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Show HILLTOP TIMES TIMES April 26, 2007 Organ donation saves lives BY MITCH SHAW 75th Air Base Wing Public Affairs The month of April has been designated National Donate Life Month and serves to remind Americans just how'important it is to be a registered organ and tissue donor. According to the National Donor Registry, every year over 25,000 life-saving transplants are performed in hospitals across America. These transplants provide hope for thousands of people with organ failure. Unfortunately, the need for donors is much greater than the number of people who donate. "One major reason there is such a need for donors is the fact that less than 2 percent of potential donors actually become donors at the time of their death," said Kathie Roman, National Kidney Foundation of Utah and Idaho. "Just because you have 'yes' marked on your license doesn't necessarily mean you'll be a donor. The potential donor improve the quality of life of nearly 25,000 people. To date, the national organ transplant waiting list has more than 95,000 men, women and children waiting for a new kidney, heart, liver, lung, pancreas or intestine. Less than one-third of those waiting will actually receive a transplant this year. One of those lucky enough to receive a transplant was Damian Duncan, the son of Team Hill members Meelee Vahle and Senior Airman Matthew Duncan, Courtesy photo 75th Security Forces Squadron. Meele Vahle and her son Damlan share a moment in the hospital after Mrs. Vahle donated a portion of her liver to During pregnancy, Damian's her son. gall bladder stopped developing and when he was born, bile built must die of brain death in a hospital and up and damaged his liver, resulting in the on a ventilator to even be considered for donation. It's a very strict criteria." need fora liver transplant. Last year only 8,015 people in this coun- "Damian was put on the transplant list and we kept getting calls from possible try met that criteria and became donors. Those donors'saved the lives and helped donors, but something would always go wrong," Mrs. Vahle said. "Eventually, thedoctors brought up the possibility of me being the donor, and I went through a se-* ries of tests and found that I was compat-. ible, so I donated a portion of my liver to him." After almost three years of medical pro-, cedures, tests, and waiting, Damian finally received a liver transplant from his mother. Mrs. Vahle said she feels extremely lucky to have been able to donate her liver to Damian, but a lot of people aren't that fortunate. "The waiting is the hardest part," Mrs. Vahle said. "Almost three years of waiting for a transplant really had an affect on my son; we went through so much. Some people wait even longer and some never even find a donor. That is why it's so important to register as a donor." For more information about organ & tissue donation, or to register online go to: www.yesutah.org. Having trouble keeping the kids busy after school? Then check out the Youth Activities Center! ;' Hours: 3-7 PM Monday-Thursday; 3-9 PM Friday & Saturday. Closed Sundays and holidays. Featuring kid's crafts, activities, and sports. For more information contact the Youth center, 777-5618. Note: Preregistration deadline for activities and field trips is three days prior to the event. Take me to your reader. C<utArtu f2 ys 11:CO /l.'n. to f:OC w Monday-Friday: 11-6 Saturday: 10-6 Sunday: Closed 4101 S. Riverdale Rd. Ogden UT 84405 334-0100 Located between RC Willey and Bed, Bath & Beyond New Hess Fitness Center, Main Floor • 801-777-2761 Main Desk 801-675-9959 - Master Eddie J. Porter, Chief Instructor PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, P.C. - thanks date. 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