SELF-STUDY MODULE
FOR
ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION
Goal
The purpose of this module is to provide an overview of organ and tissue donation including the
role and contribution of health care professionals.
Review the letter from the hospital liaison concerning the pre and post test and the submission of
paperwork for documentation purposes.
Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
 Discuss the need for organ and tissue donation and the nurse’s role in identifying the
potential donor candidates.
 Identify the relationship between the New England Organ Bank and the hospital
 Understand the impact of legislation that requires all deaths be reported to the New
England Organ Bank
 List the major steps in the donation process
Outline
Overview of organ and tissue donation
Tissue Donation
Organ Donation
Medical Uses of Donated Tissues for Transplantation
Organ Donation: Myth vs. Reality
Stories of Life and Giving
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 1
OVERVIEW OF ORGAN AND
TISSUE DONATION
A SELF-STUDY MODULE
Did You Know?
• On average, 19 people die each day waiting for an organ transplant
• A single organ donor can save up to 9 people’s lives; a tissue donor can improve the quality of
life for up to 100 people
Organ and Tissue Donation: What Are the Issues?
• Potential organ donors are not identified
• Potential organ/tissues donors are not referred to the New England Organ Bank
• Families are not offered information on organ/tissue donation and are not offered the option of
donation
Why is the Federal Government Involved in Donation?
• The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) predict the regulations will increase
the number of available organs by 20 per cent. For example, in 2007 there were:
– 8,089 Deceased Donors
– 28,352 organs recovered (includes 6,306 living donors)
• There are currently 98,441 waiting recipients on 3/20/2008
What are the CSM Requirements?
• Hospitals must inform the New England Organ Bank of all deaths and all impending deaths
prior to withdrawal of support
• Hospitals must work collaboratively with the New England Organ Bank to discuss the option
of donation with the family
• Hospitals must comply to participate in Medicare
Who Benefits From Donation?
• Donation may offer support and comfort to the grieving family
• The hospital staff is able to help both the donor family and recipients through donation
• Recipient’s are given the “gift of life” and are very grateful for this opportunity
Tissue Donation
CSM Requirements: All Deaths are reported to NEOB within one hour
24 hour phone number: 800-446-6362
– Clinical Coordinators will determine suitability
– Clinical Coordinators in collaboration with the hospital, will offer information about tissue
donation to the family, communicate to the hospital the outcome of the discussion, and
coordinate the recovery. NEOB will discuss donation with the family.
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 2
Information Necessary to Make a Referral to NEOB
• Caller’s name, hospital, phone number
• Patient’s name, age, sex, admission date
• Diagnosis, medical history, cause of death, date and time of death
• Name and phone number of the next of kin
• Referral is made within one hour of death
Medical Examiner Cases
• ME cases are not disqualified as potential organ/tissue donors
• Follow hospital procedures and policy for notification to the Medical Examiner’s Office
• NEOB staff are responsible for obtaining clearance for donation from the Medical Examiner
Funeral Home Participation
• Please tell the NEOB coordinator the name of funeral home.
• After consent is granted, the NEOB coordinator will call the funeral home to inform them of
the scheduled recovery
• The funeral home is notified by the NEOB coordinator when the recovery is completed
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Facts about Tissue Donation
There is never a cost for donation.
Donation does not affect funeral arrangements.
Donation does not prevent an open casket
All major religions support donation.
Signing a donor card will not affect the medical care you receive if you become ill or injured.
Tissue Transplantation
• Tissues may include:
Corneas/whole eyes
Heart valves, pericardium, veins
Bone and associated tissues
Skin
• Age of donor: newborn to age 90
Uses for Recovered Tissues
• Restore sight
• Heart-valve transplant
• Reconstructive surgery
• Limb-saving orthopedic surgery
• (Further information on the uses of recovered tissues is in the “Additional Reading” Section
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 3
Organ Donation CMS Requirements: Potential Organ Donor Referrals
• Refer all patients as soon as there are indications that the patient may meet brain death criteria
to determine suitability.
• Refer all patients that have a severe neurologic injury prior to withdrawal of support
• There is no age exclusion criterion
• Individuals trained by the New England Organ Bank will approach families with discretion
and sensitivity to their circumstances, views, and beliefs
• A coordinator from the New England Organ Bank is available 24 hours a day
• Call 800-446-6362
Contraindication to Donation
• Documented HIV is the only absolute contraindication to organ donation
• All deaths must still be reported
Required Information for an Organ Donor Referral
• Caller’s name, hospital, phone number
• Patient’s name, age, sex, admission date
• Diagnosis, medical history, mechanism of brain injury. Brain death status at time of referral
• A donation coordinator will call back and discuss an action plan
Medical Examiner Cases
• Follow hospital procedures and policy for notification to the medical examiner’s office
• Medical Examiner cases are not disqualified as potential organ/tissue donors
• NEOB staff are responsible for obtaining clearance from the Medical Examiner
Funeral Home Participation
• Please tell the NEOB coordinator the name of funeral home.
• After the consent discussion, the NEOB coordinator will call the funeral home to inform them
of the scheduled recovery
• The funeral home will be notified by the NEOB coordinator when the recovery is completed
After the Referral
• A donation coordinator will respond on-site to:
– Review the medical record
– Collaboratively work with the hospital staff to introduce the topic of donation
– Obtain consent
– Coordinate the organ recovery process
Family Options Concerning Donation
• We convey simply and clearly to the family that whatever decision they choose to make is the
best decision.
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 4
Family Concerns about Donation
• A person’s resistance or refusal to donate is often rooted in misinformation or lack of
information.
• Common concerns include: difficulty accepting that death has occurred, fear of expenses to
the family, fear of disfigurement, concerns over fair allocation, and the perception that organ
donation will cause the decedent pain.
Facts Concerning Organ Donation
• The family understands the definition of brain death
• The NEOB pays all expenses associated with the organ recovery
• The recovery surgery is similar to a surgery to remove a gallbladder
• A brain dead person feels no pain
• Some information concerning the recipients will be shared with the donor family
The Most Common Fear
“If I am in an accident and the hospital knows that I want to be a donor, the doctors will
not try to save my life.”
The medical team treating you is separate from the transplant team. The organ procurement
organization is involved only after all efforts to support life have been unsuccessful.
Organ Transplantation
• Organs that are transplanted include
Heart
Lungs
Liver
Kidneys
Pancreas
Intestines
Transplant Success
• Longest living transplant recipients as of 3/20/08
Heart
23 years
Lung
17 years
Liver
31 years
Kidney (deceased donor)
35 years
Pancreas
18 years
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 5
Hospital Staff - The Vital Connection between the NEOB coordinator and the family
As the care provider, you:
• Provide medical/nursing/psycho-social/religious support to the patient and family
• Provide introduction of the NEOB coordinator to the family
• A collaborative approach increases consent rate
The Organ Donation Process
• Early referral, suitability is determined
• Informed consent is obtained from the patient’s next-of-kin by the NEOB coordinator
• The donation coordinator oversees the maintenance of the potential donor in collaboration
with the staff
• The donation coordinator makes all arrangements for organ placement, recovery and followup
Informed Consent Discussion
• Includes:
– Explanation of organ/tissue donation process
– Comprehensive medical history
– Comprehensive social history (As required by the Center for Disease Control)
– Consent is obtained by the NEOB coordinator. The original of the consent is in the patient
chart
Organ Donor Maintenance
• Goal is to optimize the potential for organ recovery.
• Guidelines include the rule of 100’s.
– Oxygenation saturation of 100
– Systolic blood pressure of 100 MM of Hg
– Urine output of 100 cc per hour
Organ Placement
• Organs are placed according to blood type, size, medical urgency, and waiting time.
Donor Family Follow-Up
• NEOB coordinator will communicate with the donor family and provide information
concerning the recipients’ status after transplant and other social information
• Confidentiality precludes the disclosure of recipient names and location
• NEOB provides comprehensive follow-up with donor families via the Donor Family Services
Program
Communication is Key
Call with any questions or concerns - 800-446-6362
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 6
Summary
• Early referral will alleviate the disparity between the number of people waiting for a lifesaving transplant and the number of available organs.
• A collaborative effort between the hospital and the New England Organ Bank will maximize
the number of available organs for transplantation.
• Your participation is essential to our successes both for the family of the deceased and the
recipients. Thank you very much.
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 7
Medical Uses of Donated Tissues for Transplantation
Many tissue transplants may be life-saving, other transplants may be lifeenhancing:
Eye/Corneas
The eye is the most common tissue donated and transplanted. Donated corneas,
the clear covering of the eye, may avert or correct blindness. Corneas are used
for cornea replacement, sclera patches and even to repair the inner ear.
Musculoskeletal Tissue (Bone, Tendons and Other Soft Tissue)
Donated bone is used after spinal injury in surgeries where fusions (cervical and
lumbar) are performed.
Bone and soft tissue (tendons, ligaments) are used for knee repair, total revision
of the knee, and in many sports medicine applications, including anterior
cruciate ligament (ACL) repair and soft tissue reattachments.
Cartilage and tendon grafts restore function for people with sports injuries or
trauma who would otherwise be incapacitated or disabled.
Hand, foot, and ankle surgery, and hip replacement surgery commonly utilize
allograft tissue.
Periodontists utilize bone during periodontal surgery for severe gum disease.
Oncologists use bone allografts in cancer surgery for osteosarcomas and other
tumors where bone resections or joint transplants are necessary. Patients with
cancerous bone tumors once only had the option of amputation. Now, bone
allografts can replace the cancerous bone and restore mobility.
Cardiovascular Tissue
Heart valves help repair cardiac defects and are used as replacements heart
valves for children born with damaged valves. Many adults develop diseased or
damaged valves. Donated valves may be life-saving for these recipients.
Saphenous veins can save a limb from amputation for patients with peripheral
vascular disease . They can be used as graft material in heart bypass surgery,
helping patients with coronary artery disease avoid heart attacks.
Femoral veins can be used as dialysis grafts enhancing the life of those with end
stage renal disease.
Skin
Skin transplants may save live the lives of critically burned patients. Just think
about some of the victims from the September 11 terrorist attacks who were
burned over much of their bodies yet, through skin grafts, were able to survive.
Donated skin helps to control the patient's electrolyte balance, helps to regulate
the burn victim's body temperature, and provides protection from infections.
Full thickness burns (third degree burns), cannot heal unaided. Skin grafts are
needed for skin regeneration. Donated skin can cover a burn site and encourage
skin regeneration.
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 8
Organ Donation: Myth vs. Reality
Don't let myths and rumors keep you from saving lives. Learn the facts.
Myth: Doctors will not try to save my life if they know I want to be a donor.
Fact:
The medical staff trying to save lives is completely separate from the transplant team.
Donation takes place only after all efforts to save your life have been exhausted and
death has been declared.
Myth: People can recover from brain death.
Fact:
People can recover from comas, but not brain death. Coma and brain death are not the
same.
Myth: Minorities should refuse to donate because organ distribution discriminates by race.
Fact:
Organs are matched by factors, including blood and tissue typing, which can vary by
race. Patients are more likely to find matches among donors of their same race or
ethnicity.
Myth: The rich and famous on the U.S. waiting list for organs get preferential treatment.
Fact:
The computerized matching system does not select recipients based on fame or wealth.
Organs are matched by blood and tissue typing, organ size, medical urgency, waiting
time and geographic location.
Myth: I am too old to donate organs and tissues.
Fact:
People of all ages may be organ and tissue donors. Physical condition, not age, is most
important. Physicians will decide whether your organs and tissues can be transplanted at
the time of death.
Myth: My family will be charged for donating my organs.
Fact:
Donation costs are not the responsibility of the donor's family or estate.
Myth: Donation will disfigure my body.
Fact:
A surgical procedure is used to recover donated organs and tissue. The body is always
treated with great care and respect. Donation should not delay or change funeral
arrangements. An open casket funeral is possible.
Myth: Organs are sold, with enormous profits going to the medical community.
Fact:
Federal law prohibits the buying and selling of organs in the United States. Violators are
punishable by prison sentences and fines.
For more detailed information about donation, visit www.organdonor.gov and
www.donatelife.net.
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 9
Religion and Organ and Tissue Donation
If you save one life, it is as though you save the world.
—The Talmud
What follows is an overview of the positions and statements of various religions with regard to organ and tissue donation and
transplantation.
AME & AME ZION (African Methodist Episcopal)
Organ and tissue donation is viewed as an act of neighborly love and charity by these denominations. They encourage all members
to support donation as a way of helping others.
Amish
The Amish will consent to transplantation if they believe it is for the well being of the transplant recipient. John Hostetler, worldrenowned authority on Amish religion and professor of anthropology at Temple University in Philadelphia, says in his book, Amish
Society, "The Amish believe that since God created the human body, it is God who heals. However, nothing in the Amish
understanding of the Bible forbids them from using modern medical services, including surgery, hospitalization, dental work,
anesthesia, blood transfusions or immunization."
Assembly of God
The Church has no official policy regarding organ and tissue donation. The decision to donate is left up to the individual. Donation is
highly supported by the denomination.
Baptist
Though Baptists generally believe that organ and tissue donation and transplantation are ultimately matters of personal conscience,
the nation's largest protestant denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention, adopted a resolution in 1988 encouraging physicians
to request organ donation in appropriate circumstances and to "encourage voluntarism regarding organ donations in the spirit of
stewardship, compassion for the needs of others and alleviating suffering." Other Baptist groups have supported organ and tissue
donation as an act of charity and leave the decision to donate up to the individual.
Bretheren
While no official position has been taken by the Brethren denominations, according to Pastor Mike Smith, there is a consensus
among the National Fellowship of Grace Brethren that organ and tissue donation and transplantation is a charitable act so long as it
does not impede the life or hasten the death of the donor or does not come from an unborn child.
Buddhism
Buddhists believe that organ and tissue donation is a matter of individual conscience and place high value on acts of compassion.
Reverend Gyomay Masao, president and founder of the Buddhist Temple of Chicago says, "We honor those people who donate
their bodies and organs to the advancement of medical science and to saving lives." The importance of letting loved ones know your
wishes is stressed.
Catholicism
Catholics view organ and tissue donation as an act of charity and love. Transplants are morally and ethically acceptable to the
Vatican. According to Father Leroy Wickowski, Director of the Office of Health Affairs of the Archdiocese of Chicago, "We encourage
donation as an act of charity. It is something good that can result from tragedy and a way for families to find comfort by helping
others." Pope John Paul II has stated, "The Catholic Church would promote the fact that there is a need for organ donors and that
Christians should accept this as a 'challenge to their generosity and fraternal love' so long as ethical principles are followed."
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 10
Religion and Organ and Tissue Donation (Cont)
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
The Christian Church encourages organ and tissue donation, stating that we were created for God's glory and for sharing God's
love. A 1985 resolution, adopted by the General Assembly, encourages "members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to
enroll as organ donors and prayerfully support those who have received an organ transplant."
Christian Science
The Church of Christ Scientist does not have a specific position regarding organ donation. According to the First Church of Christ
Scientist in Boston, Christian Scientists normally rely on spiritual instead of medical means of healing. They are free, however, to
choose whatever form of medical treatment they desire - including a transplant. The question of organ and tissue donation is an
individual decision.
Episcopal
The Episcopal Church passed a resolution in 1982 that recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ, blood and tissue donation. All
Christians are encouraged to become organ, blood and tissue donors "as part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who
gave His life that we may have life in its fullness."
Greek Orthodox
According to Reverend Dr. Milton Efthimiou, Director of the Department of Church and Society for the Greek Orthodox Church of
North and South America, "the Greek Orthodox Church is not opposed to organ donation as long as the organs and tissue in
questions are used to better human life, i.e., for transplantation or for research that will lead to improvements in the treatment and
prevention of disease."
Hinduism
According to the Hindu Temple Society of North America, Hindus are not prohibited by religious law from donating their organs. This
act is an individual's decision. H. L. Trivedi, in Transplantation Proceedings, stated that, "Hindu mythology has stories in which the
parts of the human body are used for the benefit of other humans and society. There is nothing in the Hindu religion indicating that
parts of humans, dead or alive, cannot be used to alleviate the suffering of other humans."
Independent Conservative Evangelical
Generally, Evangelicals have no opposition to organ and tissue donation. Each church is autonomous and leaves the decision to
donate up to the individual.
Islam
The religion of Islam believes in the principle of saving human lives. According to A. Sachedina in his Transplantation Proceedings'
(1990) article, Islamic Views on Organ Transplantation, "the majority of the Muslim scholars belonging to various schools of Islamic
law have invoked the principle of priority of saving human life and have permitted the organ transplant as a necessity to procure that
noble end."
Jehovah's Witnesses
According to the Watch Tower Society, Jehovah's Witnesses believe donation is a matter of individual decision. Jehovah's
Witnesses are often assumed to be opposed to donation because of their belief against blood transfusion. However, this merely
means that all blood must be removed from the organs and tissues before being transplanted.
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 11
Religion and Organ and Tissue Donation (Cont)
Judaism
All four branches of Judaism (Orthodox, Conservative, Reform and Reconstructionist) support and encourage donation. According
to Orthodox Rabbi Moses Tendler, Chairman of the Biology Department of Yeshiva University in New York City and Chairman of the
Bioethics Commission of the Rabbinical Council of America, "If one is in the position to donate an organ to save another's life, it's
obligatory to do so, even if the donor never knows who the beneficiary will be. The basic principle of Jewish ethics - `the infinite
worth of the human being' - also includes donation of corneas, since eyesight restoration is considered a life-saving operation." In
1991, the Rabbinical Council of America (Orthodox) approved organ donations as permissible, and even required, from brain-dead
patients. The Reform movement looks upon the transplant program favorably and Rabbi Richard Address, Director of the Union of
American Hebrew Congregations Bio-Ethics Committee and Committee on Older Adults, states that "Judaic Responsa materials
provide a positive approach and by and large the North American Reform Jewish community approves of transplantation."
Lutheran
In 1984, the Lutheran Church in America passed a resolution stating that donation contributes to the well-being of humanity and can
be "an expression of sacrificial love for a neighbor in need." They call on members to consider donating organs and to make any
necessary family and legal arrangements, including the use of a signed donor card.
Mennonite
Mennonites have no formal position on donation, but are not opposed to it. They believe the decision to donate is up to the
individual and/or his or her family.
Moravian
The Moravian Church has made no statement addressing organ and tissue donation or transplantation. Robert E. Sawyer,
President, Provincial Elders Conference, Moravian Church of America, Southern Province, states, "There is nothing in our doctrine
or policy that would prevent a Moravian pastor from assisting a family in making a decision to donate or not to donate an organ." It
is, therefore, a matter of individual choice.
Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints believes that the decision to donate is an individual one made in conjunction with
family, medical personnel and prayer. They do not oppose donation.
Pentecostal
Pentecostals believe that the decision to donate should be left up to the individual.
Presbyterian
Presbyterians encourage and support donation. They respect a person's right to make decisions regarding his or her own body.
Seventh-Day Adventists
Donation and transplantation are strongly encouraged by Seventh-Day Adventists. They have many transplant hospitals, including
Loma Linda in California. Loma Linda specializes in pediatric heart transplantation.
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 12
Religion and Organ and Tissue Donation (Cont)
Shinto
In Shinto, the dead body is considered to be impure and dangerous, and thus quite powerful. "In folk belief context, injuring a dead
body is a serious crime . . ." according to E. Namihira in his article, Shinto Concept Concerning the Dead Human Body. "To this day
it is difficult to obtain consent from bereaved families for organ donation or dissection for medical education or pathological anatomy
. . . the Japanese regard them all in the sense of injuring a dead body." Families are often concerned that they not injure the itai, the
relationship between the dead person and the bereaved people.
Society of Friends (Quaker)
Organ and tissue donation is believed to be an individual decision. The Society of Friends does not have an official position on
donation.
Unitarian Universalist
Organ and tissue donation is widely supported by Unitarian Universalists. They view it as an act of love and selfless giving.
United Church of Christ
Reverend Jay Lintner, Director, Washington Office of the United Church of Christ Office for Church in Society, states, "United
Church of Christ people, churches and agencies are extremely and overwhelmingly supportive of organ sharing. The General Synod
has never spoken to this issue because, in general, the Synod speaks on more controversial issues, and there is no controversy
about organ sharing, just as there is no controversy about blood donation in the denomination. While the General Synod has never
spoken about blood donation, blood donation rooms have been set up at several General Synods. Similarly, any organized effort to
get the General Synod delegates or individual churches to sign organ donation cards would meet with generally positive responses."
United Methodist
The United Methodist Church issued a policy statement regarding organ and tissue donation. In it, they state that, "The United
Methodist Church recognizes the life-giving benefits of organ and tissue donation, and thereby encourages all Christians to become
organ and tissue donors by signing and carrying cards or driver's licenses, attesting to their commitment of such organs upon their
death, to those in need, as a part of their ministry to others in the name of Christ, who gave his life that we might have life in its
fullness." A 1992 resolution states, "Donation is to be encouraged, assuming appropriate safeguards against hastening death and
determination of death by reliable criteria." The resolution further states, "Pastoral-care persons should be willing to explore these
options as a normal part of conversation with patients and their families."
Reprinted with permission from:
SEOPF/UNOS, Organ and Tissue Donation: A Reference Guide for Clergy, 4th ed., 2000. Cooper ML, Taylor GJ, eds. Richmond,
VA
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 13
Stories of Life and Giving
Christopher Duffy - Donor
Chris passed away from an aneurism in August of 2000. He
was thirty-five years old when he had died in his sleep. Chris
was a pro wrestler and a baseball coach in his town. He was
not able to donate his major organs; however, he was able to
help approximately forty-five people through tissue donation.
We know that if there truly is a reward for a "job well done"
down here, then Chris (Pud) is reaping it, and we hope, praying
for us to do half as well as he did! His favorite song was
Sinatra's (Yes, Sinatra!) "My Way". Well, his way was the right way! He was a model
son, a great role model to his students, and all the young people who knew him. I hope he
knows how much I miss our morning "Stove League" sessions, and is willing to renew them when I get to
where he is!
Love, Mom and Dad
Patrick Michaud - Heart Recipient
Patrick Michaud, now a healthy eight year old boy, received the gift of life
when he was three years old. His heart was failing, and had been for over two
years of his young life. Once listed for an organ, Patrick waited 40 days for h
life saving heart. Thanks to someone's decision of organ donation, my son ha
life! I thank God for the life of my son, and for the family who gave that gift
of life to us.
If you're an organ donor, you're a hero to me!
Stacey Michaud, Mother of Patrick
Allison Lindgren - Heart Recipient
Allison was diagnosed at the young age of 15 months with a rare and incurable form of heart disease called
restrictive cardiomyopathy. Growing up, she could not partake in sports or similar activities as it would cause
her to become extremely fatigued and drained of energy. The summer after 6th grade, at the age of 11, she
became increasingly ill and was admitted to the hospital in the fall. She received her heart transplant in Octob
of 1998 and has since stayed in good health. In addition, she is an active volunteer for the New England Organ
Bank in hopes that she will be able to educate others on the importance of organ donation. Today she is twent
years old and in her third year of college studying communications. Although she has never met them, remain
ever thankful to her donor family and strongly encourages organ donation.
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Herbert Ronald Knight III - Donor
"Champion"
Herbie died February 26, 2005 at the age of 12. During his life he was active in many
groups and programs at his school, church, and in his community.
Though his life ended, Herbie continued with his daily practice of sharing and giving,
donating his organs and tissue so that others, both children and adults, would enjoy a
better life.
Herbie served as student tech advisor at his middle school when all of the students
were issued a computer and performed with both the jazz band and concert band
playing his trombone. He was a member of the Junior Youth Group at his church and
even played the hand bells in the choir. Herbie proudly held rank of Scout, Second
Class in the Boy Scouts. One of the greatest joys he took from scouting was the
opportunity to be involved in community service projects and striving to accomplish
“a good turn daily”. He had great fun playing in his town’s NFL Flag Football
League, as well as on the Little League team. He loved to talk with people and no day passed where he didn’t
bring a smile to somebody’s face by sharing one of the new facts he’d learned and or an interesting story that h
had to tell.
Amanda Paro - Donor
Mandy was a beautiful person. She had a smile that could make anyone feel welcome and at ease. Mandy chose to go into
a profession where she could help heal people; she was to be a nurse. Sadly, three months prior to her college graduation,
Mandy passed away on a snowy February morning while driving to her student nursing assignment. As a child, Mandy
wanted to be a part of everything, nicknamed “Mandy-touch-touch”, she carried that into her adult life. Mandy was
involved in many activities including Habitat for Humanity and president of her college student nursing association.
Because our family had discussed organ and tissue donation and because of the kind and giving person Mandy was, it was
an easy decision for our family. Mandy would have wanted her last gift to the world to be to improve and save the lives of
others. The saddest day in our family’s lives turned into the happiest for another family’s. Knowing this fact brings our
family comfort and reassurance that Mandy lived and died helping people.
Dan Caredeo - Liver Recipient
My name is Dan. I was a normal healthy five-year-old
when I became very sick. The exact cause of my illness
was never discovered, but the end result was I needed an emergent liver transplant
received that liver transplant on October 28th 1994, at the New England Medical
Center Floating Hospital for Children. After a stay in the hospital I returned home
continue my recovery. I was able to participate in Pop Warner football, baseball,
wrestling, and track and field. I also enjoy boating on Lake Winnipesaukee in N.H
I am now a senior at Salem High School. I gave up football and wrestling to
concentrate on cross-country running. I have been a member of the cross-country
team all four years at SHS. I have been an active member of the student
government, holding such positions as class treasurer, class vice-president and this
year I am the senior class president. I am a member of the National Honor Society
and the National Vocational Technical Honor Society. I work part-time as a produ
clerk at the local Market Basket and I volunteer for different organizations, one being the New England Organ
Bank.
Ever since my transplant, I knew I wanted to be a physician. More specifically I want to be a pediatric
Overview of Organ and Tissue Donation
Self-Learning Module – Page 15
transplant surgeon and return the favor to other young kids. I have recently have been accepted into college for
biology and pre-medicine. I hope to continue to make the best of my future. Each new day brings promise, and
will always embrace it and cherish my gift of life.
Randy Ramos - Kidney & Pancreas Recipient
My name is Randy and the story in which you are about to read has to do with
giving the gift of life to those who are in need of an organ and tissue transplant. A
transplant can save a child, a teenager or an adult.
Everything started when I was 7 years old when I was diagnosed with diabetes. It
was very hard for me to understand what diabetes meant, but day by day I was
taught to learn about it and to learn about certain restrictions that I had to follow to
live a normal life. Those restrictions were to follow a strict diet and the other was to
prevent eating any kind of sweets. The other step was to check my blood sugar and
inject myself with insulin. All of that was great and dandy until I turned 12 years
old. After that this is when I chose to start breaking the restrictions and all the steps
I had to follow. For example, I chose to break the diet I had to follow, eat sweets
like crazy and worst of all not inject myself with insulin like I was suppose to. I
did received good advice from my doctor, my family and friends, but I didn't care
to listen. By the age of 24 I started losing my vision very gradually, and before I
turned 26 years old, I started having kidney failure and had to start dialysis. My life was no longer a life, it was
just filled with pain and disappointments, and still my family was there to give me all the support I needed. By
the age of 26 I lost my vision completely. Seven month later after I lost my vision, I was able to receive the gif
of life. This gift of life I call it "The kidney and pancreas of life", which I received on March 2, 1995.
After I recuperated and got my strength back, I decided to go back to college in 1997 and get my Associates
Degree in Human Services with my seeing guide dog Omni. After that I continued moving forward by getting
my Bachelors Degree in Social Rehab, which I was able to complete in May 13, 2006. I am beginning my
career as a social worker helping the homeless population and individuals struggling with substance abuse.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for giving me a second life and thank the family who
made the decision to donate the kidney and pancreas of their son who was diseased. I would like to encourage
every human being to sit down and communicate with your family members and friends about the importance
of donating a tissue and organ transplant to those who would love to have a second life. This gift of life has
made me start writing a book about life and the importance of life, which I hope will help individuals that are
really struggling with health and how tissue and organ transplant can save many lives.
Suellen Canfield - Donor
Suellen had a special warmth and gracious Southern style that helped her forge
instant, lasting friendships. Her caring nature was the basis for insight to people
that changed the lives of many who sought her counsel. Playing bridge, mahjong,
bowling, and attending shows from Broadway to community theater were frequen
activities, particularly if family members were part of the cast. She was a fan of a
sports but passionate about the St Louis Cardinals.. But the greatest joy of her lif
was her grandchildren. In their eyes she was the eight wonder of the world and
she relished that role. We thought of her as the ultimate grandmother.
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Bill Slinsky - Donor
On October 23, 2003 my best friend and husband of 20 years passed away
at far too young an age due to a brain aneurysm. Bill was a warm and
gentle man, yet the pillar of strength that we all depended upon. Bill was a
terrific father, setting an example of hard work, trustworthiness, patience
and kindness for his sons to follow. Bill was a friend to all that knew him,
as his steady demeanor was comfortable to be near. Bill wasn’t given to
boasting, but rather spoke volumes through his actions. As someone said
in a letter after his death, Bill was a quiet man, and when he had something to say, people would listen because
they knew it would be something well thought out and worth hearing. Bill was a nationally published
photographer, but would never brag about it. Bill loved to spend the early dawn hours, late night hours, or snow
filled days taking photos of nature and trains when everyone else was sleeping or staying indoors, away from
the elements. Bill had a great sense of adventure as well, enjoying exploring backroads and quiet waterways in
our kayaks. During the summer months, Bill also enjoyed competitive sailing with my dad, wishing only that h
had more time to devote to it.
Bill felt strongly about organ and tissue donation, and carried his NEOB donor card in his wallet to his last day
I carried out his wishes, and am very comforted knowing that there are three people that received life saving
organs and many more that had their lives improved through tissue donation. That knowledge has helped us ge
through the darkest period of our lives, and helped us move toward the future. We wish all the best to the
recipients and hope they continue to thrive!
Katie McCarthy - Donor
On a sunny winter afternoon, our beloved daughter, Katie, was taken from us in a tragic
automobile accident. She was the older of our two children.
Katie was a loving, smart, intelligent college freshman honors student, who had planned
on a teaching career. Katie was a happy, young woman, who always had a positive outloo
on life; this was a wonderful quality that she was able to pass on to those around her.
Katie was also an accomplished musician, a clarinet player, for ten years and had won
many awards, medals, and competitions around the United States and Canada. Katie had
genuine love for life and was successful in just about anything she did. She always loved
challenge. Travel was one of her passions, and she was fortunate to travel to England and France.
Katie leaves behind her parents, sister, grandparents, aunt, uncles, a cousin, and her boyfriend, Jeff, along with
her best friend, Megan. Everyone misses her so very much.
Organ donation was something we always discussed openly in our home. Both of us are organ donors, and
Katie felt the same way should something ever happen to her.
Since Katie left us that cold winter day, we feel an emptiness and a loss so great that our lives are forever
changed.
We are all so proud that Katie was able to help four individuals who were in desperate need of vital organs in
order to live. These people are truly blessed to have received such a wonderful gift from our “perfect” daughte
granddaughter, sister, girlfriend, friend, cousin, and niece.
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We all love you and miss your warm laughter, sense of humor, and most of all your beautiful smile.
We love you forever,
Mom & Dad
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