My name is Natalie Clark and I am a pharmacy major at Ohio Northern University. When I was in the 10th grade, I was having a typical day of school, dinner with my family, and a softball game. My 19 year old brother, Ian, had gone to college classes that morning, had dinner with the family as well, and went to a business meeting in the evening. On his way home, his car hydroplaned while merging onto the highway and when his car touched down, it shot into the oncoming traffic under a semi truck. His head trauma was so severe that he was unconscious before the jaws of life were used to cut him out and Care-Flight flew him to the hospital. Multiple tests were performed before he was officially declared brain dead. This type of death allows the heart to continue beating and the organs to obtain oxygen if the patient is put on a ventilator and only occurs in about 1% of the population. Because of the circumstances, Ian was a candidate for organ and tissue donation. My parents were the ones who brought it up to the nurses and doctors because Ian had registered to be an organ donor at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles when he got his driver's permit at age 15 1/2. They signed paperwork and we were allowed to say goodbye to my unconscious brother.
Ian's organs saved five people's lives, his corneas restored the sight in two people, and 78 tissues and bones were recovered that enhanced the lives of almost four dozen others. Protocol requires names to be kept anonymous, but if both donor family and organ recipients agree, they are allowed to get each other's information. We heard back from both of the people who got Ian's kidneys. Over the past seven years, my family has become quite close to both recipient's and their families. Ian's left kidney went to a 58 year old man named Dale who lives in Ohio and is married with two kids and two grandkids. He enjoys motorcycles and took me on my first motorcycle ride. Whenever he writes to my parents, he signs the letter from, "The Boys." Ian's right kidney went to a 34 year old woman named Angie who lives in West Virginia. Her previous husband left her when she was sick before her transplant, and she remarried last fall. My mom was part of Angie's wedding ceremony and was able to light one of the unity candles along with the other mothers. She sends my parents Mother's Day cards and Father's Day cards and is so thankful for the priceless gift she received.
This gift of life is obvious to the organ recipients. What is less obvious is the fact that passing on life is a gift to the surviving donor family, too. It is the only positive aspect of such a life changing and devistating situaton. I know that it has truly helped me and my family. My parents volunteer their time at health fairs and give speaches to get people to sign up to be organ and tissue donors. My mom also sits on the Ohio board as an organ donor family representative.
I urge everyone to speak to their families about their feelings on organ donation so that if something unexpected might happen, your wishes to be an organ and tissue donor can be carried out. Even if you are unsure if you can be an organ donor, it doesn't hurt to register online and let medical professionals decide at your time of death whether or not organs and/or tissues can be donated. It is one of the most precious gifts that you can give to anyone!
Natalie Clark
Ohio Northern University
Raabe College of Pharmacy
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 1, 2009
We Did It...
This last week ONU's Do It Now College Challenge team has been recovering from our closing event. Our campaign has ended, but we are still accepting new donor registrants until our presentation for R/P Marketing Public Relations and Donate Life Ohio representatives in Columbus on May 13th.
Our final event was April 19th on the ONU campus. The rain moved us inside that morning, but we made the best of it and supporters came out for free food and giveaways as well as a raffle and corn hole tournament.
Our total is up to 93% of our goal and we are still looking for a few more people to sign-up to be organ and tissue donors.
Wanna Do It....
...Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Our final event was April 19th on the ONU campus. The rain moved us inside that morning, but we made the best of it and supporters came out for free food and giveaways as well as a raffle and corn hole tournament.
Our total is up to 93% of our goal and we are still looking for a few more people to sign-up to be organ and tissue donors.
Wanna Do It....
...Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Monday, April 20, 2009
An Athlete's Story: Erik Compton
There are many different characteristics of a personality that make a champion. For Erik Compton, it’s perseverance. For Jannine and Isaac, two donors who have saved Erik’s life, that characteristic is selflessness. Both Jannine and Issac were young adults who signed up to be organ donors before their lives were cut short.
It is because of their willingness to become donors that Erik, a PGA pro-golfer who just made the cut for the Honda Classic, is able to continue playing golf and raising his two month old daughter, Petra. He is able to continue loving his wife, Barbara, and he treasures each new day because it truly is a gift. Erik lives not only because of his own personal strength and endurance, but also because two individuals made one incredible decision. They didn’t hesitate. They registered to be donors.
Wanna do it?
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
You can find out more about Erik Compton in this week’s Sports Illustrated: http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1154479/1/index.htm
It is because of their willingness to become donors that Erik, a PGA pro-golfer who just made the cut for the Honda Classic, is able to continue playing golf and raising his two month old daughter, Petra. He is able to continue loving his wife, Barbara, and he treasures each new day because it truly is a gift. Erik lives not only because of his own personal strength and endurance, but also because two individuals made one incredible decision. They didn’t hesitate. They registered to be donors.
Wanna do it?
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
You can find out more about Erik Compton in this week’s Sports Illustrated: http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1154479/1/index.htm
Written by Evan Roberts
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Myths, Misconceptions & the Reality of Organ Donation
With our closing event coming up soon, Lauren Fitting, a speaker for Lifeline of Ohio came to talk about the myths that drive people away, to help boost interest in becoming an organ or tissue donor. Over 100,000 people are on the waiting list and myths such as ‘A patient won’t get proper medical treatment’ or ‘Only the rich get transplants’ are driving potential donors away.
These myths are FALSE!
Doctors are here to save lives and the hospitals do not even know whether people are organ donors or not at the time of treatment. Transplants are not based on economic status, either, but rather how compatible someone is with the donor. By becoming an organ donor you can save up to eight lives! You will become the hero to eight people by giving them a second chance at life.
The opportunity to do voluntary donation, which is donating organs like kidneys, liver and tissue through surgery while the donor is living, was also part of her presentation. A cool fact Lauren brought up about live donation was that a liver can actually regenerate itself. Now how cool is that?!
Wanna Do It?
Don’t let the myths scare you away, sign up to be an organ and tissue donor today!
Do It Now!
Written by Kelsey Giesler
Monday, April 13, 2009
Closing Events
Join us for our closing events!
If you haven't signed up to be an organ and tissue donor there is still time!
Check out our Facebook page for more information.
Wanna Do It...
...Do It Now!
The Recipient's Journey
A friend text me the other day to say her uncle, after five years of being on the national donor waiting list, had finally gotten the call to receive his new heart.
Five Years.
This made me think of what five years meant to me. If you haven’t been convinced that you could one day help someone by becoming an organ donor today, think of what five years means to you. Now think that my friends’ uncle has been sick most of his life and has lived over 40 years knowing one day he would need to depend on a stranger’s kindness. When the fight begins for those who are critically ill, most are given many medical opportunities before they are added to The National Waiting List as a last resort. It is a long and trying journey for a recipient.
First, the patient’s physician must give a referral and contact a transplant hospital. Patients and their doctors discuss which of the 200+ transplant hospitals in the United States fits their needs; including insurance, location, finances and even support group availability. An evaluation appointment is then scheduled to determine if the patient is a good candidate for a transplant.
During the evaluation at the patient’s selected hospital the transplant team agrees whether or not the patient is a good transplant candidate, they will add the patient to the national waiting list. The transplant hospital notifies the patient within 10 days to inform the patient of the date of listing. And then the the real journey - the wait - begins.
The surgery took over 10 hours and now my friends’ uncle is recovering because of a stranger’s generous act. What will the next five years mean for him?
Wanna Do It…
...Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Written by Madison Bender
Source: http://www.transplantliving.org/beforethetransplant/list/list.aspx
Five Years.
This made me think of what five years meant to me. If you haven’t been convinced that you could one day help someone by becoming an organ donor today, think of what five years means to you. Now think that my friends’ uncle has been sick most of his life and has lived over 40 years knowing one day he would need to depend on a stranger’s kindness. When the fight begins for those who are critically ill, most are given many medical opportunities before they are added to The National Waiting List as a last resort. It is a long and trying journey for a recipient.
First, the patient’s physician must give a referral and contact a transplant hospital. Patients and their doctors discuss which of the 200+ transplant hospitals in the United States fits their needs; including insurance, location, finances and even support group availability. An evaluation appointment is then scheduled to determine if the patient is a good candidate for a transplant.
During the evaluation at the patient’s selected hospital the transplant team agrees whether or not the patient is a good transplant candidate, they will add the patient to the national waiting list. The transplant hospital notifies the patient within 10 days to inform the patient of the date of listing. And then the the real journey - the wait - begins.
The surgery took over 10 hours and now my friends’ uncle is recovering because of a stranger’s generous act. What will the next five years mean for him?
Wanna Do It…
...Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Written by Madison Bender
Source: http://www.transplantliving.org/beforethetransplant/list/list.aspx
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
My fear of Eyes
I am an organ donor. “Take everything but my eyes,” I have always told my mother and sister. My eyes are mine.
You are not the only one, this idea makes no sense to anyone. But to me it doesn’t have to, I just know I want my eyes left with me. I have begun to think this campaign is my opportunity to learn more and maybe figure out why I have such uneasiness with this scenario.
The eye donning process starts with a call to the eye bank from the hospital with a possible donor, much like in other organ and tissue donation processes. With eyes however, the next of kin consent and recovery surgery must take place within 12 hours of death. After the family’s consent and a thorough medical-social history, the donor’s eligibility process begins. In this process the eye bank pays close attention to the cause of death, any medications the donor may have been on and if there was any blood loss due to the risks these could cause a recipient.
If the donor’s eyes are cleared, meaning there aren’t any medical problems, an eye bank technician performs a physical inspection of the donor. This process screens for signs of infectious disease and a sample of blood is also drawn to be tested for HIV I and II, Hepatitis B and C and Syphilis.
Finally, after this examination and approval the corneas can be surgically recovered. After removing the cornea, it must be kept in a storage container, which keeps the tissue viable and sterile. Technicians evaluate the cornea again to make certain that it meets the criteria for transplantation. Next, the eye bank's medical director reviews the records for the donor and makes a final eligibility determination. After authorization, the cornea is then sealed and packed in a container of wet ice ensuring it remains between two to eight degrees and does not freeze, this it is transported.
So is there a reason for me to be completely unnerved by this process? Not really. My body would no longer be functioning in this world so I wouldn't actually have any fears at that time and this type of donation has a huge effect on a recipient's life.
Just close your eyes for five minutes.
Wanna Do It...
...Do It Now!
Wanna Do It...
...Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Written by Madison Bender
Source: http://www.restoresight.org/donation/
Written by Madison Bender
Source: http://www.restoresight.org/donation/
Friday, April 3, 2009
"My Religion Won't Allow Me To Donate"
A frequently asked question about organ and tissue donation deals with a conflict between religious beliefs and donation. It’s good to know that all major religions support organ and tissue donation.
This Web site offers a list of many different religions and their stance on donation. Most find donation an act of charity and neighborly love, but if you are concerned it is suggested you talk with your minister, pastor, rabbi or other religious leader.
Organ and tissue donation is not just a faith-based issue. To be able to help others in need of organs or tissues, regardless of faith, is something that all people are able to participate.
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Written by Cynthia Cultright
This Web site offers a list of many different religions and their stance on donation. Most find donation an act of charity and neighborly love, but if you are concerned it is suggested you talk with your minister, pastor, rabbi or other religious leader.
Organ and tissue donation is not just a faith-based issue. To be able to help others in need of organs or tissues, regardless of faith, is something that all people are able to participate.
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Written by Cynthia Cultright
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Informed Consent Information
Joining the Ohio Donor Registry to become an organ or tissue donor is quite simple. Visiting www.doitnowohio.org/onu is one way. Your BMV is also a common place to sign-up whenever you renew your license. Once registered, donors automatically and legally give consent for donation upon death, for any purposes authorized by law.
So what can be donated?
Organs which can be donated include:
So what can be donated?
Organs which can be donated include:
- Heart
- Liver
- Kidneys
- Lungs
- Pancreas
- Small intestine
- Tissues which can be donated include:
- Corneas
- Skin
- Bone
- Tendons and ligaments
- Heart valves
- Vessels
Once registered the details of consent can be modified to include only specified organs and/or tissues (or only specified purposes) according to the needs/wants of the registrant.
Wanna Do It...
Friday, March 27, 2009
I'd Do It Now
Organ donation is a big deal. And in my eyes, I think organ donation should be more than just something a person can do after they have passed away. Maybe that is due to my situation. When I was in elementary school, my mom had to have her kidney removed. Her kidney problems date back to when she was in her late teens. She had to spend days at a time in the hospital trying to fix her kidney and has the scars to show. After finally getting things under control, my mom thought she was in the clear. But in the mid-90’s, she opted for a laparoscopic removal of her failing kidney.
After reading about donation issues such as the high number of people in need a kidney, my heart dropped. What if my mom’s good kidney fails? A little panicked, nothing new, I rushed to ask her if her other kidney was okay. After reassuring me, she was curious where my question came from. She said I was being dramatic (surprise) and told me that it should be okay for the rest of her life. Despite my efforts to believe her, I told her right then and there that if she ever needed a kidney, that I would give her mine. As usual, she made some witty comment and then I could hear her smile through the phone. She knew I was being serious and let the conversation switch topics. But that’s when I started thinking. Just because I am her daughter, doesn’t mean I’m a match, nor does it guarantee my sister to be able to help. Instead, it made me worry more. If my mom needed a new kidney, she would have to wait on the list just like everyone else. That’s when I remembered all the TV shows I’d seen talking about the black market and illegal donation. Why can’t someone who is alive, donate their kidney if they want?
I know it sounds insane, but what if people wanted to donate this organ to someone else. Everyone is born with two kidneys, but can live with one. Maybe it is the philanthropy fever I have caught lately, but I would willingly throw my name on a donor list. Most people who need a kidney are desperate. They have exhausted all of their resources and still have no match. What if I was that match? What if my kidney could save the life of a little girl or a growing young man? And I think many people feel the same way. I think there should be a way to volunteer to donate your kidney. I’m not sure how, but I think there needs to be something. Maybe a Web site! Here, people who need a kidney could give their story and ask for help?
I don’t know. Now that I am writing this down, it makes me sound a little crazy; the fact that I would volunteer this for a stranger. But after spending so much time trying to sign-up organ/tissue donors and knowing all of the statistics, it is hard not to sound a slight be crazy. I have watched people blow off organ donation and refuse to sign-up. I have heard people agree with the myths. Yet there are still people, lots and lots of people, waiting for organs, many of them kidneys. Their lives are fragile and depend on someone else’s life. It is a hard concept to grasp.
And now that I have thought that my mom could be on the donor list sometime, it makes the concept even more absurd. I can’t imagine sitting with my mom and waiting for someone else to die in order for her to live. I just think how much easier it would be to turn to a Web site or volunteer list where someone willing could just list what she needed and everything could be arranged. Although every person our group signs-up to become a donor really helps, I don’t think they understand it. I just wish there was something more we could do to engage the nation to become more aware of this issue and just how many people are waiting for a kidney alone! I guess, this campaign is finally hitting home for me and it’s scary.
Written by Amanda McKelvey
After reading about donation issues such as the high number of people in need a kidney, my heart dropped. What if my mom’s good kidney fails? A little panicked, nothing new, I rushed to ask her if her other kidney was okay. After reassuring me, she was curious where my question came from. She said I was being dramatic (surprise) and told me that it should be okay for the rest of her life. Despite my efforts to believe her, I told her right then and there that if she ever needed a kidney, that I would give her mine. As usual, she made some witty comment and then I could hear her smile through the phone. She knew I was being serious and let the conversation switch topics. But that’s when I started thinking. Just because I am her daughter, doesn’t mean I’m a match, nor does it guarantee my sister to be able to help. Instead, it made me worry more. If my mom needed a new kidney, she would have to wait on the list just like everyone else. That’s when I remembered all the TV shows I’d seen talking about the black market and illegal donation. Why can’t someone who is alive, donate their kidney if they want?
I know it sounds insane, but what if people wanted to donate this organ to someone else. Everyone is born with two kidneys, but can live with one. Maybe it is the philanthropy fever I have caught lately, but I would willingly throw my name on a donor list. Most people who need a kidney are desperate. They have exhausted all of their resources and still have no match. What if I was that match? What if my kidney could save the life of a little girl or a growing young man? And I think many people feel the same way. I think there should be a way to volunteer to donate your kidney. I’m not sure how, but I think there needs to be something. Maybe a Web site! Here, people who need a kidney could give their story and ask for help?
I don’t know. Now that I am writing this down, it makes me sound a little crazy; the fact that I would volunteer this for a stranger. But after spending so much time trying to sign-up organ/tissue donors and knowing all of the statistics, it is hard not to sound a slight be crazy. I have watched people blow off organ donation and refuse to sign-up. I have heard people agree with the myths. Yet there are still people, lots and lots of people, waiting for organs, many of them kidneys. Their lives are fragile and depend on someone else’s life. It is a hard concept to grasp.
And now that I have thought that my mom could be on the donor list sometime, it makes the concept even more absurd. I can’t imagine sitting with my mom and waiting for someone else to die in order for her to live. I just think how much easier it would be to turn to a Web site or volunteer list where someone willing could just list what she needed and everything could be arranged. Although every person our group signs-up to become a donor really helps, I don’t think they understand it. I just wish there was something more we could do to engage the nation to become more aware of this issue and just how many people are waiting for a kidney alone! I guess, this campaign is finally hitting home for me and it’s scary.
Written by Amanda McKelvey
Monday, March 23, 2009
15 Minutes to Save a Life
When the topic of organ donation is discussed, most individuals do not realize you can be a live donor. During the ONU Bone Marrow Registration Day, some members of the ONU Do It Now! team decided to register to become bone marrow donors; this details my experience of entering the national database.
Like most people, I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up to become a bone marrow donor. However, the process was incredibly easy. I had to fill out an application, which consisted of confidential information and a few questions about my health, such as height and weight. This part of the process took the most time, as you need two contacts and to think about your health.
After my application was screened and approved, I walked to the next station. While at this station, I was informed of what I had to do: “Take these two cotton swabs and roll them around in between your cheeks and gums for 10 seconds on the top first. Once you do this, do the bottom ones and you’re all done.” Honestly, the hardest part of this stage was getting the swabs back into the foam slots and not drooling all over my chin. After I handed the package containing the swabs back to the worker, I was done.
Entering the national database as a registered bone marrow donor was easy and only took about 15 minutes with a wait. However, becoming a registered organ donor is even easier. All you need to do is attend an ONU Do It Now! event with your driver’s license and then you can register with a team member.
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now!
And just in case you forget your license, you can visit http://www.doitnowohio.org/onu/ to give the gift of life.
Written by Katalyn Yenne
Like most people, I didn’t know what to expect when I signed up to become a bone marrow donor. However, the process was incredibly easy. I had to fill out an application, which consisted of confidential information and a few questions about my health, such as height and weight. This part of the process took the most time, as you need two contacts and to think about your health.
After my application was screened and approved, I walked to the next station. While at this station, I was informed of what I had to do: “Take these two cotton swabs and roll them around in between your cheeks and gums for 10 seconds on the top first. Once you do this, do the bottom ones and you’re all done.” Honestly, the hardest part of this stage was getting the swabs back into the foam slots and not drooling all over my chin. After I handed the package containing the swabs back to the worker, I was done.
Entering the national database as a registered bone marrow donor was easy and only took about 15 minutes with a wait. However, becoming a registered organ donor is even easier. All you need to do is attend an ONU Do It Now! event with your driver’s license and then you can register with a team member.
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now!
And just in case you forget your license, you can visit http://www.doitnowohio.org/onu/ to give the gift of life.
Written by Katalyn Yenne
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Final Event
Hello Followers!
It is hard to believe our campaign is starting to wind down, but we are nearing the end of the Do It Now campaign here at Ohio Northern University.
We are planning a few events on campus to celebrate our success and ask one more time for all of you to Do It Now! and we need your help.
What would you like for us to do as our final event?
Think of a warm spring afternoon on the tundra with music, food and cornhole. But what else interests you? After all, this is a celebration for all of our supporters, registrants and team members.
Any suggestions??
Monday, March 16, 2009
ONU Bone Marrow Registration Day
Today the ONU Do It Now! team stopped by the Newman Club’s bone marrow registration drive. One of their member’s siblings is in need of a transfusion, so the group is trying to boost registration in hopes of finding a match. It was a refreshing surprise to see the number of students and community members who turned out for the drive. Furthermore, the heavy traffic in the student center did garner us additional attention; quite a number of individuals stopped by to ask us what we were doing. Among those who stopped, a happily large portion of them stated that they are already registered as organ donors, and have been for as long as they’ve been eligible. Though our campaign was less successful than the bone marrow registration in terms of new people signing up, it bolstered our faith in humanity to see so many people willing to help out a total stranger and become a potential bone marrow donor. Give life.
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now
Written by Natalyn Giverson
Friday, March 13, 2009
Seven Pounds Urges
Will Smith proved he could be more than just a hottie on the big-screen. Only months ago, he sent a message so powerful it swept the nation and warmed the hearts of families everywhere. Through the movie “Seven Pounds”, Smith sent a powerful message about the importance of organ donation and the life changing effect it can have on the lives of those in critical need.
Sitting in the theatre I watched a man give his life for seven strangers. This gift of life restored hope and touched those not only acting in a movie but those mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters sitting around me in the small, dark movie theatre. I saw tears, smiles and a real connection to something deeper than just a plot in a movie. I realized to some, this message hit home on a whole other level. To them, this was more than just a weekend getaway movie with a cute actor. This was real life.
I think sometimes we forgot how precious living each day really is. Every day nearly 100,000 Americans suffer, hoping and praying that their day will come when they pick up the phone and hear the words, “we found you an organ donor.” You can make that possible. You can become an organ donor and make a positive impact on the lives of others like Will Smith’s character.
Don’t take my word for it; check it out for yourself. Jump online and learn the facts.
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now!
Visit http://www.doitnowohio.org/onu/ today. Don’t wait to make a difference.
Sitting in the theatre I watched a man give his life for seven strangers. This gift of life restored hope and touched those not only acting in a movie but those mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters sitting around me in the small, dark movie theatre. I saw tears, smiles and a real connection to something deeper than just a plot in a movie. I realized to some, this message hit home on a whole other level. To them, this was more than just a weekend getaway movie with a cute actor. This was real life.
I think sometimes we forgot how precious living each day really is. Every day nearly 100,000 Americans suffer, hoping and praying that their day will come when they pick up the phone and hear the words, “we found you an organ donor.” You can make that possible. You can become an organ donor and make a positive impact on the lives of others like Will Smith’s character.
Don’t take my word for it; check it out for yourself. Jump online and learn the facts.
Wanna Do It…
…Do It Now!
Visit http://www.doitnowohio.org/onu/ today. Don’t wait to make a difference.
Written by Tegan Ellis
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Dear Abby Discusses Awareness
Just as severe illness can strike the old, it can affect the young too. A Dear Abby article published March 5th pointed out the impact of disease on a young girl. Kidney disease shouldn’t be part of most 12-year-olds’ vocabulary, as it usually affects older people - but the writer, a now older Klarissa Ramirez of Minneapolis, knew all too well what it meant.
Ramirez was diagnosed during a routine athletic physical check-up. The routine check-up possibly saved her from losing her kidneys. She states in her letter that 100 people are added to the national donation list and 17 die every day waiting for organs. She stresses early screening and a healthy lifestyle as a way each individual can protect themselves.
Abby also added to Klarissa’s plea by informing her readers that March is National Kidney Month. Specifically, March 12th is World Kidney Day. The National Kidney Foundation raises awareness on this day by providing a free screening program called KEEP – Kidney Early Evaluation Program.
The National Kidney Foundation can help locate a program near you by calling 800-622-9010.
Wanna Do It...
…Do It Now!
Written by Madison Bender
Ramirez was diagnosed during a routine athletic physical check-up. The routine check-up possibly saved her from losing her kidneys. She states in her letter that 100 people are added to the national donation list and 17 die every day waiting for organs. She stresses early screening and a healthy lifestyle as a way each individual can protect themselves.
Abby also added to Klarissa’s plea by informing her readers that March is National Kidney Month. Specifically, March 12th is World Kidney Day. The National Kidney Foundation raises awareness on this day by providing a free screening program called KEEP – Kidney Early Evaluation Program.
The National Kidney Foundation can help locate a program near you by calling 800-622-9010.
Wanna Do It...
…Do It Now!
Written by Madison Bender
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
My True Story - Donation Could Have Made the Difference
I have vague recollections of my great grandfather James as good humored and creative; he and my great grandmother, Miriam, and they would often fancy themselves to write and memorize poems to recite for their children and grandchildren. I saw many of these with my great grandmother and starred as the sole actor after my great grandfather had passed or on tape once my great grandmother was no longer quite able to recall the words.
Growing up and working on a farm his whole life, Great Grandpa contracted Hepatitis A. Being older and a little suspicious of “new-fangled” technologies, he refused to get any of the shots his doctor recommended. Eventually, this was linked to cancerous polyps that had formed in his large intestine. Of course, he also refused a colonoscopy, so the cancer had already spread to his liver by the time they removed the polyps from his intestine. Ultimately, it wasn’t the Hepatitis A that got him. In 1994, my great grandfather died of liver cancer. He was 78 years old. Many people associate any liver disorder with alcohol. My great grandfather had never consumed a drop of alcohol in his whole life.
Organ donation may have been able to save his life, but the length of the waiting list for organ donations is often too long for patients to overcome – especially older patients with pressing needs. That’s why it’s so important for people who are willing to donate step-up and make their wishes known.
If you’re willing to do it...Do It Now!
Written by Natalyn Giverson
Growing up and working on a farm his whole life, Great Grandpa contracted Hepatitis A. Being older and a little suspicious of “new-fangled” technologies, he refused to get any of the shots his doctor recommended. Eventually, this was linked to cancerous polyps that had formed in his large intestine. Of course, he also refused a colonoscopy, so the cancer had already spread to his liver by the time they removed the polyps from his intestine. Ultimately, it wasn’t the Hepatitis A that got him. In 1994, my great grandfather died of liver cancer. He was 78 years old. Many people associate any liver disorder with alcohol. My great grandfather had never consumed a drop of alcohol in his whole life.
Organ donation may have been able to save his life, but the length of the waiting list for organ donations is often too long for patients to overcome – especially older patients with pressing needs. That’s why it’s so important for people who are willing to donate step-up and make their wishes known.
If you’re willing to do it...Do It Now!
Written by Natalyn Giverson
Friday, February 27, 2009
The Do It Now Challenge…Explained
While our student-run PR firm tirelessly tries to register Ohioans to become organ and tissue donors, we thought it necessary to mention we are not the only students relentlessly fighting for this cause. Our efforts are part of a state-wide effort to add 240,000 new donors to the state of Ohio’s Donor Registry. Running throughout the school year, 17 Ohio colleges and universities are participating in the Do It Now College Challenge Campaign spreading awareness of the need for organ and tissue donors in their respective regions on behalf of Donate Life America and Second Chance Trust Fund.
Each school’s student group – ours being Vision Communications, Ohio Northern’s student-run public relations firm – is in charge of developing a communication campaign to spread the word about organ and tissue donation and encouraging people to sign-up to join the Donor Registry. The goal for each student group is to include in their communications plan guerilla marketing, alumni outreach and launch a program to spread minority awareness to see who can register the most donors. Each participating college has a specific goal of registrants to be registered depending on the number of non-registered donors in their region as well as population.
This is the second year for the campaign. The 2007-2008 College Challenge added 125,000 new registrants to the registry. Those goals were surpassed and participating students contributed to over half of the 240,000 new registrants. So obviously there is a high level of anticipation to see which group comes out on top and to see how many new donors we all can add to Ohio's Donor Registry.
Wanna Do It….
…Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Written by Madison Bender
Each school’s student group – ours being Vision Communications, Ohio Northern’s student-run public relations firm – is in charge of developing a communication campaign to spread the word about organ and tissue donation and encouraging people to sign-up to join the Donor Registry. The goal for each student group is to include in their communications plan guerilla marketing, alumni outreach and launch a program to spread minority awareness to see who can register the most donors. Each participating college has a specific goal of registrants to be registered depending on the number of non-registered donors in their region as well as population.
This is the second year for the campaign. The 2007-2008 College Challenge added 125,000 new registrants to the registry. Those goals were surpassed and participating students contributed to over half of the 240,000 new registrants. So obviously there is a high level of anticipation to see which group comes out on top and to see how many new donors we all can add to Ohio's Donor Registry.
Wanna Do It….
…Do It Now!
www.doitnowohio.org/onu
Written by Madison Bender
Saturday, February 21, 2009
With tragedy there is hope
With tragedy there can be hope, life isn’t always nice to us and it is constantly throwing us curve balls that we don’t quite understand. Although, what if there was a way to change up the pitch?
On a warm summer day a young woman is driving down a mountain highway. A slow-moving truck impedes her progress, and she attempts to pass it by moving into the oncoming lane of traffic. Suddenly, a second truck looms in the oncoming lane, and it clips the woman's rear fender. The fast moving truck collides with her car, and she passes on with no time to think or make any last minute choices, or even say goodbye.
As the paramedics arrive, glistening in the sunlight was a silver bracelet that caught the EMT’s attention, slowly he reads…Donor.
On a warm summer day, six year old Michael is getting ready to warm up for his first little league game of the summer. During the second inning he was up to bat and was making it his prime duty to get to base before the baseman. As he stumbles, grabs his chest and falls hard to the ground his father rushes to his son’s side. Michael is taken to the hospital where it is discovered he needs a heart transplant and there is no available donor.
As the family morns with little hope, Michael’s mother is told about a woman killed in a car crash, who happens to have a good heart and the same blood type as Michael, she has been flown to the hospital for organ recovery. Michael is given the life-saving operation, and he can live on knowing that since that woman was an organ donor he has been granted life. This is something you can be forever thankful for.
This story, and many others like it, have reached the hearts of people everywhere. Being a donor can and will change someone’s life, possibly even your own. The story above impeccably resembles a film by the name of John Q. This movie is a way to show us first hand that life can be changed unexpectedly, but you can change the pitch if you are ready for it.
Written by Renee Pirolozzi
On a warm summer day a young woman is driving down a mountain highway. A slow-moving truck impedes her progress, and she attempts to pass it by moving into the oncoming lane of traffic. Suddenly, a second truck looms in the oncoming lane, and it clips the woman's rear fender. The fast moving truck collides with her car, and she passes on with no time to think or make any last minute choices, or even say goodbye.
As the paramedics arrive, glistening in the sunlight was a silver bracelet that caught the EMT’s attention, slowly he reads…Donor.
On a warm summer day, six year old Michael is getting ready to warm up for his first little league game of the summer. During the second inning he was up to bat and was making it his prime duty to get to base before the baseman. As he stumbles, grabs his chest and falls hard to the ground his father rushes to his son’s side. Michael is taken to the hospital where it is discovered he needs a heart transplant and there is no available donor.
As the family morns with little hope, Michael’s mother is told about a woman killed in a car crash, who happens to have a good heart and the same blood type as Michael, she has been flown to the hospital for organ recovery. Michael is given the life-saving operation, and he can live on knowing that since that woman was an organ donor he has been granted life. This is something you can be forever thankful for.
This story, and many others like it, have reached the hearts of people everywhere. Being a donor can and will change someone’s life, possibly even your own. The story above impeccably resembles a film by the name of John Q. This movie is a way to show us first hand that life can be changed unexpectedly, but you can change the pitch if you are ready for it.
Written by Renee Pirolozzi
Monday, February 16, 2009
Tissue Donation Process
We have covered how organ donation works, but what is the difference between organ and tissue donation?
Tissue donation, unlike organ donation, can take place regardless of cardiac death when ventilator support is not necessary or after a declaration of brain death.
A thorough background examination is again obtained from the patient but further tests, such as blood tests, cultures, a patient physical examination, or a review of autopsy findings can take place to determine the suitability of each tissue for the donation process.
Once declared to be an acceptable tissue donor, the donor is matched to a recipient like in the organ donation process. Tissue recovery surgery, like organ donation, is a respectable process. When completed, the tissue is restored to a natural look for both the recipient and donor’s appearance.
Depending on the situation of death, following an organ and/or tissue transplant the body is released to the medical examiner or to the family’s choice of funeral home. Donation outcome information is provided to the donor's family, but names and locations of the recipients are kept confidential, and the donor’s identity is also not revealed.
Written by Madison Bender
Tissue donation, unlike organ donation, can take place regardless of cardiac death when ventilator support is not necessary or after a declaration of brain death.
A thorough background examination is again obtained from the patient but further tests, such as blood tests, cultures, a patient physical examination, or a review of autopsy findings can take place to determine the suitability of each tissue for the donation process.
Once declared to be an acceptable tissue donor, the donor is matched to a recipient like in the organ donation process. Tissue recovery surgery, like organ donation, is a respectable process. When completed, the tissue is restored to a natural look for both the recipient and donor’s appearance.
Depending on the situation of death, following an organ and/or tissue transplant the body is released to the medical examiner or to the family’s choice of funeral home. Donation outcome information is provided to the donor's family, but names and locations of the recipients are kept confidential, and the donor’s identity is also not revealed.
Written by Madison Bender
Thursday, February 12, 2009
How does it work? Organ Donation
If you are weary about becoming an organ and tissue donor maybe more information about the process would ease your anxiety. The process is a little different for organ and tissue donations.
An OPO is the organ procurement organization and hospitals are required by law to contact this organization before any further action in the organ donation process can take place when a patient is available to become a donor. The patient will then be evaluated for donor suitability – a medical and social history assessment is conducted. Usually the patient is being kept alive by ventilator at this time after being pronounced brain dead, but in some cases organ donations can occur after a cardiac death.
The Ohio Donor Registry database is then checked to check the donor’s official donation wishes or the family is consulted. At this point of consent the patient is eligible to become a donor. If found to be an appropriate donor the OPO contacts the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) to match the organs with a proper recipient. Recipients are found and paired with an organ based on size, blood type, need and region. Because of the limited time between surgical organ recovery and transplantation the most appropriate beneficiary for each organ is located and contacted before the surgical recovery procedure begins.
Once the surgery is prepared the ventilator is disconnected. During the surgical recovery process of the organs it is assured the donor is treated with respect and dignity. After the operation, the organs are quickly and carefully transported to transplant centers where the UNOS identified recipients are waiting to receive their transplants.
Check in again soon to learn about the difference between organ and tissue donation.
An OPO is the organ procurement organization and hospitals are required by law to contact this organization before any further action in the organ donation process can take place when a patient is available to become a donor. The patient will then be evaluated for donor suitability – a medical and social history assessment is conducted. Usually the patient is being kept alive by ventilator at this time after being pronounced brain dead, but in some cases organ donations can occur after a cardiac death.
The Ohio Donor Registry database is then checked to check the donor’s official donation wishes or the family is consulted. At this point of consent the patient is eligible to become a donor. If found to be an appropriate donor the OPO contacts the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) to match the organs with a proper recipient. Recipients are found and paired with an organ based on size, blood type, need and region. Because of the limited time between surgical organ recovery and transplantation the most appropriate beneficiary for each organ is located and contacted before the surgical recovery procedure begins.
Once the surgery is prepared the ventilator is disconnected. During the surgical recovery process of the organs it is assured the donor is treated with respect and dignity. After the operation, the organs are quickly and carefully transported to transplant centers where the UNOS identified recipients are waiting to receive their transplants.
Check in again soon to learn about the difference between organ and tissue donation.
Written by Madison Bender
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Recipient Story: One Small Heart
When deciding whether or not you want to become an organ and tissue donor you may be constantly flooded with facts and statistics. Although these pieces of information are essential, you must read and listen to the untold stories. These are the ones that truly capture your heart and tell about those individuals whose lives have been saved because of organ and tissue donation. After hearing these stories, you feel inspired and begin to understand how just one person can affect the lives of others. In fact, according to DonateLifeOhio.org, last year more than 8,000 deceased donors made possible more than 22,000 organ transplants. This is proof that you can truly make a difference in the world.
One such story that is extremely heart-warming and inspirational is the story of a little boy named T.J. Born on October 15, 2005, T.J. was a healthy child full of life and energy; however on June 12th his parents took him to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh because he had been sick during the night. What they thought was the flu turned out to be Viral Myocarditi, which is a virus that attacks and damages the heart. After placing a machine called an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to keep his blood oxygenated and circulating, his parents and doctors were hopeful. However, his condition didn’t seem to improve and soon after T.J. was diagnosed with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy, a rare condition in which his heart couldn't relax to fill with blood. The only way to save him was a heart transplant, but he could not wait for a donor and needed help immediately.
The doctors decided to use a Berlin Heart. This device could pump and circulate the blood for his heart. This particular device was put in place on July 11, 2007, and two days later T.J. was taken off the ventilator. Finally, on July 16th a donor heart was available and the doctors accepted it. On that very same day, doctor’s performed a heart-transplant and the surgery was a success! T.J. made a strong recovery and proved that he is tough and courageous. Since that time, T. J. has been readmitted to the hospital because of a complication from the transplant called PTLD. This disease causes tumors to grow in lymph tissues. These tumors were all along his GI tract and the tumors were worse than the doctors predicted. However, T.J. once again proved his strength by enduring a four week course of medication and treatment. Since March 2008, T.J. has been doing very well and although he still has some GI issues, he’s playing just like any 3-year-old boy and healing with his family.
This is only one of several stories involving organ donation. This little boy’s life could have ended in his first years of life had it not been for the heart transplant. So, when considering whether or not you want to be an organ and tissue donor, think of T.J. and thousands of others who are desperately depending on donors. Realize that this is your chance to give back and make an impact on someone’s life.
**T.J.’s story and ways you can donate to his cause can be found at: http://www.cotafortjw.com/node/46
Written by Amber Upp
One such story that is extremely heart-warming and inspirational is the story of a little boy named T.J. Born on October 15, 2005, T.J. was a healthy child full of life and energy; however on June 12th his parents took him to Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh because he had been sick during the night. What they thought was the flu turned out to be Viral Myocarditi, which is a virus that attacks and damages the heart. After placing a machine called an ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) to keep his blood oxygenated and circulating, his parents and doctors were hopeful. However, his condition didn’t seem to improve and soon after T.J. was diagnosed with Restrictive Cardiomyopathy, a rare condition in which his heart couldn't relax to fill with blood. The only way to save him was a heart transplant, but he could not wait for a donor and needed help immediately.
The doctors decided to use a Berlin Heart. This device could pump and circulate the blood for his heart. This particular device was put in place on July 11, 2007, and two days later T.J. was taken off the ventilator. Finally, on July 16th a donor heart was available and the doctors accepted it. On that very same day, doctor’s performed a heart-transplant and the surgery was a success! T.J. made a strong recovery and proved that he is tough and courageous. Since that time, T. J. has been readmitted to the hospital because of a complication from the transplant called PTLD. This disease causes tumors to grow in lymph tissues. These tumors were all along his GI tract and the tumors were worse than the doctors predicted. However, T.J. once again proved his strength by enduring a four week course of medication and treatment. Since March 2008, T.J. has been doing very well and although he still has some GI issues, he’s playing just like any 3-year-old boy and healing with his family.
This is only one of several stories involving organ donation. This little boy’s life could have ended in his first years of life had it not been for the heart transplant. So, when considering whether or not you want to be an organ and tissue donor, think of T.J. and thousands of others who are desperately depending on donors. Realize that this is your chance to give back and make an impact on someone’s life.
**T.J.’s story and ways you can donate to his cause can be found at: http://www.cotafortjw.com/node/46
Written by Amber Upp
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Don’t Allow the Myths to Mislead You!!!
After reading through this CNN article discussing ten of the top myths deterring people from becoming organ and tissue donors, it is understandable why it's a challenge to find participants and/ or convince them to support the cause.
Many people hear these myths and are completely turned away from becoming an organ or tissue donor. Instead of hearing the benefits of being organ and tissue donors, Americans are being fed myth after myth. After reading through this article hopefully you will not only see the positives, but will understand that all of the myths are completely false.
Written by Katie Weininger
Many people hear these myths and are completely turned away from becoming an organ or tissue donor. Instead of hearing the benefits of being organ and tissue donors, Americans are being fed myth after myth. After reading through this article hopefully you will not only see the positives, but will understand that all of the myths are completely false.
Written by Katie Weininger
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE'RE DOING
While 90% of people say they support organ and tissue donation, only about half have signed up to be donors.
Why?
Ohio Northern University public relations students and their student-run firm, Vision Communications, have taken DoItNowOhio.org's challenge to create and improve awareness of the importance of tissue and organ donors in our local area. Throughout a series of events and promotional learning opportunities, ONU's DoItNowOhio team plans to reach their individual competition goal of 3,778 new registered donors.
Why is this important?
Why?
Ohio Northern University public relations students and their student-run firm, Vision Communications, have taken DoItNowOhio.org's challenge to create and improve awareness of the importance of tissue and organ donors in our local area. Throughout a series of events and promotional learning opportunities, ONU's DoItNowOhio team plans to reach their individual competition goal of 3,778 new registered donors.
Why is this important?
- Currently, 2,172 people in Ohio are waiting for a kidney transplant due to end-stage renal failure.
- On any given day in Ohio, nearly 3,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant.
- A single donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and improve the lives of up to 50 people through tissue donation.
How Does It Work?
A statewide database of Ohioans, known as the Ohio Donor Registry, collects the names of those who wish to become an organ or tissue donor upon their death. Most encounter this program while renewing their driver's license at their local Bureau of Motor Vehicles office. When Ohio residents sign-up to become potential donors they give first person consent for a donation at the time of death. Organs are matched to recipients through the United Network for Organ Sharing. Donors and recipients are paired solely on medical criteria to ensure equal treatment and that the organ goes to the person who needs it most.
How Can You Help?
Wanna Do It... ...Do It Now!
Visit www.doitnowohio.org/onu and sign-up today!!
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