Westminster church and others observe National Donor Sabbath

For the first time ever, churches in seven Colorado cities will discuss both living and deceased organ donation during the national event

(DENVER, CO) – It is a little-known fact that all major religions and denominations in the US support organ donation.  To spread this message, eight churches in seven Colorado cities will participate in National Donor Sabbath on Sunday, November 13.

Observed annually two weekends before Thanksgiving, faith leaders across the nation discuss organ donation with their congregations.  This year, Colorado will become the first state ever to focus the message of National Donor Sabbath on living organ donation instead of deceased donation.

Participating groups in Colorado plan to spread the message that living organ donation is important because although two-thirds of Coloradans are registered organ donors, the transplant waiting list continues to grow, and someone in our state dies every three days while on the waiting list.

Living organ donation is an issue of special significance for Westminster’s Crossing Church of the Nazarene, one of the participating churches.  Earlier this year, on Valentine’s Day, Pastor David Baca donated a kidney to friend and fellow parishioner Chuck Nelson.

“Being a living donor has been the most humbling experience of my life,” said Baca.  “Donating a kidney has been the epitome of my obedience to Jesus Christ, but it does not even compare to what He did for the world.”

But Baca has done more than just donating his kidney.  Knowing that so many other people are waiting for a transplant, he said, “As a minister, if I can use my position to raise awareness about organ donation, then I will certainly do so.”  Baca and the Crossing Church’s Lead Pastor Brian Wiesinger plan to play a video about National Donor Sabbath and Baca’s experiences during their services on Sunday.

“When I observe the relationship between Pastor David and Chuck, all I can think of are the words found in John 15: 12-14 – ‘Love each other in the same way I have loved you.  There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.’”  said Wiesinger.  “This is obviously a command, and Pastor David took it to heart – and kidney.  His friendship with Chuck and his love for God meant that it was a no-brainer when a need arose.”

Baca said, “My church family asks quite often how I’m feeling since the surgery, nine months ago.  I tell them that aside from being a little lighter on the left side, I’ve never felt better, and it’s true.  Chuck is doing fantastic and he is his old self again.  My health has never been better and my follow up exams have all come back perfect.”

American Transplant Foundation encourages people of all faiths to think about both living and deceased organ donation from their own faith’s perspective.

“This is the first time living donation has been the focus of National Donor Sabbath,” said Anastasia Darwish, executive director of American Transplant Foundation.  “This message is so important to save lives, and we hope that next year, fifty religious organizations in Colorado will participate.”

The groups participating this year are:

Augustana Lutheran Church – Denver, CO

Burns Memorial United Methodist Church – Aurora, CO

The Crossing Church of the Nazarene – Westminster, CO

Fellowship of the Rockies – Rifle, CO

First Presbyterian Church – Glenwood Springs, CO

First United Methodist Church – Glenwood Springs, CO

Green Mountain United Methodist Church – Lakewood, CO

The Orchard Church at Carbondale – Carbondale, CO

The American Transplant Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

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Team Transplant wins Colorado Nonprofit Project of the Year award

American Transplant Foundation takes home high honors from the 2011 Colorado Healthcare Communicators Gold Leaf Awards ceremony

Team Transplant wins Colorado Nonprofit Project of the Year Award (photo by Barry Staver of Barry Staver Photography, barrystaver.com)

(DENVER, CO) – At the 2011 Gold Leaf Awards ceremony, hosted annually by Colorado Healthcare Communicators, American Transplant Foundation won big.  Their 2011 cycling team event – Team Transplant – was awarded “Colorado Nonprofit Project of the Year” and was also the only project to win a Gold Leaf in the “Community Relations: Ongoing” category.

Team Transplant won a Silver Leaf Award in 2010 and a Gold Leaf Award in 2009.

“Our Team Transplant supporters are such an incredible group of people.  It’s their passion and enthusiasm that make our cycling event possible, and on their behalf, we are so excited to accept this award,” said Anastasia Darwish, American Transplant Foundation’s Executive Director.  “We look forward to reaching even more people with our successful communications approach to advocate for organ and tissue donation with Team Transplant 2012.”

The sold-out awards event, held at Magnolia Hotel in Downtown Denver, was attended by representatives of major companies and organizations in the healthcare field from all across Colorado.  The other groups to win Gold Leafs were Porter Adventist Hospital, University of Colorado Hospital, Rocky Mountain Health Plans, Children’s Hospital Colorado, The Colorado Health Foundation, and Delta Dental of Colorado.

The American Transplant Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

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 Double-lung recipient runs with marathon team to support other transplant patients

Runs in Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver Marathon with Transplant Leadership Council team, proving lung recipients can still be athletes

(DENVER, CO) – Everyone agrees that running requires a healthy set of lungs.  Today, double-lung transplant recipient Gavin Maitland proved that they do not have to be the lungs you were born with.

Maitland and twelve teammates of the Transplant Leadership Council (TLC) charity team ran the half-marathon relay, half-marathon, or full-marathon of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Denver event today.  All are raising funds to provide emergency financial assistance to other transplant patients across the country through the TLC. Maitland ran the first leg – 7.8 miles – of the half-marathon relay.

“This was the longest run since my transplant.  I ran the Bolder Boulder this year, but this was the first time I went beyond 10K with my new lungs,” said Maitland.  “I had to really push myself, but I know I can go a lot further with more training.”

As an active advocate for organ and tissue donation, Maitland hopes to draw attention to the tragically long transplant waiting list.  But his main reasons for running are far more personal: stay healthy, and make the most of the gift he received.

“I’ve always enjoyed running, and it’s a great way to stay healthy.  When I run, every step I take, I feel my breath and it reminds me how grateful I am to breath.  Before I got my transplant, it was so hard to breath for such a long time.”

Another member of the team is local chiropractor and fitness expert Jeff Stripling, who donated one of his kidneys to his father two years ago. To prove that you can become a living organ donor without limiting yourself, Stripling plans to run the Leadville 100 mile Ultramarathon next year.  He ran the full-marathon today as part of his training program.

“I want to shatter the myths about living organ donation,” said Dr. Stripling.  “Donating a kidney to my father was one of the greatest events of my life, and I have continued to play sports, run, climb, hike, and lift weights.  I’ll bet that nobody who saw me running today would think that it’s holding me back.”

TLC is a young professionals organization that assists the American Transplant Foundation in the mission to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.  For more information about TLC, please visit www.americantransplantfoundation.org.

The American Transplant Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

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For Denver police detective, donating his kidney was not enough

To celebrate his one year transplant anniversary, hosted a fundraiser to promote living organ donation and support other transplant patients

(DENVER, CO) – One year ago, Denver Police Detective Danny Veith donated his kidney to a fellow officer.  Today, he went even further, hosting a fundraiser to spread the word about living organ donation and raise money that will help other patients cover transplant-related expenses.

Held at downtown’s Celtic Tavern, the event was titled “Celebrate Life – Part 2” after last year’s “Celebrate Life” fundraiser that Veith’s friends held in his honor to help pay for time away from work after the surgery.

“Becoming a living donor was one of the greatest things I’ve ever done, but the support I got from last year’s fundraiser made all the difference,” said Veith.  “Seeing the improvement I made in one person’s life through organ donation and how much a little extra money can help, I wanted to make it happen for others who need a transplant.”

100% of the proceeds from the event will go to American Transplant Foundation’s Patient Assistance Program, which awards emergency financial assistance grants to transplant patients in need.

People who attended the event were treated to bagpipe music, Irish step dancing, games and raffle drawings.  They also learned sobering facts about the need for more living organ donors.

“Right now, there are 100 million registered organ and tissue donors in our country, yet the transplant waiting list is at an all-time high,” said Anastasia Darwish, Executive Director of American Transplant Foundation.  “Donor registration is very important, but without more living donors, we won’t solve the problem.  It’s critical that people learn the facts about living donation and hear personal stories from living donors like Danny Veith.”

One of Veith’s past coworkers, Laura Altobelli, also tested to be a donor for their fellow officer last year, but Veith was the better match.  She was so determined to help someone that she became an altruistic donor, giving her kidney to a stranger in January, 2011.  Altobelli helped organize today’s event.

“I hope we inspire others to consider living organ donation, just as I was inspired when I first learned that you only need one kidney.  Maybe someone here tonight will take that lifesaving journey, and then help us organize next year’s Celebrate Life – Part 3 event,” said Altobelli.

As a surprise for Veith and Altobelli, a giant thank you card full of signatures was presented to them, honoring them for giving the Gift of Life.

“People thank me, but it was an easy decision to make,” said Veith.  “I’m grateful that I was able to do this.  And since the surgery, my quality of life has only improved.”

The American Transplant Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.

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Contact: Anastasia Darwish, anastasia@americantransplantfoundation.org, 303.757.0959

AMERICAN TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION LAUNCHES YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP, THE “TRANSPLANT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL,” WITH EVENT AT THE JET HOTEL

(DENVER, COLO.)—The American Transplant Foundation celebrated the launch of its new young professionals group, the Transplant Leadership Council (TLC), with a party at The Jet Hotel in downtown Denver, Colorado on June 28, 2011. More than 40 young professionals and supporters attended to learn more about the Council, which provides emergency financial assistance for transplant patients in need.

During the cocktail party, guests heard remarks from Steve Farber, kidney recipient and founder of the American Transplant Foundation, Brian Cerise, a living kidney donor and TLC member, and Brad Farber and Susan Fakharzadeh, two of the Transplant Leadership Council’s Founding Co-Chairs, about how their lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation and how the Council will directly benefit patients.

Young professionals in the Transplant Leadership Council share their time, talent and treasure to support the American Transplant Foundation, specifically by donating, raising money and planning events to fund the Patient Assistance Program. The program provides emergency financial assistance to transplant patients by providing small, one-time grants of $500 or less for transplant candidates, transplant recipients or living donors who need help paying for medical costs, living expenses and other transplant-related expenditures.

Though medical insurance covers the majority of transplant expenses for the patient—with first-year expenses alone often costing between $500,000 or more—many costs such as time away from work, travel and co-pays can add up. The American Transplant Foundation created the Patient Assistance Program in 2009 to aid in covering some of these additional costs for eligible patients.

During the kick off party, Founding Co-Chair Susan Fakharzadeh remarked, “Since launching the Transplant Leadership Council in April, we have not had to deny any requests for assistance. I love that we are a group that is able to say “yes” so often to the patients who are in need of help and to give them some peace of mind for at least one of their bills.”

“TLC gives individuals the opportunity to review grant applications and make funding decisions, thus knowing exactly how their donations and fundraising are making a difference in the lives of real transplant patients,” said Anastasia Darwish, the American Transplant Foundation’s executive director. “We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received so far. With funds pledged by the Council this year, we will be able to fulfill at least 30 grants to help 30 different patients. This is in addition to money already set aside for the program.”

To date, 23 individuals have signed on as Founding Members of the Transplant Leadership Council, pledging to raise more than $15,000 for the Patient Assistance Program in 2011. TLC members’ involvement will help to grow the program so that more patients can receive assistance.

Fakhazadeh added, “Every transplant story is unique; the needs of those waiting or who have recently received a transplant do not affect one demographic; it can and does affect everyone in the community. The ability to dramatically and positively impact the lives of those individuals is very tangible for members of the Council.”

About the American Transplant Foundation

Founded in 2005 by Denver attorney Steve Farber, the American Transplant Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue in order to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant. www.americantransplantfoundation.org

About the Transplant Leadership Council

The Transplant Leadership Council is a dynamic group of emerging young leaders who assist the American Transplant Foundation in the mission to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant. The vision of TLC is to create a powerful leadership network of young professionals in the Denver-metro area and beyond who support the lifesaving mission of the American Transplant Foundation through investments of their time, talent, and treasure. TLC is led by Founding Co-Chairs Susan Fakharzadeh, Brad Farber and Matthew Travis Tanner. http://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/how-to-help/transplant-leadership-council/

About the Patient Assistance Program

In January 2009, the American Transplant Foundation unveiled the Patient Assistance Program. Funded exclusively through donations made in honor and in memory of loved ones and funds raised by the Transplant Leadership Council, these monies are earmarked to provide one-time financial assistance to transplant patients on a case-by-case basis. By working closely with transplant centers, the Foundation takes case referrals and requests and, based upon funds availability and patient eligibility, provides assistance to those most in need. Requests must come from social workers at transplant centers who are members of the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS), the private, nonprofit organization that manages the nation’s organ transplant system under contract with the federal government. Funds are dispersed to the third-party vendor involved, such as the insurance provider, not directly to the patient. http://www.americantransplantfoundation.org/programs/current-programs/#PatientAssistance

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Contact: Anastasia Darwish, anastasia@americantransplantfoundation.org, 303-757-0959

AMERICAN TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

(DENVER, CO)—The American Transplant Foundation welcomed Anastasia Darwish as its new executive director today. Anastasia will be responsible for the day-to-day operations, achievement of the Foundation’s strategic goals and furthering the mission of the organization. Anastasia replaces Heidi Heltzel, who resigned in November 2010 after moving to Vail, Colorado.

“I am honored and energized by the opportunity to lead this great organization,” said Anastasia. “Transplants are one of the most miraculous achievements of modern medicine. But they depend entirely on the generosity of donors and their families who are willing to make this lifesaving gift to others. On average, 18 people die in the United States every day from the lack of available organs for transplant. There are substantial challenges, tremendous opportunities and journeys to be taken to eliminate the unfortunate shortage of transplant organs. I look forward to working with the outstanding volunteers, donors and community partners in further supporting our mission to eliminate our country’s shortage of human transplant organs.”

Most recently, Anastasia served as the Director of Major gifts for the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter where she was responsible for overall leadership and management of the Major Gifts program, generating more than $550,000 annually. During her tenure, she initiated two annual giving programs and increased the number of major donors by 28%. Anastasia is experienced in building productive relationships to further organizational goals and has proven abilities in increasing community involvement and program development. She is a 2010 graduate of Impact Denver, the Denver Metro Chamber’s leadership program for young business leaders. Prior to joining the American Red Cross, Anastasia spent five years at Orange County United Way in California.

“We are excited with the hiring of Anastasia Darwish,” said Steve Farber, founder and chairman of the board of the American Transplant Foundation. “She brings great energy to the position and, having worked with her in her role at the American Red Cross Mile High Chapter, we are confident that she will bring the same determination and energy to the position of executive director.”

Anastasia will hit the ground running by planning the third-annual Team Transplant, the Foundation’s charity cycling team that rides in the Subaru Elephant Rock Ride in Castle Rock, Colorado. Team Transplant has been the largest team at the event for two years running. Last year, 171 team members, including 25 organ recipients and five living organ donors, raised nearly $70,000 for the Foundation. This year’s event will be held on Sunday, June 5^th. Team registration will open mid-March at www.americantransplantfoundation.org.

“As we gear up for Team Transplant 2011, I am excited to continue the incredible momentum Heidi Heltzel and our dedicated volunteers and donors have built for raising awareness and celebrating the healthy, active lifestyles that both recipients and living donors can lead through Team Transplant’s participation in the Subaru Elephant Rock,” said Anastasia.

The American Transplant Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that strives to eliminate our country’s shortage of human transplant organs. Their supporters help the Foundation to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation, collaborate with other organ donation groups and work toward better public policy.

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November 16, 2010

THE AMERICAN TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION

WILL BE AN EXHIBITOR AT THIS YEAR’S AMERICAN SOCIETY OF NEPHROLOGY’S ANNUAL RENAL WEEK! IT WILL BE HELD AT THE     COLORADO CONVENTION CENTER FROM NOVEMBER 16-20, 2010. THIS  IS THE FIRST TIME THE AMERICAN TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION WILL BE EXHIBITING AT A MAJOR SCIENTIFIC CONFERENCE.

(Denver, Colorado) The American Transplant Foundation (the Foundation) is a national non-profit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant.  The Foundation’s goals to achieve this mission include supporting medical and clinical advancements in transplantation, providing education and awareness through community-based outreach programs and participating in important events such as Renal Week.

“With more than 92,000 people in the US today on the national waiting list for a kidney transplant, and an estimated half million more on dialysis, the Foundation is exhibiting at Renal Week to raise its visibility within the medical community as a valuable patient resource” said co-founder and executive director Heidi A. Heltzel.

The American Society of Nephrology’s (ASN) membership is comprised of more than 11,000 physicians and scientists, all whom are committed to preventing kidney disease and making life better for patients. Whether providing expert care to patients, performing cutting-edge medical research, or training the next generation of kidney experts, nephrologists change lives.

Living donation is when a person donates one of their kidneys or part of their liver to someone in need. The number of living donors and recipients hold testament, not only to the scientific achievements but also to people’s un-ending support when it comes new medical technology and how it can save a life. Even with such advancements, the number of people who will be needing transplants creates a profound urgency to find reliable and unbiased information while finding solutions for saving these valuable lives.

“In this time of phenomenal medical advancements, what began as the very first successful organ transplant fifty-six years ago is now performed with relative regularity. Since record keeping began in 1988, nearly a half million people in the US alone have received organ transplants. Additionally, more than 107,000 people in the US have given the Gift of Life through living donation.” Heidi A. Heltzel, co-founder and executive director. 

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, the Foundation is proud to be a representative of the host city for this years’ annual Renal Week.

For Further Information and/or material please call:

Heidi A. Heltzel

American Transplant Foundation

American Transplant Foundation | Connecting People to Life

303-475-0127

WALTHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The American Transplant Foundation’s (ATF) Team Transplant cycling team is riding in the 2010 Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival to help raise awareness of organ and tissue donation for patients suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and other ailments that cause organ failure. Fresenius Medical Care North America (FMCNA), operator of the nation’s leading network of dialysis facilities, is a “Podium Level” sponsor of the ATF cycling team and will co-host a booth at the event with information on CKD and available treatment options, including home-based dialysis.

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AMERICAN TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION and DONOR ALLIANCE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2010

Contacts:

AMERICAN TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION AND DONOR ALLIANCE ANNOUNCE VIDEO CONTEST TO PROMOTE DONATE LIFE COLORADO & SPECIALTY LICENSE PLATE

DENVER, CO-– The American Transplant Foundation and Donor Alliance have announced the Show Us Your Heart Video Contest—a contest to promote Donate Life Colorado, the state’s organ and tissue donor registry, and the new Donate Life license plate that is now available for purchase at Title and Registration Offices throughout Colorado.

The contest, which begins March 17 and will run through April 23, will coincide with April’s National Donate Life Month—a time set aside to raise national awareness of the need for organ, tissue, marrow, and blood donors.

“One of the nation’s most pressing public health issues is the widening gap between the supply and demand for organ and tissue transplants,” explained Jennifer Prinz, chief operating officer of Donor Alliance, the non-profit organ procurement organization serving Colorado and Wyoming. “It is our hope that the Show Us Your Heart Video Contest will provide a fun and creative outlet that inspires the community to use their imaginative talents to spread the word about the importance of registering one’s decision to be an organ and tissue donor.”

Entering the contest is simple: Contestants create a short video that creatively conveys the importance of organ and tissue donation and explains that Coloradans can register their decision to be organ and tissue donors at Donate Life Colorado.org. Contestants then upload their video to Donate Life Colorado’s YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/DonateLifeColorado) and, once their video is approved, share their video with everyone they know to maximize the video’s number of views.

The 10 contestants whose videos receive the most views (top 10) as of 5 p.m. April 27 will win Donate Life specialty license plates. The Judges’ Choice Award—a $100 Visa Gift Card—will be awarded to the contestant whose top 10 video is most consistent with the mission of saving lives through organ and tissue donation. The Viewers’ Choice Award—a $100 Visa Gift Card—will be awarded to the contestant whose top 10 video has the highest YouTube rating from viewers. Winners will be announced at www.AmericanTransplantFoundation.org and through email on Wednesday, April 28. The winning videos will be shown at a viewing party to be held at Donor Alliance in Denver on April 29th.

Complete contest details and official rules can be found at www.AmericanTransplantFoundation.org.

“We are excited to get the community involved and to hear from people who care about saving lives through organ and tissue donation,” said Heidi Heltzel, executive director of the Denver-based American Transplant Foundation. “We look forward to watching the fun and creative videos in which people express their support for this cause.”

The Donate Life specialty license plate, which includes the message, “Be an organ and tissue donor,” is an additional tool to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. It is available for purchase for a one-time $50 fee, which goes to the State of Colorado. The plate can be purchased any time and does not need to coincide with registration renewal.

The Donate Life plate’s creation is the culmination of three years of effort by the American Transplant Foundation.  The foundation collected more than 4,000 signatures of support from Colorado citizens in order to bring the legislation before the Colorado General Assembly. Representative Daniel Kagan and Senator Chris Romer were the sponsors of House Bill 09-1347, which was signed into law by Governor Bill Ritter on June 1, 2009. The Donate Life plate has received broad support from organizations in Colorado’s donation community.

“The law requires a minimum of 3,000 Donate Life plates be in circulation by July 1, 2013,” explained Heidi Heltzel. “To meet this requirement, we encourage all those who support or who have been impacted by organ and tissue donation to assist in promoting the plate by purchasing one for their vehicle.”

To receive additional information about the Show Us Your Heart Video Contest rules and the Donate Life license plate please visit www.AmericanTransplantFoundation.org.

Coloradans can register their decision to be an organ and tissue donor in the following ways:

• Online at www.DonateLifeColorado.org.
• At the Division of Motor Vehicles the next time you obtain or renew your driver’s license.
• By calling the registry at 1-888-256-4386. (automated)

AMERICAN TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2010

Contacts:

(WHEAT RIDGE, CO) American Transplant Foundation to Kick Off Charity Cycling Team February 18th at Party with Former Pro Cyclist, Tyler Hamilton

WHAT:

Team Transplant, the American Transplant Foundation’s second annual cycling team, will cycle the 2010 Subaru Elephant Rock Ride on Sunday, June 6th in Castle Rock, Colorado to raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation. American Transplant Foundation is hosting a registration party at Wheat Ridge Cyclery on February 18th to kick off Team Transplant 2010. Tyler Hamilton, former pro road racer and Olympic Gold Medalist, will speak at the party.

The party will include free food provided by Spicy Pickle, beer and wine provided by Applejack Liquors, raffle prizes, a “power tap” peak wattage contest, two interactive skills seminars, presentations by reps from Trek, Specialized, Orbea, and Pearl Izumi, and more! Those who register for Team Transplant at the party will receive a 20% discount on all Wheat Ridge Cyclery merchandise, excluding bikes. This event is open to the public.

WHEN:

Thursday, February 18th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

See below for a detailed time breakdown and list of photo opportunities.

WHERE:

Wheat Ridge Cyclery

7085 W 38th Ave, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

WHO:

Tyler Hamilton, former pro cyclist, and dozens of Team Transplant riders and prospects

• Tyler Hamilton, whose major wins include a stage of the 2003 Tour de France (finished fourth overall), a stage of the 2002 Giro d’Italia, and first overall in the 2003 Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the 2003 and 2004 Tour de Romandie.
• Kidney recipient Justin Fulton, who will cycle 100 miles at Elephant Rock
• Living kidney donors Marc Prisant, who will cycle 100 miles, Steve Crider, Terri Redman, Carolyn Cline, and Michelle Hartman
• Donor mother Robin Mitchell, whose son Joseph Templeton saved five lives through organ donation and gave the gift of sight to two people through cornea donation
• Heidi Heltzel, executive director of the American Transplant Foundation

WHY:

Team Transplant is riding to raise awareness for the more than 105,000 people in the U.S. who are on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant, nearly 2,000 of whom live in Colorado. Despite the fact that one donor can save the lives of up to eight people through organ donation and can save or enhance the lives of more than 100 through tissue donation, 18 people die per day while waiting to receive the gift of life. Team Transplant’s recipients and living donors will ride to prove that it is possible to lead a healthy, active lifestyle after transplant.

SCHEDULE / PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

• 6 PM

Party starts

• 6: 15–6:45 PM

Welcome and speech by Tyler Hamilton

• 6:40-6:50 PM

Heidi Heltzel speaks about Team Transplant 2010

• 6:55 – 7:10 PM

Skills seminars (two running simultaneously)

• 7:20-7:35 PM

Skills seminars (two running simultaneously)

• 6-8 PM (duration of the party)

Food and drinks served to guests by the Foundation’s volunteers
Guests registering at the American Transplant Foundation’s table

The American Transplant Foundation would like to thank Team Transplant’s 2010 sponsors, including Spicy Pickle, Wheat Ridge Cyclery, and the YMCAs of Metropolitan Denver, Boulder Valley, and the Pikes Peak Region.

About the American Transplant Foundation:

Founded in 2005, the Denver-based American Transplant Foundation is a national nonprofit organization that works to increase the donation of organs and tissue to reduce the growing list of men, women, and children who are awaiting a lifesaving transplant. www.AmericanTransplantFoundation.org

About the 2010 Subaru Elephant Rock Ride:

The Subaru Elephant Rock Ride is the largest cycling event in the Rocky Mountain region with more than 7,000 participants. The 23rd Annual Subaru Elephant Rock Cycling Festival offers a 7-mile family course, 34, 62, 100-mile road rides, a 25-mile off-road course and a 24-hour race. There are options for everyone at the first major cycling festival of the season at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Castle Rock, Colorado. In 2009, Team Transplant was the largest team at Elephant Rock.  www.elephantrockride.com

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