A gift of life

By Heather Johnson | The North Platte Telegraph

The Nebraska Hospital Association and the Nebraska Organ Recovery System have joined forces to recruit organ donors. As a member of the NHA, Great Plains Regional Medical Center has been challenged to do the same. The hospital began an in-house campaign for its employees last week, and on Thursday, officially opened it to the public.

If anyone knows the importance of organ and tissue donation, it's the Varney family from Arnold. On New Year's Eve, 2005, Thomas "Moose" Varney V was pronounced brain dead after sustaining a gunshot would to the head. His parents, Tiff and Barb Varney, were faced with a tough decision - whether or not to donate his organs.

"When he got his driver's license, he checked the donation box," said Tiff. "It's what he would have wanted, and we wanted to honor his wishes."

Within a year's time, the choice they made saved five lives. Recipients were found for Thomas' heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys. Two people are able to see because they received his corneas and many others have benefited from his bones and tendons.

"We met one who received a kidney," said Tiff. "It made us feel good. Donating is the right thing to do because it means helping someone who, unfortunately, has had medical or genetic problems. If it's doing some good, then why not?"

The hospital is hoping to turn similar tragedies into something positive. As incentives, anyone who signs up to become a donor online can print off a receipt, take it to GPRMC's gift shop and redeem it for a coupon for 20 percent off anything in the store. Those who turn in receipts will also be entered in a drawing for $100 from Greg Nielsen, CEO.

Neb. is lower in organ donors

"But, the greatest reward is that people can give life," said Nielsen.

Barb Petersen is the manager of the hospital's nursing programs. She said Nebraska is 12 percent below neighboring states in the number of people who are listed as donors on their driver's licenses.

According to Petersen, NORS transplanted 131 organs from 44 people in Nebraska last year. This year, the organization has identified 10 donors and transplanted 19 organs from them.

She said 25 people have joined the hospital's drive so far. GPRMC will try to add 500 to the registry - the overall goal is 80,000. Petersen said it's a subject she has discussed with her daughter.

"It's one of those crucial conversations parents need to have with their kids," she said. "Just looking at our list of people waiting for a transplant and seeing their poor quality of health when they come into our hospital has made me realize how important it is to give."

Information about the campaign is displayed in the hospital's main lobby outside of the patient resource center. A kiosk offers insight about the drive, the need for donations and biographies about people who have either donated or have benefited from a transplant.

One of four multi-colored traveling quilts is also on display. In 2002, NORS and the Lions Eye Bank of Nebraska invited donor families to design quilt squares in honor of their loved ones.

"Because the number of them floating around Nebraska is limited, our facility is lucky to have received one," said Petersen. "It's pretty breathtaking when you think about each family decorating a square."

Those interested in registering can do so at www.donoregistry.org. They must be at least 16.