Living organ donors honored by University Hospital and transplant patients
There are currently more than 113,000 patients in the United States who are waiting for an organ transplant that could save their lives. While many depend on a match from a person who has died, liver and kidney patients have another option—a living donor.
This Friday, April 5, during National Donate Life Month, University Hospital is honoring the compassion of 55 selfless individuals who last year donated a kidney or a portion of their liver to a waiting patient. Transplant patients will reunite with their donors as the donors’ names are added to the hospital’s Life Saving Tree. The sculpture was created by Robert Dix, a local artist and former University Health System employee.
Living donors and the patients who received the organ donations will be available for interviews from 3:00-3:30 pm before the ceremony, and after the event.
WHO: Living organ donors and their transplant recipients
WHAT: Life Saving Tree ceremony
WHEN: Friday, April 5, 3:30 (Media seeking patient interview should arrive by 2:45 or conduct interviews after event)
WHERE: University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. Meet at the Communications office adjacent to the main lobby.
