2q17 connections final

SECOND QUARTER 2017

A NEWSLETTER FOR GIFT OF HOPE’S PARTNERS AND FRIENDS

CONNECTIONS YOU’VE SAID ‘YES’ TO DONATION. NOW WHAT?

Living Donation

THIS ISSUE House of Hope Donation Story Series

Overdose Donors

CONNECTIONS IN THIS ISSUE

3

4

5

12

National Donate Life Month Events

Donation partners and Gift Of Hope held more than 70 events during April to increase awareness about the importance and significance of organ and tissue donation.

The Healing Power of Donation Kinda Pellino discovered the lifesaving and healing power of deceased and living donation amid tragic loss.

House of Hope Event

Gift of Hope partnered with the Rev. James Meeks and House of Hope to celebrate life and promote organ and tissue donation within the AfricanAmerican community.

The Wait: Vanessa Coppage

Vanessa Coppage believes there is life during the wait for an organ transplant if one stays positive and keeps the faith.

PRESIDENT/CEO J. Kevin Cmunt CHIEF POLICY OFFICER Elizabeth Lively 630/758-2609 elively@giftofhope.org MANAGER OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING Therese Michels 630/758-2603 tmichels@giftofhope.org MANAGING EDITOR Sonia Sotello 630/930-5831 ssotello@giftofhope.org CONTRIBUTORS Nesha Logan 630/758-2743 nlogan@giftofhope.org Veronica Moreno 630/758-2799 vmoreno@giftofhope.org Lauren Ryan 630/930-5827 lryan@giftofhope.org Shauna Schuda 630/758-2744 sschuda@giftofhope.org

On the Cover

10

“You’ve Said ‘Yes’ to Donation. Now What?” is a National Donate Life Month story series that chronicled the ins and outs of some of the many steps involved in making donation possible. From April 1 to June 1, various steps in the donation process were featured to shed light on what happens after one says “yes” to donation. The series ran on Facebook and Instagram with fulllength features posted on the Gift of Hope website.

Connections provides the Gift of Hope public and professional communities with news and information about Gift of Hope, organ and tissue donation and the importance of being a registered organ and tissue donor. We encourage you to share this newsletter with your friends and associates and learn more about donation by visiting GiftofHope.org. We mail Connections to people who have expressed an interest in Gift of Hope or the topic of organ and tissue donation. If you would like to be removed from our mailing list, please email your request to ssotellogiftofhope.org.

Marion Shuck 630/758-2616 mshuck@giftofhope.org Tony Sullivan 630/758-2721 tsullivan@giftofhope.org

Copyright © 2017. All Rights Reserved.

DONATION ADVOCATES SPREAD HOPE DURING NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH Every April, Gift of Hope unites hospital partners, Ambassadors for Hope volunteers, schools, businesses and communities throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana to celebrate National Donate Life Month. This year, Gift of Hope and its donation partners held more than 70 community outreach programs to raise public awareness of organ and tissue donation, educate the public about Gift of Hope’s role in the donation process and encourage people to register as donors.

3

1

4 2

5

6 8

7

11

9

1

Black Women’s Expo – “Summit of Hope Fair,” Rogers Park.

2

Olman Chaheine, Volunteer Outreach Coordinator at Gift of Hope, spoke to a congregation at the “Hoy Despierto” Catholic Church concert in Mundelein, Ill.

3

Members of “Las Siervas” Peruvian nun rock band posed for pictures with concertgoers in Blue Island, Ill.

4

Donor registration drive with Gift of Hope volunteers Monica Fox and Rochelle Matthews at UI Health.

5

Springfield’s Memorial Medical Center held a donor drive and encouraged staff to wear blue and green to pay tribute to those who have given the gift of donation.

6

Connie Boatman, Director of the Secretary of State’s Illinois Organ and Tissue Donor Program, presented a special plaque to Kit Soper, ICU Manager at Mercyhealth Hospital (Rockton Ave.) in recognition of the hospital’s commitment to donation.

10

7

Edward C. Pyun Jr., MD, Medical Director of Trauma at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, was honored for his commitment to organ and tissue donation.

10 Joe Leone, Addison Fire Chief and father of an organ donor, participated in a tree-planting ceremony at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital.

8

Sangamon County Life Goes On Committee filmed an annual public service announcement about organ donation, sponsored by Green Family Stores.

11 Organ Transplant Society’s 27th annual tree-planting ceremony. Pictured, Kevin Cmunt, president/CEO at Gift of Hope, and the Lenzinis, a donor family.

9

Organ and tissue donation awareness events, flag raising and donor drive at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

3

Living Donation

GRIEVING MOTHER DISCOVERS THE HEALING POWER OF DONATION

Kinda Pellino cannot recall the first time she heard about organ donation, but having grown up in the medical world, she was familiar with its lifesaving benefits. She never imagined, however, how intimately acquainted she would become with the donation process, both deceased donation and living donation.

On a foggy May morning in 2015, Pellino lost her 23-year-old son in a tragic car accident. When Gift of Hope first approached her to discuss the opportunity of donation, she was not ready to consider it. After further thought and soul searching, Pellino ultimately decided to proceed with donation. “Something told me there was nothing I could do for him,” said Pellino. “I knew donation is something he would want. He was a good soul, and he always wanted to help people.” It was this assurance that comforted and gave her the courage to proceed — knowing that both she and her son were helping someone else live a full life.

A little more than a year after her son’s death, Pellino once again found herself in the operating room of a hospital. But this time it was to become a living kidney donor for someone else. While incredibly difficult, her son’s organ and tissue donation offered Pellino a window into the healing power of donation. When she learned that one of her neighbors was in dire need of a transplant, she considered becoming a living donor and looked into the living donation process, a method through which a healthy adult may provide a designated recipient with one of his or her organs. Pellino discovered that while living donors cannot contribute certain vital organs like the heart, they can offer a kidney or a lobe of one lung in addition to sections of the pancreas, liver or intestine.

WILLING AND DETERMINED TO MATCH

Pellino also knew it was possible she might not be a match for her intended recipient, but she was willing and determined to find someone on the waiting list who was a match. “I knew there was certainly someone out there who matched my blood type and needed a kidney,” she explained. “So I was perfectly willing, if it didn’t work out with my original recipient, to donate to somebody else.”

Pellino was a blood match with her intended recipient, so testing was continued to ensure her kidney was healthy and that she was physically and psychologically ready to donate. Along the way, hospital staff reminded her that she could call off the procedure at any moment. “It was very reassuring to me,” she said. “Any time during the process, if I changed my mind, it would be OK.” As it turned out, her surgery proceeded as expected on Dec. 12, 2016, and Pellino felt a surprising sense of peace.

The transplant recipient who received Pellino’s kidney is living a much better quality of life. “I just spoke with her a couple of days ago,” Pellino said. “She’s doing wonderfully.” As for herself, Pellino confirmed she’s doing great. “I don’t feel like anything’s changed,”

4

CONNECTIONS

she said. “I’m missing a kidney, but I haven’t had any after-effects.

Emotionally, I found the experience extremely rewarding. I did it because I knew it was the right thing to do.”

ILLINOIS SHOWS ALTRUISTIC SPIRIT

Nationally, nearly 6,000 organ transplants were made possible in 2016 through living donors, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing. More than 750 of those donors were from Illinois.

Although organ donation from a deceased person to a living person in need of an organ transplant is currently the leading manner of donation, living donation is an option for altruistic people who want to help those in need.

WHO CAN BE A LIVING DONOR

Living donors should be in good overall physical and mental health and older than 18. Some medical conditions can prevent people from being living donors. They include uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, HIV, hepatitis, acute infections and psychiatric conditions requiring treatment. Since some donor health conditions could harm a transplant recipient, it is important to share all physical and mental health information with physicians.

It also is important to be fully informed of the known risks involved with donating and complete a full medical and psychosocial evaluation. The decision to be a living donor should be completely voluntary and free of pressure or guilt.

TWO TYPES OF LIVING DONATION Directed Donation

A living donor can choose someone to whom they directly wish to donate. Biologically related donors are blood relatives, such as parents, brothers/sisters and adult children. Unrelated donors can include people who have some type of social connection with a transplant candidate, such as a spouse or significant other, friend or coworker. Other unrelated donors may be acquaintances or even strangers who have learned about a transplant candidate.

Non-Directed Donation A living donor may opt to donate anonymously to a candidate on the national transplant waiting list. Some of these donors may eventually meet the transplant recipients, but only if both parties agree.

To learn more about living organ donation, visit the Transplant Living website or download Living Donation: Information You Need to Know, published by the United Network for Organ Sharing.

A Celebration of Life CONNECTS A COMMUNITY THROUGH HOPE Johnson went on to say it occurred to him during the press conference that he needed a transplant now because God knew that 31 years ago he would be the superintendent of police and would have a platform to highlight the importance of organ and tissue donation.

African-Americans make up about 13 percent of the U.S. population, and they make up about 30 percent of the people on the national transplant waiting list, including 33 percent of the people on the kidney transplant waiting list. People of different races and ethnicities can donate organs and tissue to one another, but transplant candidates have a better chance of receiving the needed organ with a larger pool of organ donors from their racial or ethnic background.

“In the African-American community we bury so many healthy organs that could help extend the quality of life for someone in need,” Johnson said.

“We have to do a better job at helping each other. I’ve received a lot of love from this city, but what I really want is to see that love given to others.”

On April 9, Gift of Hope partnered with the Rev. James Meeks and Chicago’s House of Hope for Giving the Gift of Hope: An Organ Donation Celebration to honor the legacy of life made possible by donors and increase awareness about the importance and significance of organ and tissue donation in the African-American community.

A joyful first meeting took place when kidney transplant recipient Monica Fox (third from left) and members of the Powell family were united during the Giving the Gift of Hope event.

This event supported the mission to transform Chicago into the nation’s organ transplant hub, an objective announced at the inaugural Chicago Organ Summit in February. The House of Hope hosted Ill. Secretary of State Jesse White, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson and kidney transplant recipient Monica Fox, all of whom emphasized the need for more registered organ and tissue donors during the event.

COMPASSION AMID LOSS

Fox, who faced death three years ago, also shared her testimony at the event where she was united for the first time with the family of the donor who saved her life.

Three years ago, doctors told Fox that she would have to undergo kidney dialysis treatments to live. Undeterred by the diagnosis, Fox became a tireless advocate for organ donation. She partnered with Gift of Hope to help increase awareness about donation and encourage the participation of the African-American community. She has spoken to church congregations, elected officials and convention attendees about the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Fox also decided to share her story on social media, but she never imagined doing so would change her life.

CELEBRATING LIFE

Meeks and the House of Hope congregation are no strangers to organ and tissue donation. In December 2006, Asa Toney, a longtime member of the church, met an untimely death. She was a registered donor, and through her generous decision six people received the gift of life. Her story resulted in the historic registration of more than 4,000 people at House of Hope during Asa Toney Day in 2007.

To honor Toney’s selfless gift of donation made 11 years ago, Gift of Hope’s Community Affairs Director Jack Lynch presented her family with the Gift of Hope Tragedy to Triumph award.

“It is with the deepest gratitude that we thank you,” Lynch said. “We are always touched by the fact that every time we encounter each other around the city you graciously ask how the recipients are doing. Well let me tell you, all six are thriving.”

A PUBLIC PLIGHT

Johnson received an outpouring of support following a press conference earlier this year announcing his need for a kidney transplant. Since then, he has been an influential supporter, spokesperson and champion for organ and tissue donation.

“I was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis over 30 years ago,” Johnson said. “The doctor told me that I would need a kidney transplant in three or four years; that was 31 years ago. Over time, it has amazed me how fortunate I am that my illness never affected my ability to serve this city.”

The Powell family, from Memphis, Tenn., read Fox’s story on Facebook, and one fateful day amid the tragic loss of their loved one, Milton, they The successful event included the participation remembered that Fox of several Gift of Hope Ambassadors for Hope was in dire need of a volunteers and staff members. kidney transplant and decided to make a directed donation of one of Milton’s kidneys to help save her life. Fox received her lifesaving transplant on Nov. 22, 2016.

“My donor’s family expressed how much peace and joy it gives them to know that Milton saved my life and that I’m doing well,” said Fox. “I will not stop helping to increase awareness about the lifesaving benefits of donation until the 5,000 people on the transplant list in Illinois are no longer waiting.”

CONNECTED THROUGH HOPE

“From a community outreach standpoint, the House of Hope event was important because it underscored the remarkable willingness of AfricanAmericans to embrace organ and tissue donation,” said Marion Shuck, Manager of Community Affairs at Gift of Hope. “By celebrating Asa Toney’s life and legacy, highlighting the need for organ transplants for people like Superintendent Eddie Johnson and uniting Monica Fox with her donor’s family, we saw that organ donation can touch anyone and that we’re all connected through hope.”

5

ILLINOIS MEDICAL DISTRICT

MONETARY DONATION FROM GIFT OF HOPE HELPS ORGAN TRANSPLANT FAMILIES FIND A PLACE TO CALL HOME Positive support from family members can play a major role in the emotional, spiritual and physical health and wellness of transplant patients. Those who receive organs from generous donors have long roads to recovery and may be required to spend extended periods at hospitals.

Although many families want to be there around the clock to help support and care for their loved ones during their transplant journeys, some families struggle to find places to stay near hospitals or find it cost-prohibitive to book hotels. Thankfully, Illinois Medical District Guest House is there to help.

“At IMD Guest House, our mission is to provide the comforts of home and IMD Guest House suites provide many the care of community to of the comforts of home to outpatients outpatients and the families and their families. of patients who must seek treatment away from home, through convenient and affordable temporary lodging,” said Adam Helman, Executive Director at IMD Guest House. “To offer these services that helped more than 650 families in 2016, we rely on public support and contributions from generous donors and partners.”

OFFERING THE GIFT OF HOPE AND COMFORT

This April, Gift of Hope donated $17,000 to IMD Guest House, which will help provide access to care and support families of organ transplant recipients. “Compassionate service is one of our core values at Gift of Hope,” said Kevin Cmunt, President/ CEO of Gift of Hope. “IMD Guest House provides a wide variety of services and support to families of transplant patients at a time when they need compassion the most.”

6

CONNECTIONS

While exceptional care is provided to transplant patients within area transplant centers, people staying at IMD Guest House also need support and care. IMD Guest House is made up of 47 fully furnished apartment-style suites that offer families a quiet and restful place to call home. Community areas help families connect with others who may be experiencing similar situations and gain support from their neighbors.

CARING FOR FAMILIES

In 2016, IMD Guest House provided 10,300 nights of service, saving the average guest $2,000 versus staying at the nearest hotel in Chicago. IMD Guest House is within walking distance of several Chicago-area hospitals and medical centers, including University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System, Rush University Medical Center and Stroger Hospital of Cook County.

IMD Guest House is the only facility in Chicago that supports patients and family members of any age and patients receiving any treatment.

“Nearly 47 percent of our nights of service helped guests with household incomes at or below the federal poverty level,” said Helman. “This generous donation provided by Gift of Hope will help transplant patients and their families have access to the care they need by giving them a clean, safe and affordable place to stay and access to support as part of the IMD Guest House community.”

IMD Guest House never turns anyone away for financial reasons, so patients can receive treatment without worrying about how to afford places to stay and being separated from their families and friends.

“As donation and transplantation continues to grow, and we reach our collective goal of performing 2,000 transplants per year by 2020, more families will need the extraordinary services IMD Guest House provides,” said Cmunt. “We are honored to provide this donation to IMD Guest House and continue to serve our transplant community.”

DONATION BRIEFS

Running and Walking to Support Charity Partners RED SHOE RUN FOR DONOR AWARENESS Combining ongoing healthy living initiatives with its mission, Gift of Hope staff members are running — and walking — to support nonprofit partners. As part of National Donate Life Month, Team Hope members participated in the 14th Annual Red Shoe Run for Donor Awareness on April 6 in Rockford, Ill. Gift of Hope was the presenting sponsor of the event, which seeks to increase awareness about the lifesaving need for organ, tissue, eye, blood and marrow cell donations and raise funds to sustain those efforts in the community.

Donor family member Dan Richardson shared the story of his son Dylan, who at the age of seven helped save three lives through organ donation.

More than 1,000 runners and walkers met at Northern Illinois University’s Rockford campus to pay tribute to donors who offered life to thousands of people.

Kelvin Martin, heart transplant recipient and Ambassador for Hope volunteer, shared his testimony with Red Shoe Run participants.

NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS’ WALK FOR KIDNEYS initiatives to bring long-term positive impact to the care and treatment of kidney disease.

On June 25, Team Hope members, family and friends represented Gift of Hope at the 2017 National Kidney Foundation of Illinois’ Walk for Kidneys at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Through the efforts of its Charitable Giving Committee, Gift of Hope raised $2,500 to benefit the programs and services provided by NKFI — programs that help people affected by or at risk for kidney disease throughout Illinois.

NKFI’s programs support individuals living with kidney disease and their families. The organization also provides educational programs to health care professionals and public advocacy

DRIVE FOR LIFE ACT UPDATE

SB868 were introduced in February by State Rep. Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park) and State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

The Illinois Senate unanimously passed the Drive for Life Act (HB 1805) on May 15, moving this pro-donation legislation to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk for his signature for the bill to become law. The Illinois House approved the bill this spring by a vote of 103-3.

If Rauner signs the bill into law, the Drive for Life Act will amend the Illinois Anatomical Gift Act to allow 16- and 17-year-olds to register for the state’s First-Person Consent Organ and Tissue Donor Registry when they receive their driver’s licenses or identification cards. Under current law, an individual must be at least 18 years old to join the registry.

The legislation, which received overwhelming bipartisan support in both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, was initiated

by Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White with strong support from Gift of Hope earlier this year. HB1805 and its companion bill

LifeGoesOn.com

The young adults who choose to register as donors will authorize organ and tissue donation at the time of their deaths with one caveat: The two organ procurement organizations serving Illinois, Mid-America Transplant and Gift of Hope, must make a reasonable effort to contact a parent or guardian to ensure that they approve of the donation. Parents or guardians will have the opportunity to overturn their children’s decisions should they become eligible to donate. Once the 16- or 17-year-olds turn 18, the decision will be considered legally binding without limitation, which is how the registry works under current law.

Currently, 47 states, including Indiana and Wisconsin, have enacted similar legislation. In 2016, 16- and 17-year-olds were issued approximately 250,000 driver’s licenses and 95,000 identification cards in the state of Illinois.

If signed, the law will go into effect Jan. 1, 2018.

7

PERUVIAN NUNS ROCK OUT TO SPREAD MESSAGE OF HOPE

The “Hoy Despierto” concert series attracted more than 4,000 Latinos from the Chicagoland area.

Earlier this year, Gift of Hope proudly sponsored “Hoy Despierto,” (Today I Awaken) a live music concert series put on by “Siervas,” a Catholic nun rock band. Siervas means “servants,” a fitting name for the talented and service-minded group of 11 nuns from the outskirts of Lima, Peru.

After gaining popularity on YouTube, their tour “Hoy Despierto” brought them to Chicago for a series of 10 parish concerts during Lent. These events attracted more than 4,000 Latinos from the Chicagoland area, providing Gift of Hope with a great platform to spread the humanitarian message of organ and tissue donation.

They write their own songs with titles like “Heroes” and “Come and You Will See.” Although they sing in Spanish, their message is universal: Find truth and happiness through Jesus.

“This was an important series of events for Gift of Hope to be involved in because we’ve wanted to connect with the Hispanic Catholic audience for a long time,” said Community Outreach Specialist Jennifer Aguilar. “The ‘Hoy Despierto’ concert series provided the perfect setting to speak to the Latino audience about this important topic. Our message about the significance and importance of organ and tissue donation was not only well received by concert goers but supported by some of the priests who got on stage to echo our call to action and encourage the audience to become organ and tissue donors.”

“Our mission is to help people find the love of God through our music,” said one of the band members. “Our music is for believers and non-believers. We want to deliver a message of hope and faith through songs that can change the world, regardless of your beliefs.”

DONORS HONORED AT ‘OUR STORIES’ MEMORIAL More than 100 donor family members, friends and Gift of Hope staff members gathered on June 10 for the first of two events that Gift of Hope holds each year to honor loved ones who became organ and tissue donors during the past year. Called “Our Stories,” the event took place at the Gift of Hope Donor Memorial at Southwind Park in Springfield, Ill.

Gift of Hope staff members and Ambassadors for Hope volunteers gathered outside the Gift of Hope Donor Memorial at Southwind Park in Springfield Ill.

8

CONNECTIONS

Dedicated in 2016, the memorial was inspired by a group of donor families as a place where other donor families could remember and honor their loved ones and reflect on the selfless gifts of donation. Attendees heard inspiring stories and testimonies that celebrated the generous individuals who offered the gift of hope through donation so that others may live. A second event, the Donor Family Remembrance Ceremony, will take place on Sunday, Oct. 22, at the Bridgeport Art Center in Chicago.

Hope The Park of ick br a es featur l with retaining wal ative commemor e bricks, marbl da benches, an es, variety of tre shrubs and ts. flowering plan

PARK OF HOPE

DEDICATED TO Young STEGER “SUPERHERO”

including his cia’s family, Lorenzo Gar d row, fourth on ec (s a ci ar G r mother, Karla right), came together fo from dication. the park de

On June 3, dozens of families, friends, local dignitaries and representatives from Gift of Hope crowded the Louis Sherman Community Center in Steger, Ill., for the formal dedication of the Lorenzo Garcia Park of Hope.

“Can we do something so that we never, ever forget Lorenzo?” Liddell asked his mother, Mary Supramaniam-Liddell, a week after Lorenzo’s passing. “That’s when the vision of this memorial was born,” she explained.

“Heroes in Our Midst” was the theme of the day as superhero balloons, signs and collectibles decorated the entrance to the park and the center’s gymnasium, where a formal presentation took place. Two little boys dressed as superheroes paraded through the gym to applause.

The original idea included a memorial tree and bench, but it quickly grew in scope and size as the community rallied behind the construction of a quiet sanctuary to honor deceased loved ones, and create a place for anyone to reflect on the lives of those they have lost.

The park itself was dedicated to the memory of 12-year-old Lorenzo Garcia who, like many boys his age, idolized superheroes. Ironman was his favorite. And like Ironman’s creator, Tony Stark, the kindhearted sixth-grader from Steger hoped to use his very own super powers to one day help others.

Tragically, Lorenzo’s life was cut short following an accident in July 2015, but his dreams of becoming a superhero came true when his family made the courageous decision to donate his organs.

AN IDEA TAKES ROOT

The dedication ceremony began with the national anthem, sung by 10-year-old Jeirmyri Liddell, who came up with the idea of a lasting memorial to honor his fallen friend shortly after his accident in 2015.

“This is a project that’s been close to our hearts from the beginning,” explained Susan Koelling, who welcomed the crowd to the park’s dedication. Koelling, Kenneth McAllister and Supramaniam-Liddell headed the nonprofit Park of Hope organization that helped raise funds for the project.

“Lorenzo had a heart of gold and a spirit greater than the superheroes he loved,” Koelling said. “And just like the gifts Lorenzo shared, many gifts helped make this day possible.”

Donations poured in through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including a sold-out spaghetti dinner in early 2017. Dozens of friends and community members also purchased commemorative bricks, plaques, shrubs and trees to decorate the park. In all, nearly $30,000 was raised to create a permanent memorial that surpassed the expectations of everyone, including Lorenzo’s mom, Karla.

“It’s like a dream come true,” she said. “Park of Hope gives us exactly that — hope. Hope that we will find peace when we come here to remember our loved ones and hope that we have the strength to live every day to the fullest.”

Steger Mayor Kenneth Peterson echoed her sentiments. “I really appreciated being able to be part of this journey,” he told the crowd.

“I knew it was a project the village had to get behind and support.”

ALL ABOUT HOPE

“How could the village say no,” SupramaniamLiddell said afterwards. “This project is all about the gift of hope. Lorenzo’s family lost so much, but through his gifts that helped save the lives of others, he has given hope for generations to come.”

Grown with faith, love and courage, the beautifully manicured Park of Hope features a brick retaining wall with commemorative bricks, marble benches, a variety of trees, shrubs and flowering plants, and a book box to donate to or borrow from.

Gift of Hope President/CEO Kevin Cmunt told the crowd, “It’s inspiring to see people of all different backgrounds come together to create something awesome. Lorenzo’s story ended way too soon. At Gift of Hope, we help write another chapter. But looking out today, I can see that Lorenzo’s writing his very own sequel.”

9

Read the full-length stories at giftofhope.org.

STORY SERIES ANSWERS THE QUESTION:

YOU’VE SAID ‘YES’ TO DONATION. NOW WHAT? Thousands of generous people say “yes” to donation each year.

In their time of loss and grief, they selflessly offer the gift of hope and life to others who are desperately waiting for a second chance at life. Still, little is known about the several steps involved in the shared donation process and the many dedicated professionals who collaborate effectively and efficiently to make donation happen.

“You’ve Said ‘Yes’ to Donation.

Now What?” is a National Donate Life Month story series that chronicled the ins and outs of the lifesaving donation process. The well-received series, which ran for a little more than two months, showcased some of the roles involved in honoring the generous decisions of donors and donor families. The stories aimed to shed light on what happens after one says “yes” to donation.

10

CONNECTIONS

Kelsey Bacha Donor Resource Coordinator

Caitlin Coleman Donation Coordinator

Tovah Roberts, RN Rush University Medical Center

“Sometimes it can be overwhelming, but we know we need to be nimble to navigate between speaking in very clinical terms with a partner or colleague to holding space for and caring for our donor family members.”

“Everything that takes place from the moment our partners call us with a donation referral until the conversation of donation takes place with a family or legal guardian, determines if donation will happen.”

“If you’re at the stage where your loved one is going to be a donor, there’s going to be a lot of tests and running around, but you will always be cared for. And out of your sorrow there can be joy.”

Cara Moulesong Organ Recovery Coordinator

Roy Mayfield Senior Supervisor of Facilities and Tissue Recovery

Damon Marks Donation Specialist Supervisor

“One thing I make sure donor families know is that we do genuinely care about them — we want their story to end well. And we can offer something that will help them heal. Through their grief, there’s something to look forward to. We offer hope, and we change the end of a tragic story.”

Jennifer Aguilar Community Outreach Specialist “The most difficult conversations are with people who have negative views or perceptions about donation, but these are often the most encouraging conversations.

Our biggest goal is for people to know what Gift of Hope’s role is in the donation process, that we’re here to help and to provide important facts and information they did not previously have.”

“I believe I am part of a big team that makes miracles happen every day. I feel put in this place for a reason and, with our team, I’ve been able to help others in unique and incredible ways that I never otherwise would have been able to.”

“Many times, families struggle with the decision to donate, but they say ‘yes,’ even if in that moment they don’t think it’s a good thing.

Six months or two years down the line they are able to look back and know that somewhere in the world someone is alive because of their loved one’s gift.”

Jessina Wiley Allocation and Perfusion Coordinator

Renata Krzyston Aftercare Specialist

“The donation process involves many professionals who are all passionate about helping others.

I get to be part of that. This miraculous, elaborate, multistep collaboration and process helps get people off the waiting list and gives them a second chance at life. That gives me the drive to keep coming to work. I feel privileged to do what I do each day.”

“Grief and sadness are part of the role, but that’s OK because we get to give back to our families. We get to give them support, resources and information, and we get to cultivate these beautiful relationships. My colleagues and I can stand by our families during their grief and wipe their tears or just listen. Our donor families are not alone. We are here for them every step of the way.”

S N R U T N O I T A N O D F O Y D E G S H TRA T A E D E S O D R E OV G N I V A S E F INTO LI H TRIUMP Opioid addiction has reached epidemic ilies proportions nationwide, devastating fam egory in every state, in every socioeconomic cat The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that opioid overdoses killed more than 30,000 Americans — many of them healthy and young — in 2015 alone. And since 2000, drug overdose deaths, largely driven by prescription pain relievers and heroin, have increased by 137 percent.

It’s no wonder public health officials call this the worst drug crisis in American history.

But there is some hope amid this crisis: The epidemic has produced a growing category of organ and tissue donors.

“According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, the number of donors who died of drug overdoses rose by nearly 270 percent — from 240 to 848 — between 2006 and 2015, illustrating once again how donation can turn tragedy into triumph,” said Michael Harmon, Director of Organ Operations for Gift of Hope.

Locally, a recent study found that in Gift of Hope’s donation service area

81 people

who died of drug overdoses

donated 279 organs between September 2015 and March 2017.

between 2012 and 2017,

drug intoxication And represented the largest increase in organ referrals overall

THINGS TO KNOW ABOU T OVERDOSE DONORS

For starters, sophisticated and thorough testing can quickly and accurately detect transmittable diseases. One such test, nucleic acid testing (NAT), is highly sensitive and screens for the deadliest viruses — including HIV and hepatitis B and C. NAT was introduced in 2001 but wasn’t in widespread use until 2011, when the issued guidelines recommended that all organ donors be screened using this extremely accurate, gene-based test.

“NAT is so sensitive that it can detect a virus in a matter of days after infection,” said Martin Jendrisak, MD, FACS, Gift of Hope’s Medical Director and Vice President of Research and Development. “Because NAT offers genetic-level accuracy, it virtually eliminates the possibility of transmitting a deadly virus from an infected donor to a healthy recipient.”

It also expands the pool of potential donors. Individuals who once were excluded due to “high-risk” circumstances such as incarceration or multiple blood transfusions can now be considered for donation if NAT results are negative. Best of all, results are available within a matter of four to five hours. That saves precious time — and even more lives.

“There is no risk of donated organs transferring addictions to transplant recipients,” Harmon said.

What’s more, the organs of someone addicted to opioids generally aren’t in worse shape than those of any other donor. In fact, people who die of overdoses tend to be younger and healthier than typical organ donors. The average age of an overdose donor is 33.

“These are very young, otherwise very healthy people,” Harmon added. “The benefits to the transplant recipient are tremendous.”

In addition, the organs of overdose donors with HIV or hepatitis can be placed with recipients who have the same disease, e.g., a donor with hepatitis C can donate to a recipient with hepatitis C. The same is true with HIV donors. Finally, researchers say organs damaged by drug and alcohol abuse may be transplanted and rehabilitated over time through proper treatment.

at nearly 400 percent.

“From an organ-quality standpoint, overdose victims can be excellent donors,” Harmon said. “And for the families left behind, their lifesaving legacies can transform tragedy into triumph and provide healing and hope.”

Still, there are several misconceptions about people who die of overdoses and their eligibility to become donors. “The risk of dying on the waitlist far exceeds the transmission risk of accepting an organ from a screened donor who died from a drug overdose,” Harmon said.

“The truth is overdose donors can become lifelines for people in need of organ transplants.”

Learn more about donor eligibility by calling Gift of Hope at (630) 758-2600 or visiting giftofhope.org.

11

The Wait: Faith, family and good health are the three most important things in life, according to Vanessa Coppage. The 57-year-old Hazel Crest, Ill., woman is devoted to her family and her two adult children and is an active member of her church ministry. For the past 21 years, however, Coppage has struggled with high blood pressure and subsequent kidney failure.

During a routine check-up to address high blood pressure back in 1996, doctors made a startling discovery: Coppage’s kidneys were failing, and she would need a kidney transplant to continue living. Although devastated by the news, Coppage stayed positive.

“I had no idea I was in kidney failure,” Coppage said. “I was feeling a little tired but thought it was just a symptom of the high blood pressure. In these kinds of situations, however, you must stay positive, maintain a healthy lifestyle and have faith that everything will work out.”

For nearly 11 years, Coppage went to dialysis and focused on her family as she waited for the kidney that would save her life. In 2007, Coppage’s prayers were answered, and she received her lifesaving kidney transplant.

Unfortunately, that joy was not to last.

In 2008, Coppage’s new kidney failed. In 2010, despite struggling with her own health issues and finding herself back on the transplant waiting list, Coppage moved from Florida to Illinois to care for her mother. “It was a very stressful time,” she said. “I had to find a new hospital that could help me with my inevitable second kidney transplant. I was worried about how I would manage caring for myself and my mother, who needed me.”

POSITIVITY PREVAILS

Coppage remained positive, came up with a care plan with the medical care team at the University of Chicago and currently attends dialysis three times a week.

“Prior to my first transplant, I could go to dialysis and then go about my day,” she said. “Now, my body is just so tired. All these years of being on dialysis have really worn me out. I’ve found that

12

CONNECTIONS

FAITH, FAMILY AND POSITIVITY KEEP VANESSA COPPAGE GOING I don’t have the same level of energy to do the things I love, like caring for my family or singing in the church choir.”

Although it would be understandable to give in to negative thoughts, Coppage remains faithful and positive. Even after her mother passed away last year, she pushes forward and continues to care for her family.

“I currently care for my 90-year-old aunt by helping her with the household chores, grocery shopping and making sure she’s getting the medical care she needs,” she said. “My family means everything to me, and I would do anything for them.”

CYCLE OF CARE CONTINUES

Her family feels the same. Alicia Coppage, Vanessa’s 32-year-old daughter, decided she wants to be a living donor for her mother and is donating one of her kidneys. It’s common for living donor transplants to take place between family members because having a better genetic match lessens the risk of rejection.

“I want my mom to live a long and healthy life,” said Alicia.

“Therefore, I think it is important for me to give her one of my kidneys. I love her with all my heart and would do anything to see her have a good life. We are praying every day that God blesses us through this transition.”

Coppage estimates she will have her transplant surgery in summer 2018. In the meantime, she’s keeping busy as a Gift of Hope Ambassadors for Hope volunteer. Her mission is to educate the community about the need for and importance of organ and tissue donation.

“There is life during the wait if you choose to stay positive,” said Coppage. “You must continue to keep the faith and care for one another. I am blessed to have a wonderful family who is helping me during this difficult time, but it’s up to all of us to help those around us. I encourage everyone to be organ donors because that generous decision can have a positive impact on the life of someone in need.”

HOSPITAL PERFORMANCE* METRICS

Gift of Hope works in partnership with 183 hospitals and nine transplant centers to meet the ever-growing demand for donor organs and fulfill the organization’s vision — that every opportunity for organ and tissue donation is successful. Here’s a look at key donation performance metrics for Illinois and northwest Indiana hospitals that have had at least one organ donor during the period noted and the contributions these hospitals are making to offer hope and life to others.

Donation Donation Timely

Organ Conversion Authorization Notification Hospital Donors Rate Rate Rate Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital

1

50

100

82

Adventist GlenOaks Hospital

1

50

50

100

Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital

1

50

50

86

Advocate BroMenn Medical Center

2

100

100

100

Advocate Christ Medical Center

10

52

52

95

Advocate Condell Medical Center

5

71

71

97

Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital

1

50

50

94

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital

1

100

100

95

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center

1

33

33

67

Advocate Lutheran General Hospital

7

82

82

88

Advocate Sherman Hospital

1

50

50

100

Alexian Brothers Medical Center

1

100

100

96

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital

4

83

83

83

Blessing Hospital

2

100

100

100

Carle Foundation Hospital

2

50

50

100

Community Hospital of Munster

2

50

50

50

Decatur Memorial Hospital

2

50

50

100

Edward Hospital

1

100

100

100

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital

1

100

100

92

Evanston Hospital

1

100

100

100

Franciscan St. Anthony Health: Crown Point

2

100

100

100

Franciscan St. James Health: Olympia Fields

2

43

60

86

Franciscan St. Margaret Health: Hammond

1

67

67

100

Freeport Memorial Hospital

1

100

100

100

Genesis Medical Center: Illini Campus

1

100

100

100

Glenbrook Hospital

1

100

100

100

Holy Cross Hospital

1

100

100

67

Ingalls Hospital

1

100

100

100

John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County

3

67

67

87

Little Company of Mary Hospital & Health Care

1

100

100

95

Loyola University Medical Center

6

50

56

86

*Hospitals with at least one organ donor through 5/31/17. Note: Data subject to change due to Gift of Hope’s quality assurance process.

13

Donation Donation Timely

Organ Conversion Authorization Notification Hospital Donors Rate Rate Rate MacNeal Hospital

1

67

67

97

Memorial Medical Center

2

45

45

100

Mercy Hospital and Medical Center

1

50

100

67

Methodist Hospital: Northlake

1

100

100

100

Methodist Hospital: Southlake

2

50

50

100

Metro South Medical Center

1

100

100

87

Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center

4

60

60

90

Northwest Community Hospital

3

75

75

94

Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital

5

100

100

100

Northwestern Memorial Hospital

5

56

56

92

Norwegian American Hospital

1

100

100

100

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center

13

73

73

99

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center

2

67

67

100

Passavant Area Hospital

1

100

100

0

Presence Mercy Medical Center

1

100

100

83

Presence Resurrection Medical Center

1

100

100

97

Presence Saint Francis Hospital

1

71

71

98

Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center

4

75

86

88

Presence St. Mary’s Hospital of Kankakee

1

100

100

100

Mercyhealth Hospital (Rockton Ave.)

3

57

57

100

Rush University Medical Center

11

57

57

98

Silver Cross Hospital

1

50

50

100

Skokie Hospital

1

100

100

100

St. Alexius Medical Center

2

50

50

89

St. John’s Hospital

8

90

90

98

St. Mary Medical Center

1

50

50

100

Unity Point Health: Methodist

1

33

50

93

Unity Point Health: Trinity

1

50

50

100

University of Chicago Medicine

10

76

76

93

University of Illinois Medical Center

6

77

77

97

Vista Medical Center: East

3

80

80

100

Weiss Memorial Hospital

2

67

67

86

West Suburban Medical Center

4

71

71

100

DEFINITIONS

Totals

14

Organ Donors

Donors from whom one or more organs were recovered for the purpose of transplantation. This includes both donation after brain death, or DBD, donors and donation after circulatory death, or DCD, donors.

CONNECTIONS

171 74 76 93

Donation Authorization Rate The rate at which authorization for donation is obtained, expressed as a percentage.

Donation Conversion Rate

The rate at which potential donors are converted to actual donors, expressed as a percentage.

Timely Notification Rate

The rate at which hospitals contact Gift of Hope after a death or within one hour after an individual meets the criteria for imminent death and before the withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, expressed as a percentage.

STATE OF DONATION 117,469*

4,930*

in the U.S.

in Illinois

1,541* in Indiana

The number of people waiting for heart, liver, kidney, lung, pancreas or small bowel transplants as of May 31, 2017. * Based on data from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network

GIFT OF HOPE DONATION ACTIVITY

Organ Donors Organs Transplanted Organs Per Donor Tissue Donors Bone Donors** Skin Donors** Heart Valve Donors** *Through May 31

2017*

2016*

% CHANGE

171 501 2.93 697 679 400 64

165 520 3.15 748 722 495 70

3.64% -3.65% -6.98% -6.82% -5.96% -19.19% -8.57%

MAKE A DIFFERENCE! REGISTER TO BE AN ORGAN AND TISSUE DONOR GIFTOFHOPE.ORG

**Subset of Tissue Donors

6,233,711 60% 300 :10 25

ILLINOIS ORGAN/ TISSUE DONOR REGISTRY

As of May 31, 2017

Of adults (18 or older) in Illinois are registered as organ and tissue donors.

In 2017, more than 300 people registered for transplants in Illinois will die while waiting.

Every 10 minutes, a new person is added to the national transplant waiting list.

One donor can save or enhance the lives of more than 25 people.

15

FPO INDICIA TO BE ADDED

BY PRINTER

425 Spring Lake Drive Itasca, IL 60143

To learn more about organ and tissue donation, visit GiftofHope.org

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

BARNSTORMING DONATION ADVOCATE ‘DOWNTOWN’ BROWN VISITS GIFT OF HOPE

Donation advocate and Mickey Mantle look-alike Don “Downtown” Brown visited Gift of Hope’s Itasca office in April.

Brown travels the country leveraging his resemblance to “The Mick” to raise public awareness of organ and tissue donation. He has a personal connection to donation. His brother passed away waiting for a kidney transplant.

seven on the trunk lid. He hits the road every April during National Donate Life Month to attend numerous donation awareness events across the country. He visited Gift of Hope on his way back from Commerce, Okla., where he promoted donation to young people at the annual Mickey Mantle Classic baseball tournament.

Brown, of Waterville, N.Y., is hard to miss. He drives a customized 2003 Ford Thunderbird adorned with New York Yankee pinstripes, an authentic Yankees logo and Mantle’s number

Mantle, a Yankee great, died shortly after receiving a liver transplant in June 1995. He established the Mickey Mantle Foundation to raise awareness of donation.