Brenda Butler Hamlett, who received a heart transplant, Laurie Busa, mother of a heart valve recipient, and Suzi Holmes, liver recipient, told moving stories about the impact of transplantation on their lives and the lives of those around them. After their remarks, donor families were called to the front of the room and, while Suzi Holmes read the names of the donors, Jaime Busa and Marcia Bujan presented thank-you booklets and certificates. On display at the ceremony were pictures of many of the donors and a section of the National Donor Family Quilt. It was an emotional day for all who attended, but we hope is was a day of healing for donor families and that they left feeling loved and appreciated. The organizers of this event did a wonderful job and we thank them.
Plans are in the works to conduct recognition ceremonies throughout New England.
He will be featured in 30-second TV and radio commercials, billboards, and other materials encouraging donors to share their decision with their families. Let's hope he's only the first of many celebrities to take up our cause. Here are some of the fat reasons why. The UNOS bulletin reports that the number of organ donors went from 8134 in 1994 to 8307 in 1995. Cadveric donors increased from 5100 to 5537, but living donors fell from 3034 to 2950.