Entries by Delaney Goldsworthy

Creating Opportunities for people to Become Living Organ Donors | 9News

Every nine minutes, a name is added to the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant. The American Transplant Foundation is working to solve this crisis.

You can help!

Nearly 90,000 Americans are currently waiting for a kidney and over 10,000 are waiting for a liver (combined – 95% of the transplant waiting list), two organs that could be donated by a living person. 

Why Living Donation?

It is critical that every American registers as an organ donor. However, the chances of you donating an organ after death are less than 1%. Deceased organ donors must pass away under very specific circumstances to donate.

Also, kidney and liver donations from living donors last longer, on average, than those received from deceased donors.

How does the American Transplant Foundation Support Living Donors?

At the American Transplant Foundation, we believe that no one should die while awaiting a lifesaving organ transplant. We proactively work to save lives by removing barriers to living donation through 3 tiers of support: Educational, Financial & Emotional.

Even if you do not think you are fit to be a living organ donor, learning about it and spreading awareness makes a huge impact!

Additional Resources:

  1. 17 Top Myths and Facts about Living Organ Donation
  2. Living Donation FAQ's
  3. View Those in Need of a Living Donor - they could be closer than you think!
  4. QUIZ: Would you be a good candidate for living donation?

We are here for you in every step of the process, from learning about living organ donation to saving a life!

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We Went for the Gold at our 5th Annual Trivia For Life!

We are overwhelmed with the amount of support we received on Friday, September 29th at DaVita World Headquarters for our 5th Annual Trivia For Life!

The event proved to be an evening of remarkable support and heartwarming stories. Over 200 guests gathered at the DaVita Sky Lounge for a memorable night filled with comradery, breathtaking views, and a trivia competition. The event spotlighted the inspiring tale of USA gold medal swimmers Crissy Perham and Missy Franklin, who forged a unique bond when Perham selflessly donated a kidney to Franklin's father. As the American Transplant Foundation worked closely with the Franklin family on this journey, we honored Perham with a special award, emphasizing the significance of organ donation in transforming lives.

The event, emceed by 9News anchor Kim Christiansen, featured other touching stories of transplant recipients, living organ donors, and their families, serving as a poignant reminder of the event's purpose: raising funds to support the American Transplant Foundation's Patient Assistance Program and vision of making Colorado the first state where no one dies while awaiting a transplant. 

Together, we exceeded our fundraising goal by raising nearly $200,000!

Guests enjoyed food, friends, and fun...

Represented their country in the Olympic trivia games...

Heard the inspiring transplant stories of those like Dick Franklin and Crissy Perham...

...and enjoyed more fun!


All Event Photos


Black Tie Colorado Article

Assistance requests made to the American Transplant Foundation have increased dramatically over the past year.  Financial donations help living donors to save lives; help transplant recipients to access medications to keep them healthy; and provide 1:1 mentorship support so no one will have to go through the transplant journey alone.
We'd like to recognize the dozens of event planning committee members and volunteers whose many hours of effort made this all possible. Thank you!

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our wonderful event sponsors -- thank you for your generous support!

QUIZ: How Well Do You Know The American Transplant Foundation?

Did you know that every day, 16 people die waiting for a life-saving  organ transplant that could come from a living donor? The American Transplant Foundation's mission is to save lives by maximizing living organ donation and providing financial, emotional, and educational support to transplant patients, living donors, and their families.

We believe no one should have to die while waiting for an organ transplant, or trying to maintain it afterwards. The American Transplant Foundation is the only national transplant organization providing end-to-end transplant support services for all forms of solid organ transplant.

Take the quiz below to learn more about what we do!

Mental Health Matters: Learn About Available Resources

The transplantation process is loud. The constant difficulties that can arise with medication, insurance, preparation, compliance, and ever-present worry about whether the organ will take can make it difficult to keep it together in your day-to-day life. Amid all the noise of a major medical procedure, it’s easy to forget one crucial aspect of every transplant journey: mental health.
Due to the stressful, traumatic nature of both the situation and the surgery, organ transplant patients are at unique risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. These conditions have the potential to impact a patient’s ability to attend tests and treatments or remain on a consistent course of medication. Additionally, high levels of stress can interfere with surgery and recovery.
Mental health issues are still emerging into mainstream culture, and it can be hard to tell if what you’re experiencing is a problem that requires medical attention. Below, the ATF has enclosed some resources to help make sense of the complex emotions and experiences that the transplantation process can entail.

Mental Health Resources

The Adam Project – Created by Howard Gerver in memory of his son and organ donor Adam Gerver. Adam struggled with a variety of behavioral health challenges for 17 years. While his passing was tragic, he did not die in vain. Four adults benefitted from his life-saving organs. The Adam Project is a free, volunteer-supported website that aggregates free mental health resources from all over the internet, organizes them by criteria so you can customize to your needs, and provides them to you in a user-friendly feed.

Mental Health America’s Mental Health Tests – Mental Health America believes the best way to get in touch with your mental health is to evaluate it with the help of their quick, user-friendly screening tools. Each test provides a brief snapshot of where your mental health might be according to certain criteria, and provides you with resources and advice based on the way you scored. 

1+1+LIFE Mentorship Program – Our emotional and educational support program is here to help those waiting for transplants, donors, recipients, and caregivers. We know how tough this journey can be, which is why we offer free support so nobody should feel alone during this process. This program makes a real difference by connecting you with mentors who have been through the transplant process themselves. Get connected with a mentor today. 

Cultivating your mental health is a deeply personal process. Just like transplantation, everyone’s journey looks different. The American Transplant Foundation encourages you to invest in your mental health, reach out for support, and treat it the way you would your body- with an attentive eye and an open heart.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.

QUIZ: Would You be a Good Living Donor Candidate?

 Are you curious about whether you could be the perfect candidate to embark on this incredible journey? Look no further – we've created a special quiz to help you determine your suitability for the gift of life. But that's not all; if you're intrigued by the idea of living donation and want to take the first step, consider joining our Potential Living Donor Database for a chance to make an even more significant impact.

QUIZ: Do you Know the Facts and Myths about Organ Donation?

Since the first organ transplant in 1954, organ donation has offered renewed hope and second chances to countless individuals. Challenge yourself with this quiz and gain a deeper understanding of this inspiring field. Do you want to learn more before you quiz yourself? Check out our Organ Donation Myths and Facts!

QUIZ: How Well Do You Know Living Organ Donation?

Living organ donation is a powerful way to make a lasting impact on someone's life. By dispelling myths and sharing facts, we hope to encourage informed conversations about this life-changing decision. Take our quiz to test your knowledge, and perhaps you'll discover something new about the world of living organ donation. 

Want to learn more before you quiz yourself? Check out our Living Donation Guide!

American Transplant Foundation’s Economic Impact

Kidney disease is the fastest growing non-communicable disease in the United States.[1] 37 million Americans, over twice the amount with cancer, struggle with kidney disease daily. Of that number, an estimated 663,800 require regular dialysis or await a kidney transplant to survive.[2] Each year, more than 254,028 Americans die from causes related to kidney failure.
The American Transplant Foundation’s various programs and initiatives support not only kidney transplant patients but also all forms of solid organ transplant such as the liver, heart, lungs, and pancreas. Thanks to funding that is 100% from private supporters, we are able to make a profound impact on the economy by reducing healthcare costs, improving productivity, and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives through living organ donation and transplantation.
One of the remarkable aspects of The American Transplant Foundation's work is the significant savings it generates for taxpayers. The U.S. Council of Economic Advisors estimates that if the United States increases kidney transplants to the leading country’s rates, these additional transplants would generate societal benefits with a net present value of $16 billion per year. [3] These cost savings demonstrate the immense economic impact of transplantations that have been made possible in part by ATF. 

"I’m on dialysis seven days a week eleven hours each session. I have been waiting for a transplant for a long time and dream of doing all the things I used to be able to do. I want to take advantage of life and do much more. I also hope to see my children attend college, get married, and begin their own families."

Avram, In need of Kidney Transplant, Member of our Potential Living Donor Database

Patients who get a kidney transplant before dialysis live an average of 10 to 15 years longer than if they stayed on dialysis. [4] With an average annual contribution of an individual to the US economy of $ 66,928
[4], covering the patients on the waiting list with transplantations will contribute to over $63 billion of additional income within the US economy. The American Transplant Foundation's initiatives eliminate barriers for living donors and provide education, mentorship, resources, and financial support.


Our Programs

Apart from the direct savings and health gains resulting from transplantation, the impact of The American Transplant Foundation extends beyond healthcare costs. One way we can meet this potential is through our Potential Living Donor Database, which gives people the free chance to receive help finding a donor through custom webpages, billboards, contact cards, and more. This program also helps generous individuals get started in the process of giving the most priceless gift: the Gift of Life. 

Sources 

  1. American Kidney Fund
  2. National Institute of Health
  3. U.S. Council of Economic Advisors
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics
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Living Donor Laws, Rights, and Tax Credits

Are you interested in saving a life through living donation? Know your rights!

At the American Transplant Foundation, our passion is helping patients navigate through their transplant journeys. We strive to provide the most up-to-date information on Living Donation so that you can be well informed when choosing to give the gift of life! We have researched up to date laws and tax credits regarding organ donation both federally and in your state. 

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Elevate your Style, Amplify your Impact!

Are you looking to spread the word about organ donation and our lifesaving mission?

The American Transplant Foundation is excited to partner with Cloz Talk. By embracing our unique line of branded T-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more, you have the opportunity to ignite meaningful conversations about transplant and organ donation and spark positive change.

With every purchase, a generous portion of the proceeds is directly donated back to our foundation. This means that each item you wear carries the weight of making a genuine impact in the transplant community.


SHOP NOW

Using Cryptocurrency to Save Lives

The American Transplant Foundation is proud to announce that we are now accepting donations in cryptocurrency! With just a few clicks, you can transfer your preferred cryptocurrency directly to the foundation, knowing that your donation will be securely recorded on the blockchain and used to make a real difference in the lives of transplant patients. Feel a sense of excitement and pride as you imagine the impact of your donation.


Donate

February 14th is National Donor Day!

The American Transplant Foundation has been connecting people to life for 18 years, going beyond awareness by providing real help to real families and making sure nobody goes through the transplant process alone.

Last year, record high numbers of organs were transplanted in our state – 778! This is fantastic, but as of February 2023, 1,094 Coloradans are still awaiting an organ transplant, including 41 children under the age of 18 years old. And though Coloradans of all ages are waiting to receive a lifesaving organ, two groups saw a record high of candidates added to the waitlist in 2022: 244 aged 35-49 years and 198 over the age of 65.

The American Transplant Foundation’s vision is to make Colorado the first state where nobody dies while waiting for a transplant. Last year, the number of Coloradans who died while waiting for a transplant or became too sick to be transplanted was 166 (vs. 211 in 2021) – that’s 166 lives! In fact, over 60% of Colorado transplant candidates have been on the waitlist for an organ for over 6 months – that’s over 650 people in need of lifesaving treatment.


Learn more about Living Donation


Living Donor Laws- Newly Updated!

As a result of the pandemic and the current economic situation, the Foundation has stepped up by creating the only national Emergency Fund for transplant recipients and distributed over $250,000 directly to patients so far through this fund. 

Finally, on National Donor Day, we want to acknowledge the amazing Coloradans who served as donors. Last year, a record high number of Coloradans (395!) donated one or more organs to help those in need. However, with so many candidates still on the waitlist, we want to remind your viewers to make sure they are registered as organ donors, and if you know someone who is affected by transplantation – reach out to them. And if you want to support a transplant patient – make a donation to the American Transplant Foundation’s emergency fund. 100% of your gift will go directly to transplant patients.


♡ Send an eCard to a loved one! ♡

Here's what we've been up to lately... 

We Went for the Gold at our 5th Annual Trivia For Life!

Read More 

Living Kidney Donor and Wife Ride 118 Miles to Save Lives!

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QUIZ: How Well Do You Know The American Transplant Foundation?

Read More 

Mental Health Matters: Learn About Available Resources

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