News and Media Relations
Rose Parade to Celebrate Life and Legacy of Colorado Organ Donor – KDVR – Denver, CO
The Rose Parade is a New Year’s Day tradition that dates back to 1891. It will look different this year because of the pandemic, but the parade will continue to highlight important causes. That includes celebrating the life and legacy of a Coloradan, Jake Thompson.
‘Now I Have A Piece of Him Forever’: Woman’s New Knee From Unlikely Donor – 9News KUSA – Denver, CO
Mary Parker has written many notes of thanks in her 51 years. Two of those notes were sent to strangers – families of the people who become organ and tissue donors. Thanks to them, she has been able to have two knee replacements. Just last month, however, Parker had a third surgery. But this time there was no note because she knew her donor.
Casper Organ Donor to be Featured on Rose Parade Float – Wyoming News Now – Casper, WY
Sam Weaver passed away due to surgery complications in 2018, but his organ and tissue donations helped save the lives of many others. Donor Alliance, an organ and tissue donation non-profit organization, decided to honor Weaver by including his portrait on their Rose Parade float this year.
Don’t Forget Coloradans Like Me Impacted by Other Public Health Crises, Even Amidst COVID-19 – YourHub – Denver, CO
In February, as Coloradans and people around the world grew more anxious over contracting COVID-19, my wait for a lifesaving transplant continued. And amidst the global pandemic crisis, I was incredibly fortunate to receive good news in March when a heart and a kidney became available for me and the transplants saved my life. A true miracle amidst these dark days.
Donor Dash to Hold Car Parade at Wash Park Instead of 5K to Raise Awareness for Organ Transplantation – KDVR – Denver, CO
Coloradans are coming together for a great cause. Thousands of people are expected to gather at Denver’s Washington Park for a car parade on Saturday, July 18 for the annual Donor Dash. Organizers of the event, now in its 21st year, say its purpose is “to honor and celebrate organ, eye and tissue donors, candidates and recipients.”
Donor Dash Goes Virtual for 2020 – KCNC – Denver, CO
With safety in mind, the 21st annual Donor Dash is going virtual. The Donor Alliance holds the event every year to honor and celebrate the lives of organ and tissue donors, their recipients and recognize those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant. This year there will be numerous physically distanced activities as part of the Donor Dash leading up to the 5K event on July 19.
Wyoming Ranks Among The Top For Residents Signed Up For Organ Donation – Wyoming Public Media – Laramie, WY
National Donate Life Month just wrapped up. Every April, advocates celebrate and recognize organ, eye and tissue donation, something that anyone can sign up to do at the time of their death. Wyoming Public Radio's Catherine Wheeler spoke with Donor Alliance's Wyoming Community Relations Coordinator Ryea' O'Neill.
Following Double-lung Transplant, Hansen Connects with His Donor’s Family – Powell Tribune – Powell,WY
As Don Hansen took his first breaths with new lungs, he knew a family was grieving a loved one who had taken his last. Over the past year, the longtime Powell resident has learned more about his organ donor and the young man’s family. Benny Laffitte of Douglass, Kansas, died Dec. 9, 2018, following an accident. The 20-year-old helped dozens of others — including Hansen, who received Laffitte’s lungs in a transplant surgery in Colorado.
Heart Transplant Recipient Talks About How He Managed A 185-day Pre-surgery Quarantine – KDVR – Denver, CO
Staying at home for a few weeks is making many of us feel anxious, so it’s hard to imagine being quarantined in a hospital for 185 days. But that’s what happened to Rob Fettner. The Aurora man was diagnosed with heart failure at age 21. He had his first heart transplant in 2011, but had complications and needed another one. That meant a long term quarantine.
Raising Awareness: Local Woman Shares How Son Being an Organ Donor Saved the Lives of Others – KREX – Grand Junction, CO
Allison Vogel’s story begins with tragedy, but now inspires and educates others. Vogel lost her son Tanner Denton in a car accident in August of 2016, he was 23. In the aftermath of his death, Vogel says Tanner helped save the lives of others through organ, eye, and tissue donation.
‘They’re Our Heroes’: Local Couple Thanks Organ Donors for Saving Both Their Lives – KKTV – Colorado Springs, CO
In sickness and in health. “It’s been a long haul, and it’s definitely been worth it,” Viola said. That’s the promise Michael and Viola Hale made nearly 48 years ago, and they’ve stuck to it through thick and thin. Both husband and wife have undergone surgery to get a lifesaving organ donation.
Casper Resident Helps Bring Awareness to Organ Donation – Wyoming News Now – Casper, WY
Teacher, volunteer, firefighter and husband are just a few words Sam Weaver's wife Laurie used to describe him. Almost two years ago, Sam suffered a tragic stroke and passed away. In the middle of the night, Laurie received a call from Donor Alliance asking if she knew Sam was an organ donor.