News and Media Relations
Fallen Mesa County deputy continues to save lives through his donated organs – Denver Post
By the time Kate Geer arrived at the hospital, it was too late. Her husband, Mesa County sheriff’s Deputy Derek Geer, had been shot several times by a teenager and was lying in a hospital bed. Doctors told her that the loving, selfless man she had built a life with was gone. There was nothing more they could do.“My friend kept coaxing me to talk to him,” Kate Geer recounted in an interview Friday. “But I couldn’t. Inside, I knew he was already gone. There was nothing to be done except to donate his organs.” Now, 10 months after the February shooting that killed Geer, his decision to be an organ donor has provided the family he left behind with four bittersweet ways to remember — and in a way continue — the fallen officer’s life.
Deputy Geer’s organs live on – The Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction, CO
When Kate and Derek were walking out of the courthouse after getting their marriage license, Derek Geer brought up the idea of organ donation. He told Kate how important he thought it was. That you wouldn’t need your organs after you died anyway, and that it could save someone else’s life.
Wife of fallen deputy to rise in Rose Parade – KGCT ABC 8, Grand Junction, CO
“We literally got married at the courthouse on November 8, 1999 and we walked over to the driver’s license bureau, because I had just moved here. I went to apply for my licenses and he made sure I checked that box,” said Kate Geer, Deputy Geer’s wife. Deputy Geer donated his two kidneys, heart and liver, saving the lives of four people. “It feels good knowing him losing his life wasn’t in vain, that parts of him are literally living on,” said Kate. Kate is carrying the torch for her husband’s cause.
Celebrate the Gift of Life This Holiday Season – YourHub, Denver Post
This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and forget to take a moment to be grateful for what you have. Pediatric heart recipient Eamon Lujan talks about his journey and what the “Gift of Life” means to him and his family.
Life’s Most Special Gift – KGWN-TV CBS 4, Cheyenne, WY
Dylan Rasmussen lives in Cheyenne, Wyoming, he’s 23 years old, married and says he is living an amazing life. However, 12 years ago Dylan wasn’t sure if he would ever make it. Thanks to life’s most special gift from a Colorado teenager he is thriving today.
Moms Everyday with Donor Alliance – Moms Everyday, Casper, WY
Alison with Donate Life Wyoming sits down with Moms Everyday to talk about organ, eye and tissue donation in Wyoming.
Broncos Coach Offers Much More Than Running Back Advice – 9News, Denver, CO
Broncos running backs coach, Eric Studesville, preaches giving, and does so in the face of loss. Studesville’s parents were killed in a motorcycle accident in 2013. Eric is a single child and was extremely close to his parents. He says he is trying to move forward a little bit each day and things are slowly getting easier. His work with Donor Alliance has helped as well. Studesville’s mom was a living organ donor, so it’s a cause that is near and dear to him. He speaks out for Donor Alliance and tries to help others that have dealt with similar tragic situations.
My Name Is: Carl Miller – Lakewood Sentinel, Lakewood, CO
I had my heart attack on Thanksgiving Day 2000, and was admitted to UCH, where I spent the next five months in intensive care. One balloon pump device kept my heart beating for those five months. In March of 2001, I became the third person in the state to receive a left ventricular assist device. After a couple of weeks on that, I finally received a transplant in April 2001.
GJ Rockies Host Donate Life Night – Western Slope Now, Grand Junction, CO
The Grand Junction Rockies traded in their trademark purple pinstripes for blue and green as the team hosted Donate Life Night. “Right now, there’s nearly 2,700 people in the state of Colorado, 200 here locally, that are in need of a life saving transplant,” says John Romero with Donor Alliance. For Grand Junction native, Debi Carson Youngerman, by someone saying yes, she is able to live a healthy life 28 years after receiving life changing news.
Niwot Resident Helps Others While Waiting For a Kidney – Left Hand Valley Courier
Although Jim Eastman, who’s lived in Niwot for 25 years, is waiting for a donor kidney, he’s still reaching out to help others in similar situations. After being diagnosed with kidney disease 15 years ago, and witnessing his brother pass away from a brain bleed and donate his organs, Eastman (66) knew he wanted to get involved to give back to others. He became a donor advocate and speaker with the Donor Alliance and a kidney peer with the National Kidney Foundation.
Denver Donor Dash Breaks Records – 9News, Denver, CO
Everywhere you looked, people were wearing pictures of loved on T-shirts and on posters. Those faces represented people who have either died and donated organs, or benefited from a transplant. It was an emotional 5k run/walk around Washington Park Sunday morning. Nearly 6,000 people participated in the 17th Annual Donor Dash and broke last year’s attendance record.
Mom’s Story Shows Importance of Organ Donation – 9News, Denver, CO
At 13 years old, Jack Berg loved playing football and lacrosse and helping others. He had a big heart in the small town of Pine, Colorado “He didn’t like others being hurt,” his mom, Sandy Berg, said. “He took the time to teach someone who wasn’t as athletically inclined how to throw a spiral at lunch.” He was a tough seven grader. Then one day, the unexpected happened. Suddenly and tragically, Jack died. “I lost my youngest child, but he’s in my heart,” Sandy said. Even in death, Jack would still help others by donating his organs.