York County Edition
January 2013
Vol. 14 No. 1
A Woman with 2 Birthdays Transplant Recipient Helps Others through Book and Organ-Donation Advocacy By Lori Van Ingen Chronic kidney disease affects one in nine Americans, and millions more are at risk. More than 105,000 people are on the National Kidney Transplant List in the United States. “Every day, 18 people die while waiting for a transplant of a vital organ, such as a heart, liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, or bone marrow,” said Carole Fair, an organ-donation advocate with the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania for nearly two years. Because of the lack of available donors in this country, 4,573 kidney patients, 1,506 liver patients, 371 heart patients, and 234 lung patients died in 2008 while waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, Fair noted. “I’m hoping that with more awareness of transplantation and the generosity of others, these numbers could certainly decline,” said Fair, who recently spoke at events at Holy Spirit Hospital and Hershey Antique Auto Association. Fair is a circuit speaker at civic clubs, women’s organizations, and churches. She helps people become aware of transplantation, clears up misconceptions, and promotes organ donation in general. “I get asked the most basic questions, like, ‘Where is my kidney located?’ and ‘Is the old kidney removed during a transplant?’” said Fair, who also is a please see ADVOCACY page 15 Kidney transplant recipient Carole Fair is now an author as well as an active organ-donation advocate with the Kidney Foundation of Central Pennsylvania.
Inside:
Pirates and More in Tampa page 6
Eye Care Coverage and Services for Retirees page 13