Organ Viability Timeline

Organs aren’t created equal when it comes to surviving outside the body. Here’s how long major organs remain viable, which is a significant factor in determining which patient on the waiting list receives that organ.

Heart: 4 to 6 hours

Registered?

Making the decision to be an organ donor is the first step; the next action is to register. You can do this online or in person at your local motor vehicle department.

Kidney: 24 to 36 hours

To register online, just go to donatelifeflorida.org or registerme.org and complete the registration form. (You can specify which organs/tissues you would like to donate and any you want to exclude for whatever reason. You can modify this information at any time.) That’s all it takes to know you’ve chosen to give the gift of life.

Liver: 8 to 12 hours

Lung: 4 to 6 hours

You want to be sure to let your family know you’ve registered as an organ donor so they are fully aware of your decision. As next-of-kin, family members will be asked certain questions at the time of your death. Because this will be a highly emotional time for them, it can be comforting to know they’re helping carry out your final wishes.

Pancreas: 12 to 18 hours

Intestines: 8 to 16 hours

Of these, blood and bone marrow can actually be donated more than once, since the body regenerates/replaces them. (The National Marrow Donor Program maintains a national registry of bone marrow donors. You can learn more at marrow.org or by calling (800) MARROW-2.)

Because there is always a level of risk involved with any major surgical procedure, a potential living donor is carefully evaluated to determine whether donation is suitable and is informed of what is involved, potential problems and any financial considerations. Even though the recipient is typically responsible for all costs related to transplant, the living donor may experience loss of wages during recovery time, for example.

Learn More organdonor.gov transplant.org lifequestfla.org donatelifeflorida.org registerme.org

The Healthy Home Program was created to reduce the hospital re-admission (within 30 days) of elderly patients discharged to their homes.

The Healthy Home program is sponsored by the Munroe Auxiliary, Inc.—a 501©3 charitable organization with a mission to improve the health and well-being of Marion County residents. Over 300 patients have received the following services free of charge:

• Short-term Food Plan

• Transportation Arrangements to Physician Follow-up Appointments

• Safe Home Evaluation & Fall Prevention modifications: Grab bars, handrails and ramps with Habitat for Humanity

• Well Check Telephone Calls

• Socialization/Compassionate Care

• Home Health Nurse Home Visit

• Emergency Response System—60 days free

• And more...

Have you bought your 2017 calendars yet? You’re going to want to circle these dates. We’ve gathered just a few events that will not only have people talking but giving back, too. No matter the year, charity is the one thing that will never go out of style. Save the date, we’ve got you covered—from January to December.*

RAMAL Charity Fundraiser

(January 7)

This event supports RAMAL Educational and Social Services, Inc., which provides scholarships to nontraditional students, summer academic and enrichment programs, and community projects such as a Christmas party for at-risk children. The event will include breakfast, music, vendors and giveaways. ramalservices.org or (352) 873-1319

Florida Fun Mini Match Dance Competition

(January 15)

The Florida Fun Mini Match is a ballroom dance competition held at the Circle Square Cultural Center. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association dancedancedance.biz/minimatch or (352) 266-0015

11th Annual King of the Wing

(February, TBD)

Come out and support ARC Marion and the Marion County Building Industry Association by enjoying some of the area’s best wings and pizza at this annual event. mcarc.com or (352) 387-2210

Helping Hands Dinner and Fundraiser

(February, TBD)

Support Helping Hands at this fun-filled evening. Hear from people who have benefited from Helping Hands while enjoying dinner, dessert, ra es and auction items. Helping Hands provides shelter and related assistance for people in need, mostly women and children. helpinghandsocala.org or (352) 732-4464

16th Annual Arnette House Benefit

(February, TBD)

Enjoy an evening of entertainment, food, drinks, games and auctions, all while raising money for the Arnette House, a 24-hour emergency youth shelter for children ages 10 to 17 who are runaways, lockouts, homeless, truant or experiencing parent-child conflict. arnettehouse.org or (352) 622-6135

Day of Caring

(February 25)

During the United Way’s annual Day of Caring event area businesses, individuals, organizations and civic clubs can help local nonprofit human service agencies accomplish much-needed projects during one day of organized volunteerism. uwmc.org or (352) 732-9696

Pancakes In The Park

(February 25)

The Friends of Silver Springs State Park will be serving a pancake breakfast on the river side of the park at 9am. Proceeds benefit Silver Springs State Park’s education program. thefriendsofsilversprings.org or 352-236-5401

Taste of Ocala

(March 4)

This annual event features a social hour, restaurant tastings and live music. Funds raised benefit the CF Foundation at the College of Central Florida, which supports scholarship opportunities for future students. The event runs 6-9pm. cf.edu/foundation or (352) 873-5808

4th Annual Habitat Strawberry Festival

(March 4)

This festival, which will once again be located at the McPherson Complex, draws the community together in celebration of all things strawberry. The event raises money for Habitat for Humanity of Marion County habitatocala.org or (352) 351-3081

11th Annual Marion County Go Red For Women

(March 10)

Benefiting the American Heart Association, this event aims to increase awareness about heart disease and stroke in women. Guests are in for a night of live music and dancing, silent auctions and fine dining. goredforwomen.org or (800) 257-6941, ext. 8107

Charity Pro/Am Golf Tournament

(March 14-17)

The Ocala Open will take place at Candler Hills Golf Club. The event raises funds for Interfaith Emergency Services and Hospice of Marion County candlerhillsgolfclub.com or (352) 387-7510

H.U.G.S. Community Celebration

(March 23)

Honor cancer survivors at the H.U.G.S Community Celebration at the Country Club of Ocala from 6:30-8:30pm. All proceeds provide assistance to local cancer patients in partnerships with the Cancer Alliance of Marion County hugscharities.org or (352) 598-1066

Ocala Royal Dames’ Tiara Ball

(March, TBD)

The Tiara Ball is the largest fundraiser for the Ocala Royal Dames for Cancer Research, Inc. The event is a time to dress your best, recognize some of Ocala’s up-and-coming debutantes and raise money to support cancer research. ocalaroyaldames.org or (352) 622-7363

6th Annual Race Against Child Abuse

(April, TBD)

This family-friendly 5K race is fully escorted by the Ocala Police Department. The race benefits Kimberly’s Center for Child Protection. Kimberly’s Center is Marion County’s child advocacy center, providing a safe and friendly environment for children to discuss issues such as sexual and physical abuse and child neglect. kimberlyscenter.org or (352) 873-4739

8th Annual Frank Polack Memorial Ride

(April, TBD)

The 9th annual ride to benefit Hospice of Marion County o ers 80-, 65and 30-mile options. The ride winds through the heart of horse country, and registration fees as well as any pledge donations will benefit Hospice. hospiceofmarion.com or (352) 873-7400

3rd Annual Friends of Furry Faces

(April, TBD)

This fundraiser supports the Humane Society of Marion County. The 2016 event featured a wine and animal art auction. Formed in 1964, the Humane Society is dedicated to matching families with homeless pets and educating the community about responsible pet ownership. thehsmc.org or (352) 873-7387

Bridles, Birdies and BBQ

(April, TBD)

Combining two of Ocala’s greatest passions—horses and golf—this event pairs teams of equestrian riders with local golfers in a relay race, all benefiting The First Tee of Greater Ocala. The First Tee provides young people with characterbuilding and life skills lessons using golf as the platform. thefirstteegreaterocala.org or (352) 362-2258

2nd Annual “Be You!” A Walk for Children’s Mental Health

(April 21)

This second annual walk benefits the children who utilize services at The Centers and recognizes the importance of individuality in children’s mental health. The Centers positively impacts the lives of thousands of children and adults through mental health and recovery support. thecenters.us or facebook.com/beyouwalk or (352) 291-5555

Ride for the Arts

(April 22)

The third annual Ride for the Arts benefits the Marion Cultural Alliance’s Endowment for the Arts, which o ers grants to cultural organizations throughout Marion County. The event o ers three ride lengths—68 miles, 38 miles and 15 miles—so there’s a ride for cyclists of all levels. rideforthearts.com or (352) 369-1500

Relay For Life of Ocala

(April 28)

Relay For Life is the signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. The event brings the community together to remember loved ones, honor survivors and raise money to help battle cancer. relayforlife.org or (352) 629-4727

March for Babies

(April 29)

Walk to support the health of babies by raising money for the March of Dimes. The six-mile event is family friendly and takes place at the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. Register as a team or walk as an individual. marchforbabies.org or (352) 629-7555

Brick City Blues Festival

(May, TBD)

Take a musical journey down the blues highway and hear some of your favorite local and regional blues acts, all to benefit the Ocala Outreach Foundation’s Feed the Need project. The Ocala Outreach Foundation aims to help real people who need real help but may be overlooked by other programs. ocalaoutreach.com or (352) 535-0321

Derby Day—10K, 5K & Kids’ 1K

(May 6)

The annual Derby Day event benefits the PACE Center for Girls of Marion County and includes a 10K, 5K and kids’ 1K fun run. Happening the morning of the Kentucky Derby, the event also features a derby hat contest. PACE serves girls with academic, counseling and transition services. pacecenter.org/locations/marion or (352) 369-0571

4th Annual Glo with the Flo 5K Race

(August, TBD)

This fun, nighttime 5K will light up historic downtown Ocala with all its glowing participants. Proceeds benefit the Marion County Children’s Alliance and the Drayton Florence Foundation facebook.com/glowiththeflo

15th Annual Cattle

Baron’s Ball

(September, TBD)

Wear your best Western duds in support of the American Cancer Society. This annual event supports communitybased patient services programs, lifesaving cancer research and education in prevention and early detection. facebook.com/cattlebaronslakesumter marion or (352) 350-2273

4th Annual Team Scrabble

(September, TBD)

Gather your friends and come out for a rousing game of Team Scrabble, all to benefit the Marion County Literacy Council. The organization is focused on making sure all adult citizens have access to the resources available to help them improve their literacy skills. marionliteracy.org or (352) 690-7323

Walk to End Alzheimer’s

(September, TBD)

A fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Association, the walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide and raises awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. alz.org or (352) 372-6266

Ocala Shrine Rodeo

(September, TBD)

Come out for a night of bucking broncos and rodeo cowboys—all to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provides care for children in the areas of orthopaedics, burn care, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. facebook.com/ocalashrinerodeo or (352) 694-1515

22nd Annual Autumn Gift Market

(October, TBD)

The Autumn Gift Market is one of Ocala’s favorite traditions. The event supports the Junior League of Ocala, which promotes volunteerism, develops the potential of women and improves communities through the e ective action and leadership of volunteers. juniorleagueofocala.com

4th Annual Dining in the Dark

(October, TBD)

A journey of tastes, sounds, touch, appreciation and awareness, guests will walk and dine in total darkness to experience the same challenges faced every day by blind and visually impaired persons. All proceeds benefit the Florida Center for the Blind flblind.org or (352) 873-4700

Jeeptoberfest

(October, TBD)

The annual fall Jeep show and swap meet will be held at the Ocala Speedway. The event benefits Paws for a Cause and Interfaith Emergency Services ocalajeepclub.com

Heart Walk

(October, TBD)

The annual Marion County Heart Walk benefiting the American Heart Association raises funds to save lives from the country’s No. 1 and