Celebrating those who give a part of themselves to another

Living donors’ names to be added to University Hospital’s Life Saving Tree sculpture; kidney recipient Matthew Parker, 8, and his donor and first-grade teacher Lindsey Painter will be among those honored

BACKGROUND: They have made the decision to give a part of themselves to save the life of another. And on Thursday, these living organ donors will be celebrated for that selfless and powerful gift when their names are added to the Life Saving Tree sculpture at University Hospital.

The Life Saving Tree, created by Robert Dix, a local artist and University Health System employee, serves as a loving reminder of the compassion and generosity of University Transplant Center’s living donors.

This year’s ceremony honors those who donated an organ in 2015. Among those attending will be 8-year-old Matthew Parker, whose story made national news last year when his first grade teacher, Lindsey Painter, turned out to be a perfect match as a kidney donor. 

WHO:            
Living organ donors and their families
Jennifer Milton, executive director, University Transplant Center
Edward Banos, executive vice president/COO University Health System
Dr. Daniel Ranch, pediatric transplant nephrologist and living kidney donor

WHAT:
Names of 2015 living donors to be added to Life Saving Tree sculpture

WHEN:
Friday, April 1, 3:30 p.m.

WHERE:
University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. Meet at information desk for escort.