10 conversations and celebrations
A MONTH OF ACTION
There’s a lot going on this October. This month is all about starting and spreading lifesaving conversations. We’ve got 10 conversations and celebrations scheduled for the tenth month, and we need your help!
Keep reading to learn more about:
Healthy Lung Month
Emergency Nurses Day
Liver Awareness Month
Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day
World Sight Day
Indigenous People’s Day
Latino Heritage Month
National Cookbook Month
Make a Difference Day
& Generosity (a bonus celebration!)
10 CONVERSATIONS AND CELEBRATIONS
1. Healthy Lung Month
Of the 104,000+ people on the national transplant list, nearly 1,000 are waiting for a lung transplant. While lung damage may be treated using medication or special breathing devices, lung transplants serve as the only medical intervention for people with end-stage lung disease. Candidates for a lung transplant may suffer from conditions such as cystic fibrosis, emphysema and pulmonary embolism.
Throughout Healthy Lung Month in October, we share the stories of people who received a breath of new life, educate the public about groundbreaking technology, and promote practices for long-standing lung health. Read more at Upgrading imperfect lungs: Healthy Lung Month.
The conversation doesn’t end in October. Join us and the American Lung Association for the annual Lung Force Walk in November! We’ll be in Phoenix Saturday, Nov. 1, 2024, and Tucson Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024. Visit American Lung Association for more information or here to volunteer with us.
2. Emergency Nurses Day – Oct. 9
Picture it: A bad car crash, emergency medical services (EMS) arrive on scene and begin to assess the situation. They start lifesaving measures on the people in the crash and rush them to the local hospital’s emergency department, where emergency nurses are some of the vital caretakers in times of crisis.
It’s a common misconception that EMS professionals will not work as hard to save your life if you are a registered organ and tissue donor. This is FALSE.
Emergency nurses, physicians and other EMS professionals alike don’t have time to check a patient’s registration status, nor do they have access to that information unless they call us at Donor Network of Arizona (DNA). They work hard and swiftly to stabilize the patient in their care. These nurses deserve to be recognized today and every day for their unwavering dedication, partnership and support of donation if a patient ultimately does not survive. Join us in saying “THANK YOU!”.
3. Liver Awareness Month
Lungs aren’t the only organ that starts with an L that we’re talking about this month! October is also Liver Awareness Month. Liver donation helps when someone goes through acute or chronic end-stage liver failure, often as a result of viral infections like hepatitis C, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and others, and cannot be controlled with different treatments.
Join in on the conversation or accompany us next month in person for the Liver Life Walk with the American Liver Foundation (ALF) Sunday, Nov. 3. For more information, visit the Liver Life Walk website or volunteer with us here.
4. Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day – Oct. 16
We recognize Breast Cancer Awareness throughout the month of October but dedicate one day to celebrate Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day, which fell on Wednesday, Oct. 16 this year. BRA Day’s primary goal is to educate, engage and empower women who have been diagnosed or survived breast cancer, as well as raise awareness about breast reconstruction options post-mastectomy.
Breast reconstruction after mastectomies is often made possible through the generosity of tissue donors, and just one tissue donor can help up to five people.
Learn more about breast reconstruction awareness and see how we have celebrated in the past here.
5. World Sight Day – Oct. 12
You know what’s eye-conic? Vision restoration, only possible because of cornea donation. The cornea is one of the many tissues that can provide healing to someone in need. In fact, every 11 minutes, someone has their sight restored by an EBAA member eye bank.
Corneal blindness that may be treated with a cornea transplant is commonly caused by injury, infection, keratoconus, corneal degeneration and more. On Saturday, Oct. 12, we shed a light on eye health and the possibility of sight restoration. To learn more about cornea donation, visit DonateLife.net.
6. Indigenous People’s Day – Oct. 14
Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) is constantly working to bring recognition and education to appreciate the diverse Native American communities across our state, as well as encourage meaningful and respectful dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities surrounding donation. In Arizona alone, there are 22 federally recognized Native American tribes. Furthermore, Native Americans make up 8% of the state’s organ transplant waiting list and 3% of organ donors in 2023. Native American communities can save more lives overall and may help extend the lives of those in their community.
Join us in bringing visibility to the diverse Indigenous communities throughout Arizona. Read more in our blog post called Donation and Indigenous Communities to learn more about donation and transplantation within these communities.
7. Latino Heritage Month
In Arizona, Latino and Hispanic communities make up 33% of the state’s organ transplant waiting list. Donation and transplantation can be successful regardless of the ethnicity of the donor and recipient, but chances of longer-term success may be greater if the donor and recipient are closely matched in terms of their shared genetic background.
From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we recognized and celebrated the histories, cultures and stories of Latino Americans while highlighting the need of organ and tissue donation in the community to help shorten their wait. Check out our bilingual blog, Celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Latina | Celebrating Latino Heritage Month, to learn more about donation and transplantation within Latino communities.
8. Make a Difference Day – Oct. 26
Mark your calendars for Oct. 26. It’s Make a Difference Day! Your decision to register as an organ donor is a small act that has a big impact. In fact, it only takes 38 seconds to sign up to save up to eight lives and heal 75 more.
Have plans on Oct. 26? Not to worry. You can register as an organ and tissue donor any time online at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.
Join us in making a difference.
9. National Cookbook Month
Food is more than a life-sustaining necessity. It is a language that speaks to the heart and soul and brings people together. It can be powerful in its ability to heal when you are sick; comfort when you are sad, memorialize special moments and joyful times shared.
We invite donor families in Arizona to share their loved ones’ favorite recipes to be published in our annual “Recipes of Remembrance” cookbook. It is through their kindness that their plate is where generosity and food are served.
Join us in honoring Arizona organ donors and celebrating National Cookbook Month by making one of these recipes of remembrance. Find our published cookbooks here. Be sure to use the hashtag #RecipesofRemembrance when you post a photo of the meal or dish you created on your social media.
10. Generosity (a bonus celebration!)
At DNA, every month is a celebration of generosity. The selflessness of Arizona organ donors provides hope and healing to those waiting for a transplant.
There is one simple action you can take to join in on the conversations and celebrations happening this October: Register as an organ and tissue donor. Don’t wait. Register today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org. You can also sign up when you apply for or renew your driver license or state ID at an Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division (ADOT MVD) or authorized third-party office.
Celebrando el Mes de la Herencia Latina | Celebrating Latino Heritage Month
CORAZONES SALVAN A FAMILIAS ENTERAS | HEARTS SAVE WHOLE FAMILIES
Adolfo López, un beneficiado de corazón, y su esposa enfrentaron una dolorosa realidad cuando descubrieron que sus dos hijas, Adina y Andrea López, a tan solo 11 y 12 años de edad, también necesitaban trasplantes de corazón debido a una diagnosis de miocardiopatía.
La insoportable espera por corazones disponibles se agravó por el hecho de que miles de niños en todo el país necesitan trasplantes. Adolfo luchó contra la ansiedad que sentía sobre la disponibilidad de corazones donados y cuál de las hermanas lo recibiría primero, si es que lo recibía.
A principios de 2023, después de varios meses de espera, Andrea y Adina recibieron sus trasplantes con más o menos un mes de diferencia—regalos de familias que luchaban contra su propio dolor. Ambas hermanas salieron más saludables de sus cirugías y estaban ansiosas por volver a sus pasiones por la danza, el voleibol y otros pasatiempos.
“Las enfermedades del corazón, las cicatrices y las enfermedades nunca detendrán su legado. Nos han dado el regalo más increíble, el regalo de la vida”, dice Adolfo. “[Mis hijas] me hacen sentir orgulloso de todo lo que hacen”.
Adolfo Lopez, a heart recipient, and his wife faced a painful reality when they discovered that both their daughters, Adina and Andrea Lopez, at only 11 and 12 years old, needed heart transplants due to cardiomyopathy.
The excruciating wait for available hearts was compounded by the fact that thousands of children across the nation need transplants. Adolfo grappled with anxiety surrounding the availability of donated hearts and which of the sisters would get it first, if at all.
In early 2023, after several long months of waiting, Andrea and Adina received their transplants about a month apart—gifts from families battling their own grief. Both sisters conquered their surgeries and were eager to return to their passions for dance, volleyball and other hobbies.
“Heart disease, scars and sickness will never stop your legacy. We have been given the most amazing gift, the gift of life,” Adolfo says. “[My daughters] make me proud in everything they do.”
EL MES DE LA HERENCIA LATINA | LATINO HERITAGE MONTH
El Mes de la Herencia Latina e Hispana es un mes de celebración de la historia y la cultura hispanas y latinas. Mientras celebramos a las comunidades hispanas y latinas más allá de este mes, del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre, reconocemos a los latinoamericanos como la familia López y celebramos sus historias y culturas. Este mes también recalca la necesidad de la donación de órganos y tejidos dentro de la comunidad latina, y anima a más personas a registrarse como donantes de órganos y tejidos para enfrentar la gran necesidad de trasplantes.
Latino Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. While we celebrate Hispanic and Latino communities beyond this month, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we recognize Latino Americans like the Lopez family and celebrate their histories, cultures and stories. This month also highlights the need for organ and tissue donation within the Latino community, encouraging more people to register as organ and tissue donors to address the great need for transplants.
GENEROSIDAD A TRAVÉS DE LAS COMUNIDADES | GENEROSITY ACROSS COMMUNITIES
La Red de Donantes de Arizona y la comunidad de la donación y el trasplante celebran la generosidad de los donantes latinos y sus familias por sus máximos regalos para salvar y curar vidas.
En 2023, hubo 74 donantes latinos en Arizona y se salvaron 434 vidas latinas mediante trasplantes.
En Arizona, las comunidades latinas e hispanas representan el 33% de la lista de espera de trasplante de órganos del estado, y como donantes de órganos representaron el 20% en 2023.
La donación y el trasplante pueden ser exitosos independientemente de la raza o etnia del donante y el beneficiado. Sin embargo, la posibilidad de un éxito a largo plazo puede ser mayor si el donante y el beneficiado vienen de razas y etnias parecidas en cuanto a la histocompatibilidad se refiere. Esto es la realidad de la mayoría de los órganos que se pueden donar.
Donor Network of Arizona and the donation and transplantation community celebrates the generosity of Latino donors and their families for their ultimate lifesaving and life-healing gifts.
In 2023, there were 74 Latino donors in Arizona, and 434 Latino lives were saved through transplantation.
In Arizona, Latino and Hispanic communities make up 33% of the state’s organ transplant waiting list, and as organ donors they represented 20% in 2023.
Donation and transplantation can be successful regardless of the ethnicity of the donor and recipient. However, the chance of longer-term success may be greater if the donor and recipient are closely matched in terms of their shared genetic background for most organs.
CÓMO PUEDES AYUDAR | HOW YOU CAN HELP
A lo largo del Mes de la Herencia Latina, animamos a todos a registrarse y celebrar las historias, culturas e historias de las comunidades latinas, hispanas, de trasplante y donación.
Regístrese ahora en DoneVidaAZ.org o cuando solicite o renueve su licencia de conducir o identificación estatal en una oficina del MVD de ADOT o en una oficina autorizada de servicios terceros.
Throughout Latino Heritage Month, we encourage everyone to register and celebrate the histories, cultures and stories of the Latino and Hispanic, transplant and donation communities.
Sign up now at DonateLifeAZ.org or when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or authorized third party office.
Golden hearts
LOVE COMES FROM THE (DONATED) HEART
Malaya Soares, 7, has been through more medical care than many will experience in their entire lives. She was born with a heart condition that prevented proper blood flow called dilated cardiomyopathy.
“It turns out we have the same exact mutated gene,” says heart recipient and Soares’ mother, Mia Welch, about their identical diagnoses.
By 6 months of age, Soares developed severe heart failure.
The team at Phoenix Children’s was able to stabilize Soares and add her to the national organ waiting list for a new heart.
“She was listed for transplant for 14 days,” Welch says, the longest two weeks of her life.
Further tightening the mother-daughter bond, Soares got her donated heart on the birthday of Welch’s own heart donor. Three years after her donation, Soares experienced post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), which is a rare but potentially dangerous complication after a transplant. But with great clinical care, a sparkly tiara, a bright smile and a personality to match, Soares is approaching a bright future with a new heart.
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The observance provides an opportunity to recognize the bravery of young cancer warriors, support families impacted by childhood cancer and spread awareness.
Did you know? Each year, more than 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer in the world, and approximately 15,780 children in the United States. Every three minutes, a family is informed that their child has been diagnosed with cancer, according to the American Childhood Cancer Organization.
Celebrating deaf culture
Meet Tracey Chu, the very first deaf employee at Donor Network of Arizona (DNA)!
As a supply associate, Tracey and her team support our organ and tissue recovery teams to ensure they have the supplies needed to make organ and tissue donation possible.
Tracey is also a member of DNA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Through her efforts with the committee, DNA proudly recognizes Deaf Awareness Month and encourages members of the deaf community to register as organ and tissue donors.
CELEBRATING DEAF AWARENESS MONTH
d/Deaf* awareness is celebrated throughout September, and the month concludes with World Deaf Day on the last Sunday of the month. This observance celebrates the culture, history and contributions of the Deaf community, as well as promotes equitable communication and education for all.
Want to learn more about the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) community? Check out our article, 5 things you didn’t know about Deaf Awareness.
*There is a difference between “the lowercase d” deaf and “the uppercase D” Deaf. Someone who identifies as deaf with a lowercase d may see their hearing loss as a medical condition, whereas someone who identifies as Deaf with a capital D identify as a member of the Deaf community.
CONNECTING WITH THE COMMUNITY
Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) connects with d/Deaf and HoH population through events like the DeafNation Expo.
“Anyone and everyone can sign up to save lives,” says Tracey.
You can register as an organ and tissue donor online right now at www.DonateLifeAZ.org. You can also register at an MVD or authorized third-party office when you apply for your driver license or state ID.
Driving hope
100 Plus Evan
“Evan [Bowling] wasn’t like every 15-year-old out there,” says his mother, Melinda Hershkowitz. He was unique, charismatic, a friend to many and a protector of his siblings.
Evan and another sister had birthdays just two weeks apart. In November 2023, a few weeks shy of Evan’s 16th birthday, they all looked forward to their family tradition of celebrating their birthdays together when he got sick.
Evan stayed up until midnight to wish his sister happy birthday, then went to bed like normal. He asked his mom, Melinda, to wake him in time to help with birthday decorations.
Melinda attempted to wake Evan the next day, more than once as parents of teens do, when she realized he was unconscious—lips blue. Sensing something terribly wrong, Riley rushed to Evan’s room where she and Melinda immediately began CPR.
“We did the most that we could do for him,” Melinda says. “We were able to get his heart beating again, but he never took another breath after that.”
Medics airlifted Evan to Banner Thunderbird Medical Center. As Melinda layby her son’s side at the hospital, nurses told her to expect a phone call. The phone rang. It was Donor Network of Arizona (DNA), and without hesitation, Melinda said “Yes,” when asked if Evan would have wanted to share life through donation.
“It just gave Evan’s life so much more meaning,” Riley says.
This path of generosity perhaps started a couple months before Evan’s passing. He noticed the donor heart on his mom’s driver’s license and asked her what it meant. After Melinda explained its purpose, Evan said, “I’m not going to be using it, Mom, so why not give life to somebody else?” Melinda and Riley decided to honor what they believed to be his decision.
“Why wouldn’t I?” Even at his young age, he knew and embraced the idea of helping others through donation.
Evan saved six people through the gift of organ donation. He also offered healing to dozens more through tissue donation. Inspired by those gifts, Melinda and Riley started a fundraiser in honor of Evan called 100 Plus Evan to represent the lives he saved, healed and touched. They find comfort in knowing that he lives on in others.
“I just couldn’t imagine not giving them that beautiful gift, and because of [DNA], my world has been changed in so many different ways,” Melinda says.
YOU “DRIVE” REGISTRATIONS
When Evan noticed the heart on his mother’s driver license, the insignia fulfilled its purpose—to spur conversations among friends and family members about saving and healing lives through organ and tissue donation.
Our partners at Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division and authorized third party offices ask the question every day when customers apply for a driver’s license or state ID. In fact, more than 95% of Arizonans currently registered as organ and tissue donors made their generous decision through an MVD transaction.
Saying thank you isn’t enough. Throughout August, Arizona recognizes the lifesaving efforts of our partners at ADOT MVD, and the nation continues to appreciate motor vehicle services partners into September. We fulfill our mission in partnership with you.
Your work truly SAVES LIVES!
The gift of two decades
Twenty years and counting. That’s how long Ramon Gallardo’s liver transplant has extended his life. Since then, he’s watched his children grow into adults and has been present for his grandchildren’s activities.
“There are no words to explain or to thank the family for giving me a new life,” Gallardo says. “It hasn’t been only 20 years, rather a new opportunity to live.”
His niece, Lizbeth Gallardo Apodaca, shares that in Spanish-speaking homes, “organ donation is not a topic of conversation, especially 20 years ago. It was not something that was discussed or even thought was needed.”
But the generosity of Gallardo’s donor has turned that around for his family and anyone willing to listen to his story. Gallardo hasn’t had the chance to meet the family of his donor, but he learned shortly after he received his donation that his donor saved the lives of six people.
“How do you thank someone for such an offering?” Gallardo asks himself when trying to put words to his eternal gratitude.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
You can register as an organ and tissue donor at an ADOT MVD or third-party office while applying for your driver’s license or state ID, but why wait? You can apply online too.
Register today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.
The impact of multicultural donation
Apache Life and Traditions Surrounding Organ Donation
She lives where organ donation is never discussed, but Imogene Stevens of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona is having difficult conversations.
The fact that the reservation sits about two hours away from any major Arizona city may contribute to a lack of exposure to donation for transplantation that the people of this community have. Stevens also notices a cultural barrier to learning and teaching about the gift of life.
“We don’t talk about death,” Stevens says. “It makes people uncomfortable. They think it might bring it on.”
As a rare dual-kidney recipient, Stevens encourages her Apache community to register as organ and tissue donors – even convincing some to accept a transplant they desperately need to end the taboo.
Her donation journey started when she was a teenager, and she went into kidney failure in the spring of 2018. In 2021, an organ donor saved her life. Now she works to create better access to the gift of life for others in her Apache community by sharing her story.
Celebrating National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month
Come be part of our August celebration as we honor National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM)! Together, we’ll champion lifesaving and life-healing acts across diverse communities by creating an inclusive culture around organ and tissue donation.
NMDAM began as National Minority Donor Awareness Week. It started in 1996 under the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP). Its mission aimed to raise awareness about donation and transplantation in multicultural communities, focusing primarily on Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Native American and Asian and Pacific Islander populations.
Throughout NMDAM, organ procurement organizations, hospitals and community partners share the stories of lifesaving and life-healing gifts of organ and tissue donation within multiethnic communities. They provide education on donation, host registration opportunities and share inspiring stories of donation and transplantation. NMDAM plays a crucial role in spreading positive messages and encouraging multiethnic communities to consider registering as an organ and tissue donor.
A sigh of relief
Geriece Hightower was rushed to a hospital in September 2023, and her prognosis scared her loved ones. Just less than a month later, doctors eventually said her only chance to leave the hospital was through kindness from a complete stranger.
Geriece learned she had cystic fibrosis (CF) when she was young. CF causes life-threatening damage to the lungs and other organs. So, the possibility of needing a lung-transplant always loomed above her, and a bout with a COVID-19 infection in 2021 brought that reality even closer.
“We are incredibly grateful for families who choose to take an incredibly difficult situation and selflessly give the gift of life,” says Geriece. “For us that means we now have a responsibility to maximize this second chance and use our lives to pay it forward.”
After a month-long hospital stay, getting put on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to make up for her lung failure, a transplant team added her to the national organ waiting list. On the list for less than 24 hours, in October 2023, a donor matched with her in the nick of time – a testament to just how urgently she needed the transplant to save her life because her lungs were only working at 9%.
“Although death is inevitable,” Geriece says, “it’s possible to give potential seeds of life that can extend someone else’s journey and bring beauty to an otherwise tragic situation.”
Donation and transplantation in multicultural communities
Organ and tissue donation and transplantation in multicultural communities happens all year long and can be cross cultural.
Transplants can be successful regardless of the ethnicity of the donor and recipient. However, the chance of longer-term survival may be greater if the donor and recipient are closely matched in terms of their shared genetic background for most organs.
In 2023, organ donors saved the lives of 703 Arizonans.
The selflessness of multiethnic donors shattered records in that same year. More Black and African American, Hispanic and Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander and Native American donors said yes to the gift of life resulting in over 46,000 lifesaving transplants.
Currently, there are 1,683 people on the Arizona waiting list. Roughly 60% of that list come from a non-white ethnic background.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Imagine the impact we can make – saving and healing lives across diverse communities by fostering a positive culture around organ and tissue donation. Our goal? To build a transplant community that celebrates the diversity of all Arizonans and ensures equitable access to lifesaving treatments for everyone.
You can help. Register as an organ and tissue donor online today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or when you apply for or renew your driver license or ID at an ADOT or third-party office location.
Summer of giving
SMALL DONOR, BIG IMPACT
Kyson Land was a spunky 2-year-old who loved superheroes and was always trying to help others. In November 2019, Land got sick and wasn’t getting better. He was hospitalized and declared brain dead, and his parents immediately thought of giving someone else a second chance through organ donation.
I know we made the right decision. Everyone searches for their purpose in life, and he found his purpose at 2 years old,” says Taryn Salum, Land’s mother.
The hospital held an honor walk for this little superhero, and Land went on to save three people, including two other 2-year-olds. Salum received a letter from his heart recipient and has since written to all his recipients.
“Other than the births of both my children, [receiving the letter] was the highlight of my life,” says Salum.
THE POWER TO HEAL
While organ and tissue transplantation surgeries are now standard and highly successful procedures, the need for organ and tissue donation is still great. Hundreds of thousands of people wait to receive lifesaving organ transplants and life-healing tissue transplants in Arizona and across the nation.
In 2023, 865 lives were saved thanks to the generosity of a record-breaking 349 donors in Arizona. This could not have been made possible without the individuals who made the decision to share life as an organ and tissue donor.
CHOOSING SELFLESSNESS
Acts of generosity can bring a welcomed relief to those in need, just like a refreshing summer breeze. Throughout the summer months , let’s cool down the world with kindness and compassion.
How? Join the 211,764 Arizonans who registered as an organ and tissue donor last year. Declare your decision today as an organ and tissue donor at www.DonateLifeAZ.org.
A HEARTFELT REUNION
Eight years after receiving a life–saving heart transplant, David Axmear finally met Nicole Worrior, the mother of his donor, Richard Nicholas Umberger. Their emotional reunion celebrated the power of organ donation.
“I hope she’s not disappointed,” Axmear nervously admitted before their meeting. But any apprehension vanished as Worrior embraced him. An connection formed, as a piece of her son lived on in Axmear.
Their meeting overflowed with emotion and gratitude. Worrior listened to Axmear’s heart with her own stethoscope from her days as an RN, a moment highlighting her son’s enduring legacy. Tears streaming down her face, she whispered, “Promise made, promise kept.”
Their story serves as a powerful reminder of organ donation’s life-changing impact.
SIGN UP.SAVE LIVES.
This summer, share the gift of life.
As an organ and tissue donor, you can save lives just like Kyson and Richard! Register your decision today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or at an MVD or third-party office when you apply or renew for a driver license or state ID.
Sharing stories, sharing life: Transplant Games of America 2024
LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
She holds out her very first medal that she won at the 2024 Transplant Games of America—also a first for this two-time, double-lung recipient.
Jennifer Adams was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a disease that can damage multiple organs—particularly the lungs. Jennifer received her first transplant in 2017. After some complications, she required another double-lung transplant in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Jennifer joined thousands of transplant recipients like herself at the Transplant Games of America in early July 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Together, they showcased their renewed health after transplantation and honored the life passed down from their lifesaving donors.
“It meant a lot for me to be here,” says Jennifer. “I’m glad I came.”
She says she found it impactful to meet people who have gone through a similar experience, as well as those who are on the other side of donation—the donor families. Having not met her donor’s family, she found it touching to connect with other donor families and plans to keep in touch with some over social media.
“If I could meet them,” Jennifer says, describing her donor’s family, “I would say, ‘Thank you so much for the opportunity for me to live life and be with my family.”
Their gift has given her the opportunity to live life to the fullest, which is just what she did at the games.
Jennifer competed in pickleball, a trivia challenge, and the 200-meter dash in which she earned the bronze medal that she proudly wears on her chest over the lungs that allow her to run. She says she encourages anyone thinking about attending to sign up and plans to continue competing in even more events at the next Transplant Games of America.
THE TRANSPLANT GAMES OF AMERICA
Over 3,000 athletes and hundreds of supporters arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Transplant Games of America last week. For 33 years and counting, the Transplant Life Foundation has brought a community of people touched by the gift of organ and tissue donation together. Transplant recipients, patients waiting for a transplant, caregivers, donor families, donation professionals, living donors and supporters joined to share life and stories.
The games include over 20 athletic and recreational competitions, ranging from a 5K race to Texas Hold’ Em poker, for transplant recipients and living donors to showcase their renewed health post-surgery, as well as special divisions for donor families to compete. There are also a variety of special events to celebrate donors, connect with others and further donation education through lectures and workshops.
“Whether your interest is the intense competition, the deep and meaningful tributes, or the educational programs, the Transplant Games has something for you,” Transplant Life Foundation shared on it’s website.
CHEERING ON ARIZONA
Team Arizona kicked off the week at the Parade of Athletes during the opening ceremony. With ages ranging from 12 – 78 years old, 22 athletes eagerly marched into the arena to make history during Arizona’s 12th appearance at the competition.
After competing in 65 competitions across 16 events, our team brought home 42 medals!
Of the 42 medals earned at this year’s games, Team Arizona brought home 25 Gold, 5 Silver and 12 Bronze medals!
The team competed in a range of athletic and recreational competitions, including:
- 5K race
- Swimming
- Texas Hold ‘Em
- Table tennis
- Cycling
- Track & field
- Tennis singles
- Tennis doubles
- Pickleball doubles
- Pickleball mixed doubles
- Bowling singles
- Bowling doubles
- Cornhole
- Trivia challenge
- Darts
CELEBRATE WITH US
Join in on the celebration. Did you attend the 2024 Transplant Games of America? Tag us and Transplant Community Alliance and use #TGA2024BHM on your social media posts!
Even if you didn’t attend, you can still help celebrate and share the gift of life. Register as an organ and tissue donor online today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or when you apply for or renew your driver license or ID at an ADOT or third-party office location.
Organ Donors in Arizona Set Record
Record-breaking generosity
Arizonans have once again proven their extraordinary generosity, setting a new record for organ donation in the state. Forty-five organ donors offered the gift of life in May 2024, the most in a single month in the history of Donor Network of Arizona (DNA). This incredible display of sharing life translates to 101 lives saved through the successful transplant of 118 organs.
“A record number of 45 heroes is made possible first by the generosity of Arizonans in their most tragic moment—choosing life, altruism and the human endeavor that is donation,” says Abdulwahab Al-Saleh, MSN RN CPTC, director of the Donor Optimization department at DNA. “Organizationally it represents the strength we have in unity with our team, organ donors and their families. We’re our best when we work together to maximize the gift of life.”
This record beats July 2023 data when Arizona had 39 organ donors, and it demonstrates the ongoing commitment of DNA to save lives through organ donation, made possible by donors and their families.
In fact, DNA has seen steady growth since its inception in 1986. Organ donation has increased by 180% over the past 15 years—121% increase in the last decade alone.
Register today
You can join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or select authorized third-party office. You can also register online at DonateLifeAZ.org.
Beyond the Call: Celebrating National EMS Week
HEROISM IN LIFE AND BEYOND
Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Tyler James Edenhofer responded to 911 calls after someone threw rocks at cars on I-10 in Phoenix. He passed away after being shot. In his final days of training, and recently engaged, Tyler died at 24.
Tyler was kind and caring and always had a desire to help. He showcased that as a Navy veteran, in his short tenure as a trooper, as well as having registered as an organ and tissue donor.
Two women in Arizona regained their vision through Tyler’s corneas. Both can now take in the desert sunsets or see their loved ones’ smiles. Tyler also donated different types of tissues that helped roughly 20 more people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
“I know Tyler was proud to donate,” his mother says. “Gone way too soon, he had so much more to give.”
HONORING EMS HEROES
May 19 – 25, we recognize National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week. As this week unfolds, let’s take a moment to recognize the unwavering dedication and courage of our EMS professionals. These individuals serve as first responders in times of crisis and deserve to be recognized and celebrated.
What is an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Profession? There is a broad range of careers that are categorized as an EMS profession, but it all boils down to providing immediate medical care in emergency situations. Some, but not all, of these professions include:
- Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs)
- Paramedics
- Medics
- Emergency medical dispatchers
- Flight nurses
- Police officers
- Fire fighters
- Emergency nurses
- Emergency physicians
RECOGNIZING ARIZONA EMS HEROES
On Wednesday, May 8, Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) took a moment to celebrate Arizona EMS professionals alongside Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix (B-UMCP).
Vikki Burdine, the mother of donor hero Jaimy Burdine, joined the celebration and shared her daughter’s story. Jaimy was a fearless and devoted mother of two kids. While on a horse cart ride with her son and mother, the horse began to run uncontrollably.
Jaimy made the brave decision to jump backwards from the cart with her son in her arms, saving her son’s life. However, Jaimy landed on her back and hit her head on the ground, suffering a devasting brain injury. The paramedics did everything they could to save her, but her story didn’t end there. Jaimy went on to save and heal others through organ and tissue donation.
EMS professionals were recognized for the roles they play in stories like Jaimy’s. In fact, first responders were involved in 856* cases that resulted in organ and tissue donation in Arizona in 2023. Together, DNA and B-UMCP presented awards to:
- Tolleson Police Department
- Phoenix Police Department
- Phoenix Fire B Shift – Engine 40 and Rescue 40
- Phoenix Fire B Shift – Engine 21 and Rescue 21
- Phoenix Fire A Shift – Engine 6 and Rescue 3
- Banner Air 4
*Some cases may be counted more than once if multiple agencies responded.
CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
It’s a common misconception that EMS professionals will not work as hard to save your life if you are a registered organ and tissue donor. This is FALSE.
In an emergency, physicians, nurses and other EMS workers don’t have time to even check a patient’s name—let alone their donation registration status, assuming it’s even shown on their ID. (Not all registered donors have the donor heart insignia on their identification.) EMS professionals still work hard and swiftly to stabilize a patient. That’s it.
Learn more about registration status and the process of organ donation in Why doctors WILL NOT let you die if you’re a registered organ donor.
THANK YOU
To all of our EMS professionals: Thank you! We work in partnership with you and your dedication to saving and healing lives does not go unnoticed.