Heidi Heltzel resigns from American Transplant Foundation

Dear Friends and Supporters,

It is with much forethought and sadness that I am submitting my resignation as Executive Director of the Foundation. 

It was six years ago that Steve Farber, Larry Chan and I first sat down and discussed the concept that would become the American Transplant Foundation.  For the past five years it has been my privilege to be both a co-founder and the Executive Director of the Foundation.  I am proud to have led it from concept to the organization that it is today, one that is well respected throughout the transplant community, and by the general public, as a resource and promoter of the cause. 

The Foundation has become recognized as a valuable resource for information by major pharmaceutical companies, organ procurement organizations, and transplant centers throughout the U.S., not to mention by transplant patients, their families and their friends.  It has successfully spread its message through vehicles such as headlining concerts and its cycling event called Team Transplant.  It has also made headway in increasing the number of registered donors by developing new mainstream ways people can register to be an organ donor, such as through the State of Colorado website and on the State’s income tax form.
 
My last official day with the Foundation will be November 30, 2010.  I will be assisting in the transition to ensure that operations continue smoothly.  Until a new executive director is found, Amy Venturi will be taking care of Foundation business. 

The Foundation’s success is in large part due to all of you, our volunteers and supporters, and your continued support is equally as important.

Warm Regards,

Heidi A. Heltzel, Co-Founder and Executive Director