitos ceremoniales y cómo estos son o pueden ser compatibles con la donación después de fallecer. Estar informado puede brindarte seguridad y tranquilidad adicional al tomar la decisión de regístrate como donante.
¿Qué hay de Respetar y Cuidar a los Fallecidos?
Los servicios funerarios y de entierro tradicionales son importantes para todas las comunidades religiosas. Los donantes de órganos fallecidos siempre son tratados con el mayor respeto y dignidad durante todo el proceso de donación. Si los órganos de tu ser querido son elegibles para ser donados, un equipo de cirujanos especialistas muestra respeto durante el proceso de recuperación al cuidar y honrar al donante de una manera que aún permite un funeral con ataúd abierto tradicional.
Deja un Legado de Amor
La necesidad de órganos y tejidos trasplantables afecta todas personas, independientemente de su religión. Todos tenemos la capacidad de dejar un legado de amor a través de la donación de órganos, ojos y tejidos y salvar vidas. Muchas de las familias de donantes han compartido que saber que el legado de sus seres queridos vive a través de su donación les ha ayudado durante su duelo.
Ahora que sabes que todas las religiones mayores apoyan la donación, te alentamos a conocer más sobre la postura de tu fe sobre la donación de órganos y a considerar registrarse como donante. Regístrate en línea en cualquier momento en DoneVidaColorado.org. Una vez que te hayas registrado, comparte tu decisión con tus seres queridos y otras personas en tu comunidad de fe. Una buena acción merece otra.
Does My Religion Support Organ and Tissue Donation?
The Connection Between Faith and Donation
For the faithful, understanding their religions support of donation is key to saying yes to saving lives as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Often times, religious support of donation is one of the concerns that comes up when discussing donation and transplantation and making the decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death.
All Major Religions Support Donation
Did you know all major religions in the U.S. support organ, eye and tissue donation? Yes, that is correct. Many religious leaders have made statements addressing donation and transplantation. Through those statements, they not only express their faith’s support but also explain how someone can “live their faith” by making the decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor to save lives. For example, some religions openly support organ, eye and tissue donation and encourage their followers to consider “paying it forward” by giving the gift of life after death. Other religions choose to leave the decision to the individual.
Organ Donation Is Seen As Act of Kindness and Charity
Saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation is an unselfish and altruistic act. And, from a religious and spiritual perspective, organ, eye and tissue donation, both after death and while alive, is considered as an act of kindness and charity towards those in need. Some view donation as the utmost act of love and compassion one can have for their neighbor. Thanks to the generosity of organ, eye and tissue donors, thousands of lives are saved and healed each year through donation and transplantation.
Why the Faithful Should Consider Being Organ, Eye and Tissue donors?
Here in our community, there are nearly 2,000 people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, many of whom self-identify as people of faith. Sadly, it's estimated that every day in the U.S., there are approximately 20 patients who die because of the lack of donor organs. Making the decision to learn more about your faith’s stance on donation and transplantation and then selflessly signing up as an organ, eye and tissue donor brings hope to those waiting a lifesaving transplant. Learn how you can share your lifesaving decision with your Faith community in celebration of National Donor Sabbath, Nov 12-14.
Organ donation is the greatest act of charity you can perform. Knowing the facts about donation helps you make an informed decision, rather than letting myths or unknowns influence your decision.
Become Familiar with Your Faith’s Stance on Donation
If you are hesitant about signing to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death, we suggest you reach out to your leaders to learn how donation and transplantation is viewed by your faith. By discussing 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.
What About Respecting and Caring for the Deceased?
Traditional funeral and burial services are important to all faith communities. Deceased organ donors are always treated with the utmost respect and dignity throughout the entire donation process. If your loved one’s organs are eligible to be donated, a team of specialist surgeons show respect during the recovery process by caring for the donor in a way that still allows a traditional open casket funeral.
Leave a Legacy of Love
The need for transplantable organs and tissues affects people from all backgrounds regardless of religion. You have the ability to leave a legacy of love through organ, eye and tissue donation and save lives. Many of our donor families have shared that knowing their loved one’s legacy lives on through their donation has helped them during their grieving.
Now that you know all major religions support donation and transplantation, we encourage you to learn more about your faith’s stance on organ donation and consider signing up as a donor. You can sign-up anytime online at Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming. Once you’ve signed up, share your decision with your loved ones and others in your faith community. One good deed deserves another.
What You Should Know About Liver Transplants
Did you know that nearly 500 people in our area are waiting for a liver transplant? About 30 million people - or one in 10 people in the United States - have some form of liver disease. For these reasons, liver health and awareness is at the forefront this month.
Learn More During National Liver Awareness Month
In October, Donor Alliance joins others around the nation and the American Liver Foundation to celebrate Liver Awareness Month by raising awareness. With liver disease affecting hundreds in our community, we encourage you to get familiar with the causes, signs and symptoms of liver disease. Learn more by checking out the American Liver Foundation’s resources, educational materials and FAQs about liver health here.
What is a Liver Transplant?
According to the American Liver Foundation, “a liver transplant is a surgical procedure performed to remove a diseased or injured liver from one person and replace it with a whole or a portion of a healthy liver from another person”—often a deceased donor.
The Local Need
[caption id="attachment_7756" align="alignright" width="300"]
After shopping during the holiday season, Evergreen, CO resident, Linda suddenly fell ill and needed a lifesaving liver transplant within weeks.[/caption]
Right now, nearly 500 people in our area are waiting for a liver transplant and about one in 10 people have some form of liver disease. Thus, liver disease and the need for transplant affects all genders and ethnic groups in the United States.
What Receiving a Liver Transplant Means for Recipients
For transplant recipient Linda, receiving a liver transplant meant more time with family and friends. Linda had a successful transplant in 2011, which gave her a second chance at life. “I am so completely grateful to the family, who in a time of extreme sadness and grief was willing to show such compassion,” said Linda. Read more about Linda’s story here.
How You Can Support Those in Need:
This National Liver Awareness Month, consider signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor after death. By registering as a donor, you have the potential to donate your liver to someone in need. A transplant offers hope to those waiting on the transplant list and their families. Learn more and sign up anytime at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.
Moreover, some organs, like the liver, can even be donated through living donation. If you are interested in learning more about living donation, contact one the local transplants centers for more information.
Octubre Mes del Cáncer de Mama: El Tejido Donado Puede Ayudar con la Reconstrucción de Seno
Nos Ponemos de Rosa Durante el Mes de Concientización Sobre el Cáncer de Mama:
Muchos saben que octubre es el Mes de Concientización sobre el Cáncer de Mama (Breast Cancer Awareness Month), un tiempo para 
incrementar conciencia sobre este tema. Lo que muchos no saben es que los donantes de organos, ojos y tejidos, asi como el tejido donado a menudo juegan un papel importante en la reconstrucción mamaria.
Según la Oficina de Prevención de Enfermedades y Promoción de la Salud (Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion), aproximadamente una de cada ocho mujeres nacidas contraerá cáncer de seno, lo que hace que sea muy importante que las mujeres de todas las edades sean proactivas con respecto a la salud de sus senos. Los expertos dicen que la detección temprana es clave, si se detecta temprano, la mayoría de las mujeres pueden sobrevivir el cáncer de seno.
Cáncer de Mama, Tejido Donado y Reconstrucción de Seno:
La capacidad que tiene un donante de tejidos para cambiar la vida de las sobrevivientes decáncer de seno es inmesurable. El tejido donado, como la piel, es a menudo una excelente opción para las mujeres que recurren a la cirugía de reconstrucción de seno.
- El proceso: Aunque cada persona y situación es única, una opción para el tratamiento del cáncer de seno es una mastectomía, o la extirpación de un seno completo, seguido de una cirugía de reconstrucción de mamaria. Según el Centro de Educación de Reconstrucción de Senos (Breast Reconstruction Education Center), a través de diferentes técnicas de cirugía plástica, la reconstrucción de senos ayuda a restaurar los senos a su forma, apariencia y tamaño normal. En algunos casos, las mujeres pueden usar un autoinjerto, donde se extrae tejido de una parte de su propio cuerpo y se injerta en otra, pero esta opción no funciona para todas las pacientes. Otra opción común es utilizar tejido donado, o un aloinjerto, de un donante de tejido fallecido y usarlo como lugar de descanso para un implante. El tejido proporciona un espacio y estructura para contener el implante a base de líquido o gel.
- El impacto: Sorprendentemente, UN SOLO DONANTE DE TEJIDOS puede ayudar a hasta 10 pacientes de reconstrucción mamaria. Muy a menudo, cuando se habla de donación, la donación de órganos viene a la mente primero, pero la donación de tejidos resulta ser increíblemente benéfica, ya que mejora la vida de los receptores y es incluso descrita como una donación que salva la vida por algunos de los receptores de tejidos. Aprende más sobre el proceso de donación de tejidos aquí.
Cómo puedes ayudar a las sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama:
¿Sabía que registrarse para ser un donante de órganos, ojos y tejidos significa que tiene sel potencial de ser elegible para donar tejido y ayudar a alguien que necesita una reconstrucción mamaria? Tú puedes muestrar tu apoyo a todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad en Colorado y Wyoming que luchan contra esta enfermedad al registrarte como donante. También puedes registrarte como una forma de honrar a las mujeres especiales en tu vida. ¡Registrarse es fácil! Simplemente dig Sí la próxima vez que obtengas tu licencia de conducir o identificación estatal, o regístrate en cualquier momento en DoneVidaColorado.org o DoneVidaWyoming.org.
Otros recursos:
http://www.aopo.org/how-donated-tissue-can-help-someone-in-breast-reconstruction/
https://liveonnebraska.org/news/donated-tissue-contributes-to-hope-healing-for-breast-cancer-survivors/
https://donatelifecalifornia.org/become-a-donor-to-support-breast-cancer-survivors/
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Donated Tissue Can Help with Breast Reconstruction
Going Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
Many know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the disease and increase overall awareness. What many don’t know is that donated tissue and breast tissue donation often play an important role in breast reconstruction.
According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, about one in eight women born today will get breast cancer, making it all too important for women of all ages to be proactive about their breast health. Experts say that early detection is key, if found early, most women can survive breast cancer!
Donated Tissue, Breast Tissue Donation & Breast Reconstruction:
This month also gives us a chance to talk about a heroic tissue donor’s ability to change the lives of breast cancer survivors! Donated tissue, such as skin, is often a great option for women turning to breast reconstruction surgery.
- The Process -- While each situation is unique to the person, one option for breast cancer treatment is a mastectomy, or the removal of a whole breast, followed up with breast reconstruction. According to the Breast Reconstruction Education Center, through different plastic surgery techniques, breast reconstruction helps restore the breast back to its normal shape, appearance and size. In some cases, women are able to use an autograft, where tissue is taken from one part of their body and grafted to another part, but that doesn’t work for everyone. Another common option is taking donated tissue, or an allograft, from a tissue donor and using it as a resting place for an implant. The tissue provides space and structure to hold the liquid or gel-based implant.
- The Impact -- Amazingly, just ONE tissue donor can help up to 10 breast reconstruction patients! So often, when talking about donation, organ donation comes to mind first, but tissue donation proves to be incredibly impactful, life enhancing and even described by some recipients as lifesaving. You can learn more about the tissue process here.
How You Can Support Breast Cancer Survivors:
Did you know signing up to be an organ, eye and tissue donor means you have the potential to eligible to donate tissue and heal someone who needs breast reconstruction? Show your support to all of the members of our community in Colorado and Wyoming who are fighting against this aggressive disease by signing up as a donor. You can also sign up as a way to honor the special women in your life. Signing up is easy! Simply say Yes the next time you get your driver license or state ID, or sign up anytime online at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org.
Other Resources:
http://www.aopo.org/how-donated-tissue-can-help-someone-in-breast-reconstruction/
https://liveonnebraska.org/news/donated-tissue-contributes-to-hope-healing-for-breast-cancer-survivors/
https://donatelifecalifornia.org/become-a-donor-to-support-breast-cancer-survivors/
¿Hay ayuda financiera disponible para pacientes que reciben un trasplante?
¿Hay ayuda financiera disponible para pacientes que reciben un trasplante?
Los trasplantes de órganos pueden ser un procedimiento quirúrgico muy costoso. La realidad es que, para muchos pacientes y candidatos para recibir un trasplante, no es factible pagar el costo total de la cirugía o los costos postoperatorios adicionales. Afortunadamente, existen recursos y programas de ayuda financiera para pacientes de trasplantes a los que pueden recurrir y que pueden ayudar a pagar su procedimiento o atención médica y gastos posteriores.
Costo del Trasplante
Los costos asociados con recibir un trasplante son únicos para cada paciente y varían según muchos factores, incluyendo el tipo de trasplante, la atención necesaria, la ubicación, el hospital y la cobertura del seguro de cada paciente.
Cómo prepararse financieramente antes de un trasplante
Al prepararse para un trasplante de órganos, es importante trabajar con el coordinador financiero de su centro de trasplantes, su proveedor de seguro médico y, si corresponde, su equipo de beneficios para empleados para desarrollar una estrategia financiera y revisar todos los recursos e información disponibles.
Si bien siempre debe hablar con su proveedor de seguros y su coordinador financiero sobre cómo cubrir el costo de su trasplante, hemos elaborado una lista de algunos recursos adicionales que pueden ayudar a brindar asistencia financiera a los candidatos a trasplantes, los receptores y sus familias.
Recursos, programas y asistencia financiera para quienes recibieron un trasplante
Asistencia para adultos
Air Care Alliance proporciona una lista central de todos los grupos conocidos cuyos miembros realizan vuelos de beneficio público gratuitos para transportar pacientes y otras misiones de servicio público.
American Transplant Foundation
The American Transplant Foundation (ATF) ayuda a brindar asistencia financiera a los donantes de órganos en vida reembolsándoles los salarios perdidos después de la cirugía y brindándoles acceso a medicamentos. A través de su Programa de Asistencia al Paciente y el Programa de Mentores 1 + 1 = VIDA Patient Assistance Program and 1+1=LIFE Mentorship Program), ATF apoya a pacientes en 46 estados con un enfoque específico en Colorado.
Help Hope Live es una plataforma en línea que ayuda a las familias a crear páginas individuales para apoyar la recaudación de fondos o donaciones para sus seres queridos con gastos médicos no cubiertos por su seguro médico.
Izzie’s Gifts of Hope Foundation
La Beca Conmemorativa Isabelle Christenson otorga una beca a un individuo o miembro de la familia de alguien directamente afectado por la donación de órganos, incluidos los candidatos a trasplantes, los receptores y los familiares del donante.
Un programa que opera en conjunto con los equipos de trasplantes en Presbyterian / St. Luke's Medical Center y University of Colorado Hospital (UCHealth), que brinda asistencia financiera a los pacientes que se someten a un trasplante de hígado.
National Foundation for Transplants
Fundación Nacional para Trasplantes (NFT) NFT ofrece esperanza y ayuda a los pacientes de trasplantes y sus familias al brindar experiencia en recaudación de fondos, promoción de la donación de órganos y tejidos y apoyo a soluciones innovadoras para tratamientos que salvan vidas.
Fundación Nacional del Riñón (NKF). La Línea de ayuda de información para pacientes, NKF Cares, ofrece apoyo a las personas afectadas por enfermedades renales, donación o trasplante de órganos. Un mentor de capacitado habla con los pacientes, los miembros de la familia y los cuidadores y puede compartir sus propias experiencias sobre la diálisis, el trasplante o la donación de riñón en vida.
Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation
El Programa de Asistencia para el Paciente y la Familia brinda apoyo financiero directo y recursos para ayudar a cubrir los gastos críticos no médicos de las familias de los pacientes antes y después del trasplante.
Asistencia para los niños
COTA (Children’s Organ Transplant Association)
COTA (Asociación de trasplantes de órganos para niños). COTA ayuda a los niños y adultos jóvenes que necesitan un trasplante que les salve la vida brindándoles asistencia para la recaudación de fondos y apoyo familiar. COTA no cobra por sus servicios y no toma un porcentaje de los fondos recaudados.
First Hand Foundation es una organización que proporciona fondos para niños que necesitan asistencia con necesidades clínicas: cirugía, medicamentos, terapia, equipo médico y viajes necesarios para atención médica.
Ayuda a crear conciencia sobre la importancia de registrarse como donante
Si ya estas registrado como donante registrado de órganos, ojos y tejidos, tómate el tiempo para compartir tu decisión con tu familia y anímelos a registrarse para ser donantes al momento de fallecer en DoneVidaColorado.org.
Staff Spotlight: Grace Harcek
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 share who we are and why we work at Donor Alliance. In this month's staff spotlight, meet Grace Harcek. Grace is the Director of Performance Excellence at Donor Alliance and has been part of the team 17 years.
This Month's Staff Spotlight is on Grace Harcek:
Name: Grace Harcek
Position: Director of Performance Excellence
Years at Donor Alliance: 17 years
Tell us a little about your role with Donor Alliance: In my role, I oversee and guide Donor Alliance through our performance excellence journey. This means I work with every area of the organization to evaluate and improve our systems and processes, so that we can get better every day to save more lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
What do you enjoy most about your role/what’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? Being part of an organization that does such meaningful work is incredibly rewarding to me.
Tell us about a time at work that really moved you, most moving experience you've been a part of: I was traveling to a conference a couple of years ago, and a woman at the airport asked me where I worked. When I told her I worked at Donor Alliance, her face lit up and she said, “I love Donor Alliance!” She began telling me her story of her infant son who passed away 19 years earlier. Although he was not able to donate because of certain medical criteria at that time, she said that she was so appreciative of how a particular staff member showed empathy, compassion and care during her grieving process as she tried to understand the nature of her son’s death. I was touched and felt really proud hear her story her story about how her interactions with someone from Donor Alliance helped with her healing.
When you’re not working, what do you like to do for fun? I love spending time outdoors – mountain biking, skiing, camping, stand-up paddle boarding – especially with my husband Jerry, two kids (Sofia and Ethan), and Waffles the dog.
What piece of advice would you give your younger self? Life’s challenges no matter how big or small create the opportunity to make us better and stronger.
Thanks for reading our staff spotlight!
September is National DMV Appreciation Month
National DMV Appreciation Month occurs in September each year and is a time for the Donate Life Community to say thank you and show its appreciation of DMV partners across the country through national and local events and outreach.
This is a time where we say “thank-you” to the DMV and Driver Services staff in Colorado and Wyoming for registering 99% of donors in both states each year! Without this key partnership with the DMV and Driver Services, we would not be as successful at completing our mission to save lives through organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Easy Ways YOU Can Get Involved:
Donor Alliance will show appreciation of our DMV and Driver Services partners in September by saying thank-you to the hard-working staff and leadership through local events and outreach, and you can too! Here’s how:
- Reach out to your local Driver License office and thank them! To find the location nearest you, click here for Colorado and here for Wyoming.
- Post a positive comment on their social media pages: Facebook- @ColoradoRevenue or @WyomingDeptofTransportation (please mention Driver Services)
- Write them a letter expressing your appreciation for all that they do! To find the address for the location nearest you, click here for Colorado and here for Wyoming.
- Consider sharing your donation story with your local driver license office staff. Donation stories are powerful and inspiring! The staff enjoy hearing how donation has touched their local community and neighbors.
Remember to learn the facts of organ, eye and tissue donation. Then say Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation the next time you renew or obtain your driver license or state ID. You can also sign up anytime online at, Donate Life Colorado or Donate Life Wyoming.