Waukesha family Recognizes
National Donate Life Month
Milwaukee, Wis. – April, 2014 – Each year, countless patients, like 5-year-old Kiefer of Waukesha, are given a second chance at life through the generous gift of organ donation. Kiefer’s parents call him their “walking miracle” thanks to the success of his liver transplant and the generosity of a donor family.
During the month of April — National Donate Life Month — BloodCenter of Wisconsin takes time to honor donors and donor families who have saved lives through organ, tissue, marrow and eye donation. It’s also a time to encourage community members to register at www.bcw.edu/sharinglife to give these life-saving gifts.
More than 2,450 people in Wisconsin and more than 121,000 people in the U.S. are awaiting organ transplants. Each year nearly 14,000 patients who need marrow transplants and blood cell transplants search the registry to find a match. And BloodCenter of Wisconsin needs 800 blood donors each day to serve patients in need.
A young life saved
Last year Kiefer spent his first summer outside of a hospital. He was finally able to ride his bike, play with his cousins and take part in a family vacation — just like any other 5-year-old.
“Someone made the decision for their child to donate their liver to Kiefer,” said his mom, Katie. “I always think about the generosity of that donor family.”
Kiefer was born with a life-threatening disease. He endured many surgeries, and at 8 months old he received a liver transplant. His parents are so grateful to the family who made the decision to donate to Kiefer, giving him the gift of a childhood and hope for the future.
Give someone a second chance at life
As home to the Wisconsin Donor Network and Wisconsin Tissue Bank, BloodCenter of Wisconsin reminds community residents that their decision to donate may mean a second chance at life for patients in need. You can make a difference by:
• Registering to become an organ, tissue and eye donor
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Page 2, BloodCenter recognizes National Donate Life Month
• Joining the marrow donation registry
• Donating blood
• Honoring donors and donor families who have saved lives and improved the quality of life for patients
To join the registry or for more information, visit www.bcw.edu/sharinglife.
BloodCenter of Wisconsin’s Wisconsin Donor Network and Wisconsin Tissue Bank are dedicated to saving and extending the lives of patients while caring for donor families. In 2013, the Wisconsin Donor Network helped to facilitate 183 life-saving organ transplants.
Becoming a donor allows individuals to give the highly personal and unique gifts of organ, tissue, eye, marrow and blood. For many people, your donation will give them their only chance for recovery or survival.
About BloodCenter of Wisconsin
BloodCenter of Wisconsin is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in blood services, organ, tissue and marrow donation, diagnostic testing, medical services and leading-edge research. BloodCenter of Wisconsin is the only provider of blood to hospitals in 29 Wisconsin counties as well as providing support to hospitals and patients across the country. BloodCenter of Wisconsin advances patient care by delivering life-saving solutions grounded in unparalleled medical and scientific expertise. For more information, visit www.bcw.edu.