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Upgrading imperfect lungs: Healthy Lung Month

Posted on: October 24th, 2023

Lungs: Vital to life

Unhealthy or damaged lungs can make it difficult for the body to get the oxygen it needs to survive. Lung disease takes 15,000 lives each year. Transplanted lungs provide people suffering from cystic fibrosis, emphysema and pulmonary embolism with new life and the chance to breathe deeply again—often it’s the only option left. 

During Healthy Lung Month, each October, we shed light on lung transplants, groundbreaking technology and share the stories of our many transplant warriors.

Upgrading Imperfect lungs

Lung transplants serve as the only medical intervention for people with end-stage lung disease. The demand for lung transplants exceeds the number of donated ones and because of issues discovered after recovery from donors, only 20% of available donor lungs are transplanted.  

Lung Bioengineering, a biotech company focused on increasing successful lung transplants, estimates that 40% of unutilized lungs could still save lives. 

XVIVO System (XPS) EVLP Technology

Lung Bioengineering introduced a technology called ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP). This new technology mimics the lungs’ normal function. This allows medical professionals to improve lung function outside of the body. Prior to EVLP technology, the acceptable perseveration time of lungs was six hours through standard practice. With the help of EVLP, the preservation time extends to 16 hours!

A breath of new life

Omar Hashem, a lover of photography, steps into focus to share why he is still here today. A double lung transplant saved his life. 

Photography, an art form revered worldwide, was a difficult path for him. He grew up in Saudi Arabia when movie theaters were forbidden. Omar’s parents were not immediately supportive of his curiosity about film. Then, he got a lung disease diagnosis and was transplanted. After surviving post-transplant cancer, he required a second double-lung transplant. 

Omar, despite the hardships, never lost sight of his goals. He now has a bachelor’s degree in film and media from Arizona State University, a master’s degree, and plans to pursue a PhD.  

 “I’m so thankful to the person who gave me their lungs,” Omar says. “I pray for them every day, and I always mention them whenever I achieve something in my life.”  

Sign up. Save Lives.

There are thousands of stories like Omar’s that showcase the gift of organ donation. Every 9 minutes, someone is added to the transplant waiting list. In Arizona alone, approximately 2,000 people are waiting for an organ transplant. You can make a difference by registering as an organ and tissue donor. This generous act is a choice—a choice to save lives.  

There are no age limits or health requirements for hope and generosity. Anyone can register! Join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD office or select third-party offices. You can also register online today at DonateLifeAZ.org. 

Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day

Posted on: October 19th, 2023

Grateful For Generosity

It was just a normal Friday afternoon as Mary Louis was wrapping up her day as a teacher when she received the news. A text from her physician said, “The results from your biopsy are back and we are 80% sure that it is cancer.” 

She was in disbelief as she had always been in good health, and cancer has never been seen in the family. Louis quickly found out that she had triple negative breast cancer, which is the most aggressive type of breast cancer. It affects mostly young, pre-menopausal women of color. After months and months of treatments she received donated skin grafts.  

“I am truly grateful for the life that I have now, but all this would not be possible if not for [such a] generous and thoughtful gift,” Louis says.  

What is Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day?

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize a day known as BRA Day, which fell on Oct. 11 this year. BRA Day’s goal is to educate, engage and empower women, and men, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is dedicated to raising awareness regarding breast reconstruction options available post-mastectomy.  

Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) celebrated BRA Day by hosting an event where Mary Louis shared her story and information with staff. We observe BRA Day to embrace all aspects that contribute to making breast reconstruction possible for cancer survivors and to educate anyone unaware of their reconstructive options. We also recognize the roles that DNA and tissue donors play in helping breast cancer survivors get back to normal and healthy life, both physically and mentally.  

At DNA we organize such events to ensure that individuals of all ages, both women and men, are educated about breast cancer and are aware of what to watch for during a self-examination. Following the presentation, the afternoon carried on with various activities, including crafting cards for cancer patients, signing pink ribbons to honor loved ones and a photobooth.  

Give hope

You have the potential to give hope and healing to breast cancer survivors. To register as an organ and tissue donor, visit DonateLifeAZ.org. 

Celebrating Latino Heritage Month

Posted on: October 3rd, 2023

Syrena Arevalo-Trujillo was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension in 2012 and needed a lifesaving double-lung transplant. She could barely walk to her front door. Now she says she feels like she could walk up A-Mountain in Tempe post-transplant.  

More on her story below, but why does it matter? Latinos both save lives and are on the waiting list for someone to bless them with such a gift.  

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, we recognize Latino Americans like Syrena and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. Sept. 15 also coincides with the national independence of El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile and Belize also observe independence days during this period.  

A SECOND FIRST BREATH

Four years after her diagnosis, Arevalo-Trujillo received the gift of life. 

“It’s just the feeling of gratitude,” says Arevalo-Trujillo. “I am alive because of the selfless act of a stranger. Someone that I have thought about every day since. I would be lying to you if I said it has been an easy journey, but it has been well worth it.” 

She hopes to one day meet the family of the donor who gave her a second first breath of life. 

GENEROSITY ACROSS COMMUNITIES

DNA and the donation and transplantation community celebrates the generosity of Latino donors and their families for their ultimate gift.  

In 2022, there were 99 Latino donors, and 393 Latino lives were saved through transplantation. During the month-long celebration, events around the state and nationwide are held to celebrate Latino Americans and their contributions on arts, literature and history. 

JOIN IN ON THE IMPACT

In the spirit on Latino Heritage Month, we invite you to take a moment to consider the impact of organ donation within the Latino community and how you can become part of this lifesaving legacy.  

Join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or authorized third party office. You can also register online today at DonateLifeAZ.org. 

También se puede registrar utilizando nuestra página de internet completamente en español. Regístrate aquí en DoneVidaAZ.org.

5 things you didn’t know about Deaf Awareness

Posted on: September 26th, 2023

DEAF AWARENESS MONTH

In September we celebrate d/Deaf* Awareness Month. The initiative aims to raise awareness around the language, culture and diversity of the d/Deaf community. In 1958, the first ever International Day of the Deaf was celebrated by the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) on Sept. 23. This one day of awareness was later extended into a full month.

DNA connects with the hearing-impaired and d/Deaf population through events like the DeafNation Expo at Legacy Park on Oct. 7. Since 2003, the DeafNation Expo showcase has brought more than 1 million attendees to hundreds of events all over the U.S.

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING PEOPLE

  1. *There is a difference between “the lowercase d” deaf and the “the uppercase D” Deaf. When someone identifies themselves as deaf with a lowercase d, it might mean they see their hearing loss as more of a medical condition and may have not had as much time immersed in the Deaf community. Someone may identify as Deaf with a capital D if they identify as a member of the Deaf community and/or “culturally Deaf.” Using “d/Deaf” can be one way to include both groups of people in your writing. You can read more about this difference here.
  2. Over 1.1 million Arizonans are hard of hearing and more than 20,000 people in Arizona are culturally Deaf (ACDHH).
  3. More than 90% of deaf children are born to hearing parents (NIDCD).
  4. American Sign Language, commonly referred to as ASL, is not a universal language. Some countries will use different signs, and there are several regional variations and dialects depending on where you are in the world.
  5. Around 13% of the U.S. population is hearing impaired or deaf. (NIDCD).

What are donated placentas used for anyway?

Posted on: September 21st, 2023

Give birth, give hope

Did you know that expectant mothers with a scheduled C-section can donate their placenta after giving birth? The donated placenta can become a priceless gift with the potential to aid in the healing of wounds and various surgical procedures.  

Placentas are composed of cells and materials that stimulate the body’s own healing mechanism, reducing pain and inflammation to speed up the healing process. Learn more about the most common uses below:  

Injuries

After it is developed into life-changing therapeutic products, a donated placenta has the potential to help heal injuries like:  

  • Burns 
  • Sport injuries
  • Painful, non-healing wounds like diabetic foot ulcers
  • Other wounds

Procedures

Donated placentas are also often used to assist in a variety of surgical procedures, including: 

  • Dental procedures like gum grafts 
  • Orthopedic procedures like nerve wrap repair and ligament repair 
  • Reconstructive procedures like breast reconstruction for breast cancer patients, hernia repair and colon resection repair 
  • Spinal procedures to alleviate pain from scar tissue

Helping others

“I want my girls to know that there are still good people in the world who are willing to help if they can,”, says Tiffany Nelson, mother and placenta donor.  

During Tiffany’s pregnancy with her second daughter, her boss and family friend were suffering from a chronic wound. When she heard about the benefits of placenta donation, specifically about its potential to heal wounds, she immediately wanted to help.  

“If you have the chance, donate. Otherwise, the placenta gets thrown away unless you have other plans,” she says.

Hope delivered

Placenta donation has the potential to bring healing alongside a new life. It truly is “hope delivered”.  

Click here to learn more about birth tissue and placenta donation.   

Record-breaking generosity

Posted on: August 21st, 2023

Arizona temperatures weren’t the only record breakers in July 2023. Donor Network of Arizona (DNA) reached a record-breaking 39 Arizona organ donors in July! The generosity of these donors and their families led to 117 organs for transplant, which saved 104 lives.  

The 117 organs transplanted is just one shy of Arizona’s record of 118 organs transplanted in a single month, but 104 lives saved is a new record for DNA. What a number to celebrate!  

Be a part of the ripple effect

The overwhelming generosity of these donors and their families will have a ripple effect on donor families, recipients, recipient families and friends in our community.  

You too can join in on the generosity. Add yourself to the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or authorized third party office. You can also register online today at DonateLifeAZ.org.  

You “drive” registrations

Posted on: August 21st, 2023

IT'S DRIVER LICENSE PARTNERS SAVE LIVES MONTH

August is a month full of celebration over at Donate Life Arizona. We have long recognized the lifesaving efforts of our driver license partners for giving the public an opportunity to register as organ and tissue donors when applying for a driver license or state ID, especially this month for Driver License Partners Save Lives Month! More than 95% of Arizonans currently registered to save lives through organ donation made that generous decision while visiting a motor vehicle services office. To our partners: THANK YOU! You are truly lifesavers. 

To demonstrate our gratitude, DNA began sending delicious Fairytale Brownies to the frontline staff of these offices in August 2015. Like clockwork, they knows these tasty treats will arrive on the 8th month every year.  

We might have even helped inspire Donate Life America who formally celebrated its first National DMV Appreciation Week in September of 2016. Most organ procurement organizations do, in fact, celebrate their driver license partners each September, but in keeping with Arizona’s maverick spirit, we are sticking with August. 

when it becomes real

ADOT MVD Regional Manager Bonnie Palomo’s donation story starts in 2007. A living kidney donor stepped forward to save her father-in-law’s life. Two years later, deeply moved by that selfless act, Palomo underwent testing to see if she was a match for Randi Ruiz, 29, a friend and co-worker who was in renal failure.  

Ruiz was with Palomo when the transplant center called in 2009. They were a match and the two women embraced, crying tears of joy over the news.  

“I felt relieved and humbled to my core,” Palomo says. “It became real in that moment.”  

The two families remain extremely close and participate in the annual NKF Kidney Walk Phoenix with a transplant support team called Recycled Pars.  

“Our family has always advocated for donation,” says Palomo. “Interestingly enough, I started with MVD in April, which is Donate Life Month. The heightened awareness of this initiative immediately made me feel at home.”  

THE PROOF IS IN THE NUMBERS

Registrations at ADOT MVD locations are measured through a metric called donor designation rate (DDR), which is the amount of people who checked the box in comparison to the total number of credentials issued. Our driver license partners achieved the following numbers in 2023:  

71 of our 115 locations increased their DDR by an avg of 11% compared to 2022
36 of those locations achieved at least 40% DDR
10 locations achieved at least 50%
1 location achieved 70%

second chances

“I remember falling asleep one night and waking up about two days later finding out I had been medevac’d to Denver,” says Kenny Hanson, a liver recipient. “When I woke up, I was in stage 4 liver failure.”  

After her brother received a life saving transplant, his sister and MVD employee, Kari Webb, uncovered a whole new meaning to the question, “Do you want to register as a donor?” 

Read more at MVD and Donate Life Arizona celebrate National Donate Life Month 

how you can register

By now, you know you can register at an ADOT MVD or third-party office while applying for your driver’s license or state ID. If you won’t be stopping by one any time soon, register today at DonateLifeAZ.org. 

One voice, one vision

Posted on: July 27th, 2023

CELEBRATING MULTIETHNIC DONOR AWARENESS MONTH

Join us this August as we celebrate National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM). Donate Life Arizona joins the observance in efforts to continue saving and improving the quality of life of all communities by creating a positive culture for organ and tissue donation.

NMDAM started out as National Minority Donor Awareness Week, which was founded in 1996 by the National Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program (MOTTEP). It was originally created to bring awareness to donation and transplantation in multicultural communities with a primary focus on African American, Hispanic, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) and Native American communities.

During NMDAM, organ donation organizations can shed a light on the need for more organ and tissue donors within multicultural communities, provide donation education, offer opportunities for registration, and highlight stories of donation and transplantation. NMDAM is a vital effort to drive the positive messages that are needed for multiethnic communities to make the decision for organ and tissue donation.

STARTING THE CONVERSATION

Nancy Castillo

Remember Nancy? She was featured in January in the 2023 Donate Life Arizona calendar as a kidney waiting list patient. A little more than seven years after going into kidney failure, Nancy Castillo got a call from her transplant team that they had found a match in early April 2023. 

Well before knowing she would get this transplant, she made it her mission to share her story with anyone who lent an ear. She opened up about her health battles with multiple news outlets—including ABC 15 

and Prensa Arizona. She also walked the route of the Fiesta Bowl Parade in Central Phoenix, no small feat for someone in kidney failure. To her, it was worth the struggle to ask more people to register, encourage others to consider living kidney and liver donation, and to inspire meaningful conversations.  

“I think our Hispanic culture has a lot to learn about organ donation, and I’m doing my part to get rid of the misconceptions,” she says. “I see life from a different perspective now and have become more grateful for the little moments in life.” 

DONATION AND TRANSPLANTATION IN MULTIETHNIC COMMUNITIES

Organ and tissue donation and transplantation in multicultural communities happens all year long and can be cross cultural.

Transplants can be successful regardless of the ethnicity of the donor and recipient. However, the chance of longer-term survival may be greater if the donor and recipient are closely matched in terms of their shared genetic background for most organs.

In 2022, 348 Arizona donors gave the gift of life. Of those Arizona donors, 148 came from people in multiethnic backgrounds.

IT'S ABOUT HELPING OTHERS

From left: Debbie Eschief, Alayna Mark, Gracie Mark, and Brandy Eschief

For 35 years, Danny Eschief worked as a tribal recreation coordinator with the Gila River Indian Community–specifically the Akimel O’Otham group. His daughter, Debbie Eschief, says people were easily drawn to him, and that’s how he was so successful in bringing the community together through sports.

“We never really talked about organ donation in our Native culture and our traditions,” Debbie says about when she learned her father registered himself. “He just said, ‘If somebody can use it, I rather somebody benefit.’”

Danny’s decision to give others a second chance helped more than 20 people, combining donated skin tissue, bone tissue, corneas and organs. “I think he would be happy that he was able to help other people,” says Debbie.

YOU CAN SAVE AND HEAL

Together, we can save and improve the quality of life in diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ and tissue donation. Let’s create a more inclusive transplant community that celebrates the diversity of our nation and ensures equal access to lifesaving treatments for all.

How? One way is to join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD office. You can also register online today at DonateLifeAZ.org.

Batter up! For Donate Life Day at the D-backs

Posted on: July 10th, 2023

HONORING DONATION HEROES

Deborah Edenhofer holding a photo of her son Tyler (l) and Donor Network of Arizona CEO Tim Brown (r)

“He always lit up a room when he walked in and affected so many people,” says Deborah Edenhofer, donor mother.  

Her son, Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper Tyler James Edenhofer, passed away after he suffered a gunshot wound. In the depths of tragedy, Tyler was able to donate. Two women in Arizona regained their vision through his corneas. Both can now take in the desert sunsets or see their loved ones’ smiles. Tyler also donated different types of tissues that helped roughly 20 more people to lead healthy, fulfilling lives.  

Debbie honored her late son by throwing the first pitch at the annual Donate Life Day at the D-backs last year. She says she wants him to be remembered as a hero. “He was my hero.”  

COMING FULL CIRCLE

Generosity always seems to come full circle. This year, heart recipient Claire Filson will stand on the mound and throw the first pitch during Donate Life Day at the D-backs on July 30 

At 22 years old, Claire was diagnosed with giant cell myocarditis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the heart tissue. Despite several months of treatment, her heart only functioned at about 9% and she joined the national organ waiting list. Claire received a new heart after three months and recently celebrated her 9th heart-iversary 

Receiving a heart transplant has made me a happier person,” says Claire. “I don’t want to waste a single moment of my life doing things that aren’t authentic or fulfilling.”

Heart recipient Claire Filson (l) with her boyfriend and heart recipient Ian Troiani (r)

CELEBRATE WITH US!

Our annual Donate Life Day at the D-backs is so much more than a game. It’s an opportunity for Arizonans to call attention to the generosity of donor heroes like Tyler, their families and all donation champions! Thousands at the game and viewers from across the country get to see Donate Life Arizona celebrate generosity.  

Join us this year on Sunday, July 30 for a 1:10 p.m. game against the Seattle Mariners. Tickets are available at a discounted price of $20. Each ticket includes a Donate Life or Done Vida T-shirt and a small gift from the D-backs. Get yours today!  

IF YOU CAN’T JOIN US

If you can’t be at the game, there’s still plenty of opportunities to support and champion the Donate Life cause.  

We encourage everyone to register as an organ, eye and tissue donor! Join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD or authorized third party office. You can also register online today at DonateLifeAZ.org. 

Want to get more involved in sharing the lifesaving message of donation? 

Donate Life Arizona is always looking for people to be a voice for donation and transplantation throughout Arizona. Individuals can volunteer, help us promote donation and participate in one of our many partnerships. For more information or to complete an application, visit the link below.  

LGBTQ? You can donate too!

Posted on: June 21st, 2023

Can members of the LGBTQ+ community register as an organ, eye and tissue donor or receive a transplant?

YES!

REGISTERING & RECEIVING

A person’s sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression does not prevent them from becoming an organ, eye and tissue donor (deceased or living). Everyone is encouraged to register their decision to become a donor!

This is because organ donation is regulated differently than other types of donation. The eligibility of organ donors, LGBTQ+ or not, is regulated by Health and Human Services (HHS). While such infections are not exclusive to the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to note that HIV and hepatitis C infections no longer prevent the possibility of lifesaving organ donation thanks to the HOPE Act. Learn more about the HOPE Act here.

Cornea and other tissue donations are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may include medical and lifestyle exclusion criteria that denies members from some avenues of donation. But medical professionals make those determinations after someone has passed away. Meantime, any person’s donation registration is valid.

Sexual orientation and gender identity or expression are never considered during the transplantation processes either. The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) matches available organs from the donor with people on the waiting list based on a variety of criteria, including: 

  • Blood type 
  • Body size 
  • How sick they are 
  • Donor distance 
  • Tissue type 
  • Time on the waiting list 

SECOND CHANCES

Kidney recipient Michael Learned

Kidney recipient Michael Learned and his husband, Matthew, got to meet his donor’s family after years of communication. Learned was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a child and knew he would need a kidney transplant in the future to save his life. 

Michael later received a second chance at life thanks to the generosity of his organ donor, Jordyn Avelar. Many help save and heal lives of people like Michael through their decision to register as organ and tissue donors. 

MYTH BUSTING

Allocation policies to place organs do not include other factors, such as wealth or celebrity, immigration status nor personal relationship to a medical professional. Organ distribution prioritizes helping the sickest patients get a second chance. Period.

ONGOING EFFORTS OF INCLUSIVITY

We are actively improving our outreach to the LGBTQ+ community. Our Arizona donor registration cards now have a “non-binary” gender option so that everyone has the opportunity to register as an organ and tissue donor.  

BATTLING MISCONCEPTIONS

Living kidney donor Andrew Banacki (r) with his father (l) Photo credit: 10 WBNS

Andrew Banacki, living kidney donor from Ohio, has helped combat the misunderstandings that that have encountered the LGBTQ+, transplant and donation communities by sharing his family’s story. Banacki is a proud gay man, and he was able to give his father a second chance at life by donating his kidney to him. 

“I think in the gay community there’s a huge misconception that – say I’m a gay male – I can’t give blood, so nobody’s going to take my organs,” says Kent Holloway, former CEO of LifeLine Ohio at the time of Banacki’s interview.  

There are truly no limitations to who can register as an organ and tissue donor. Throughout Pride Month, we encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community to register and celebrate the diversity that lies within the LGBTQ+, transplant and donation communities.

No matter how you identify, you can leave a lasting impact! Join the DonateLifeAZ Registry when you apply for or renew a driver’s license or state ID at an ADOT MVD office. You can also register online today at DonateLifeAZ.org.

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