A recent survey conducted by Donate Life America, with support from Astellas Pharma US, Inc. (Astellas), found that people in Massachusetts were significantly more likely than all adults nationwide to have not signed up because they “don’t have time” or “haven’t gotten around to it” (22 percent versus 7 percent nationwide). Donate Life New England is launching an online registry this spring in an effort to simplify the registration process.
“There is an organ availability crisis taking place in Massachusetts and around the country,” said David Fleming, Executive Director, Donate Life America. “It is important for the donation and transplant community to continue to educate people about how to register and drive people to take that action.”
Transplant Expo and Making Strides Run/Walk Aim to Inspire and Incite Action
The event took place Saturday, May 30, through Monday, June 1, the Transplant Expo, hosted by Astellas, visited The Shops at Prudential Center, Belvidere Arcade, 800 Boylston Street. The Expo provided an intimate look at the wonders of transplantation and the dedicated heroes who help make it possible, as well as explored the art and science of transplantation, the history of transplantation and inspirational stories of heroic donors. Volunteers from Donate Life New England were on-site to answer questions and provide visitors with the opportunity to join the state donor registry.
Chris Klug, bronze medalist snowboarder and liver transplant recipient, attended the Expo to greet attendees. On Monday, June 1, Astellas First Annual Making Strides: A 5K Run/Walk for Organ Donation took place on the banks of Boston’s Charles River. Transplant professionals attending the American Transplant Congress, as well as the public were invited to run or walk to show their support for the transplant community. For every finisher, Astellas donated $1 - up to $20,000 total - to the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF), a 501c3 nonprofit organization that helps transplant patients (hopefuls and recipients) afford critical but uninsured medically related expenses through fundraising guidance, patient resources and support, as well as financial assistance.
So if you are inspired by this, phone your local organ procurement organization and see if a similar program can be replicated in your area. In this current economic times, we are sure many shopping malls would be happy to co-sponsor to get more foot traffic which in-turn translates into more sales. All the stores may be able to feature one sale item where a percentage of the sales can go to the donor registry. Just a thought. Any comments?
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