News and Media Relations
2 men celebrate the miracle of organ transplants – The Pueblo West View, Pueblo West, CO
His eyes brightened and tears began to fall the moment Randy Schrantz began to talk about his 3-year-old granddaughter and the suffering she and her family went through early on in her young life. "I can't adequately express the feelings I have for my granddaughter," Schrantz said. "Seeing her in that hospital bed, tied up to those tubes that kept her alive and the suffering she went through. Not only that, but seeing our daughter -- pardon me -- suffer and going through all they did to get her to the point that she is now," he said pausing to wipe tears.
Organ Donation: The gift of life – KKCO 11, Grand Junction, CO
One person can donate up to eight organs, which means saving eight lives. "Your loved one continues to give, and has given life to somebody else through donation," said Allison McKissen, whose son donated his organs. "I got involved with Donate Life when my son was in a fatal car accident in August." She said the choice of organ donation was simple.
Why organ donation is so important – 9 News, Denver, CO
This month is National Donate Life month – and Friday is Blue and Green Day. This is a day to show support for the lifesaving benefits of organ, eye and tissue donation while celebrating those who have given the gift of life. John Romero, Donor Alliance's Community Relations Coordinator and Jeff Leone, a 2-time kidney recipient, joined Corey Rose on 9NEWS Mornings to talk about the importance of organ donation.
Getting a second chance at life – Arvada Press, Arvada, CO
In May 2013, Cody Crosby lost his life in a car accident that happened just off Wadsworth Boulevard and I-70. But thanks to the efforts of Arvada Police and emergency responders, Crosby helped save other lives through organ donation. “I believe, 100 percent, that Cody lives on in these people,” said Diane Eckert, a Lakewood resident and Crosby’s sister. “The fact that he gets to be a hero would make his day.”
For Lead native, organ donation lifelong passion – Rapid City Journal, Rapid City, SD
Growing up in Lead, in a family focused on health care and public service, perfectly prepared South Dakota native Sue Dunn for a career that saves and changes people’s lives. Dunn is the president and CEO of Donor Alliance, a Denver-based organ procurement organization that serves Colorado and most of Wyoming. She was recently elected vice president/president-elect of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/United Network for Organ Sharing board of directors.
Donation saves lives – Moms Everyday, Casper, WY
Every year, organ, eye and tissue transplants provide hope to tens of thousands of people suffering from disease, injury, trauma or blindness. In Wyoming there are nearly 200 people waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant. Mom's Everyday sits down with Donor Alliance's Wyoming Community Relations Coordinator Alison Gillum to talk about National Donate Life Month.
Three lives saved after deadly crash in Arvada – 9News, Denver, CO
The pain of losing her brother is not easy to bear for Diane Eckert. It's perhaps made a bit easier knowing first responders did their best to save him. She also knows her brother helped save the lives of three people through organ donation. Eckert is now a strong advocate of organ donation and took the opportunity Tuesday morning to thank the first responders who tried to save her brother's life. "For them to know that they actually saved so many other lives, I wanted them to know that what they do is amazing."
National Donate Life Month: A Broncos coach’s personal connection – KMGH 7, Denver, CO
Broncos assistant head coach and running back coach Eric Studesville lost his parents in a tragic motorcycle accident. His mother was a live organ donor before she passed away. Now, Studesville takes part in National Donate Life Month in honor of his mother.
Rose Parade float honors fallen Mesa County deputy – 9News, Denver, CO
Kate Geer was selected to ride the Donate Life float in memory of Deputy Derek Geer, who was shot in the line of duty last February while trying to arrest a suspect with an outstanding warrant. Geer was taken off life support at the hospital days later. His heart, liver and both kidneys helped save four lives. Kate was among nearly two dozen others selected to ride this year’s float, which honored organ donors and recipients. The float’s design depicted a Polynesian catamaran with sails featuring the floral portraits of 60 donors. Donor Alliance, which facilitates donations in Colorado and Wyoming, was also one of the float’s sponsors.
A hero in life and death, fallen officer saved lives through organ donation- Denver Post
Derek Geer is a hero. The Navy veteran served to protect the people of Mesa County and died in the line of duty when a suspect shot him in February. He became a hero a second time by donating his organs. Four individuals now benefit from Geer’s posthumous gift. His heart, liver and kidneys all went to others in need. For those equally moved by this story, one way to honor Kate and Derek Geer is to become an organ and tissue donor.
Coyotes Help Raise Awareness for Organ Donations – KCWY 13, Casper, WY
When a goalie covers up the puck in the opponent’s offensive zone, it gives a chance for his team to halt the opposition’s momentum. For a heart recipient in Casper, he was given an opportunity to get out of a corner and take the puck to the opposite side.
My Name Is… Eamon Lujan – Longmont Sentinel, Longmont, CO
I am a sixth-grader at Euclid Middle School. I was born with an underdeveloped heart and had a heart transplant when I was three months old, on Jan. 30, 2005. I like video games and I like school a lot, because it gives me something interesting to do and keeps me busy. I think my situation gives me a more meaningful take on life. I’m really aware of things happening around me and what I should be doing with my life. I want to be a pediatric transplant coordinator when I grow u