News and Media Relations
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.
Wyoming Girl Gets Double Lung Transplant – KCWY, Casper, WY
You would never know that Caydence—or Cayde, as her family calls her—would be the energetic and enthusiastic girl she is today by looking at pictures from before her surgery. Just a few years ago, Cayde was on a waiting list for a double lung transplant.
The Donor Dash Takes Over Washington Park in Denver on July 17th – KMGH, Denver, CO
Thousands are expected to take part in the Donor Dash 5k run/walk at Denver’s Washington Park on July 17th. The event brings Coloradans of all ages together to honor the lives of organ, eye and tissue donors and to recognize those who continue to wait for a life saving transplant.
Donor Dash, A Run for Life – KKCO 11, Grand Junction, CO
Roughly 5,000 people are expected to participate in the Washington Park 5K to celebrate the gift of life in Colorado. The 17th Annual Donor Dash is to take place on July 17 to honor the lives of organ and tissue donors, celebrate the lives of organ and tissue recipients, and recognize those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant.
Longmont’s Justin Wilson’s family makes plea for organ donors in Indianapolis 500 – Fox 31, Denver CO
The Indianapolis 500 on Sunday marked a special day for a local widow and the family of one of the sport’s former stars. Justin Wilson was killed by flying debris in a race last year. His nickname was the “Gentle Giant,” a man known for always helping others. In his death, he’s still doing just that with the help of his wife and brother.
In death, fallen officer saves lives – CNN
Alan Bronson looked at the image of Deputy Derek Geer on his television. The official Mesa County Sheriff’s Department photo showed a deputy with broad shoulders, stocky frame and the hint of a smile. Bronson pulled himself up on the hospital bed, listening to the news anchor. Bronson shook his head, as he heard the news anchor announce the deputy was married and had two children. He watched the footage of nearby Grand Junction, Colorado, residents beginning to grieve near the snowy street corner where the officer was gunned down.
Many Brave Cold and Snow to Support Organ Donation Awareness – KCWY News 13, Casper, WY
About 130 people braved the cold and snow in Casper Saturday morning to walk and run in the fourth annual Donor Dash. The Donor Dash honors the lives of organ and tissue donors and celebrates the lives of organ and tissue recipients. It’s also a reminder that 177 people in the state of Wyoming are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
Natrona County DA Recieves Heart Transplant, Pays it Back – KTWO, Casper, WY
In honor of National Donate Life Month, Natrona County DA, Mike Blonigen, came out to help plant trees in Casper’s Meadow Park on April 29th. Blonigen has a special connection to the cause, receiving a heart transplant on October 4th of last year. He said that it is important to pay respect to donors and remember their generosity and the sacrifice they have made.
Your Healthy Family: Organ Donation – KOAA 5, Colorado Springs, CO
Jennifer Graham has had two heart transplants. Her first came at the age of 18 at Stanford Medical Center. When that heart began to fail in 2013, she received her second gift of life at UCH becoming part of the Transplant Center’s recent milestone. Graham knows all too well what it’s like wait for an organ.