With National Donor Sabbath less than a month away, communities across the country are putting together programs to educate their neighbors, friends, and families about the importance of registering as an organ donor. This week, we share the story of Reverend Merle McJunkin, Assistant Pastor at Grace Baptist Church, who is featured on the 2012 National Donor Sabbath materials. Not only is he supporter of organ and tissue donation, he is alive because of it.

On June 21, 2011 Reverend Merle McJunkin received a gift that would change his life forever-a kidney transplant. His transplant journey began in late 2007, when his nephrologist identified that he would eventually need a kidney transplant. His hopes were to receive a transplant before the need of dialysis occurred, but unfortunately that was not the case. He began the treatment of hemo dialysis, which was time consuming and tiring. “It was difficult. The process was 6-7 hours a session, 6-7 sessions a week,” explained McJunkin.  He had hoped that one of his siblings would be able to donate a kidney through living donation.

“Being the youngest of six siblings and having a lot of first cousins, I was pretty sure that there would be a match within the family and this wouldn’t be a long process,” said McJunkin. “There were 16 to 17 people that came forward to go through the testing process of donation, but none of them were matches.” Because living donors must be in top health, some of McJunkin’s family members were turned away although they were compatible, because of health issues.  After services at his congregation one day, Michael Samuels, the husband of a member of Grace Baptist, approached McJunkin about his desire to be tested as a potential living donor.

“I guess I didn’t have my expectations too high in case something wasn’t compatible or didn’t work out after having so many people who I expected to be compatible but were denied because of matching issues or health reasons,” said McJunkin. “But when it did, that’s when the feeling of ‘ this is really going to happen’ set in. The transplant felt like a pipe dream way out there.”

Over a year after his transplant, McJunkin is back leading a full life, taking advantage of the missed time he endured while he was receiving dialysis dealing with side effects of treatment. “I now have 36 extras hours a week that was once devoted to dialysis,” said McJunkin. “When I was on diayilis, I made a promise to myself that I would never complain that I did not have enough time. I have the freedom to be more relaxed and to engage in hobbies.”

Through his freedom from dialysis, McJunkin has also been able to mark important milestones in his daughter’s life. “Because of the gift of life, I have been able to celebrate my daughter become valedictorian of her elementary class and playing piano in her first recital. There would have been so many things I would of missed in Michael did not step forward.

McJunkin hopes that people realizes that transplant effects more than the recipient. “It’s not only going to affect the recipient. It’s going to affect the people around them, their family and friends,” said McJunkin. “It’s not just the gift of livelihood, it’s the gift of life.”

Each November, the organ and tissue donation community celebrates National Donor Sabbath in house of worship across the United States in partnership with Donate Life America. During the weekend long celebration, houses of worship take time to educate their congregation and community members about transplant, donation and the importance of registration. It is an opportunity for neighbors to learn how donation affects members of their community in ways they were not aware of prior to being informed. The first step is to let your house of worship know about Donor Sabbath by sending them a local clergy letter template (which can be printed out on our website for writers to personalize). Next, start planning how you will celebrate National Donor Sabbath!

There are a wide range of ways houses of worship and congregations can show their support for organ donation awareness during National Donor Sabbath! Here are some ideas to help you begin planning your involvement in this national awareness weekend:

1. Invite a guest speaker to visit: Gift of Life Donor Program is happy to help arrange for you to have a speaker come to your house of worship to shed a first-hand perspective about organ and tissue donation. Gift of Life Donor Program speakers include transplant recipients, patients on the transplant list, and donor families who can personalize donation through their experiences. They can answer questions, provide information about getting involved, and debunk myths about transplant in a very candid way.

 2. Host a donor registration drive: Did you know that you can register as an organ donor online in less than 90 seconds using the internet? As long as there is internet access, anyone can log onto the internet to register adults who have state identification on them. Host a table before and after services that allows members to pick up informational materials (which can be obtained for free through GLDP) and to register online.

3. Show a short video during services: By showing a short video clip of the effects of donation at work, members would be able to become engaged in the mission of organ donation. Because the videos are brief, multiple videos showcasing various perspectives can be played to show a well-rounded view of donation in a personal way.

National Donor Sabbath Materials, including fans, brochures, posters and book marks are available to those in the Gift of Life Service area FREE OF CHARGE. Green bracelets, candy and other informational materials are also available to those interested. To order your materials and to schedule a guest speaker, fill out an electronic form on our website or email Vanessa Duvert, Multicultural Coordinator.

Shippensburg University took part in the continuing effort to raise organ donation awareness to young adults through a series of events in honor of one of their own. Wes Mallicone, Director of Sports Medicine at the University, received a liver transplant in August 2011 at Hershey Medical Center, which created a personal connection of the importance of organ donation to the Shippensburg University community. Carrie Michaels, Associate Director of Athletics at Shippensburg University and colleague of Mallicone, organized a series of Donate Life Games at the University that took place at several sporting events during September. “I thought it was crucial to recognize the amazing opportunity Wes received and to pay it forward by increasing education and supporting organ donation.  Wes is a valued member of our department and the department wanted to recognize a cause so important to him and one in which we could recognize for its outstanding work,” said Michaels.

Mallicone shared his donation experience through a per-recorded video shown at half-time at the games. Attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about organ donation and to register on site. Mallicone sat down with Gift of Life to share his transplant experience, and what his life is like now post-transplant. You also view the video shown at the Donate Life Games below the interview.

 When did your transplant experience begin?

At age 13, I was diagnosed with PSC-primary sclerosing cholangitis. I wasn’t placed on the transplant list until 2009 when I had my first episode of cholangitis. I remained on the waiting list for two years before I received my liver transplant.

What was your life like when you were waiting for your transplant?

Difficult to say the least. My days consisted of frequent hospital visits and stays, numerous procedures, restricted diet, fatigued, daily muscle cramps, and jaundice. Life on the waiting list added increased stress to my family, but having a strong support system helped everyone involved.

What normal activities did you miss most that others take for granted?

Walking, running, energy to do things when you wake up, golfing, mowing the lawn, really anything physical.  It is hard to enjoy life when you are sick but you must remain as positive as you can!    

When did you find out that you would receive your transplant?

I found out on August 3rd, 2011, while I was in the hospital because of an infection that there was a liver available for me.  My transplant occurred on August 4th 2011 at 3:30am, which us my second birthday! I was excited that I would have an opportunity at a healthy life but recognizing that this could be the end.

 How has your life been like since your transplant? 

There is only one word to describe my life after transplant-unbelievable! I have never felt the way I feel now – healthy.  It is wonderful.  I can do whatever I want and eat whatever I want.  Your perspective on life definitely changes too!

What major life events have you been able to take part in because of your transplant?

Because my transplant, I have been able to celebrate my 35th birthday – I didn’t know if I would make it, but every day I have been given since the transplant I am thankful for.

Why is this cause so important to teach to young adults, especially your students?

 People are unaware and uninformed about organ donation and what organ donation can do for someone.  By being an organ donor you can directly impact, physically change and positively affect so many lives.  Organ donors leave a long lasting legacy.  They are still alive in their own special way, continuing to touch many lives and making a difference in the world. 

How has the student body responded to the idea of Donate Life Games and donation awareness activities?

The entire community has been overly supportive, coaches and student-athletes especially.  Also with the making of videos, volunteering at the information tables for the events has been a great way for students to respond to the call of raising awareness.

What does it mean to you to have the Shippensburg community support organ donation?

 It means so much – that is what community is about helping one another and being there to support each other, causes, etc.  Shippensburg University has been so supportive of me and my family every step of the way, I am so grateful to work at Ship.  We use the term “Ship family” often – I believe this is a prime example as to the true meaning of the Ship family. 

On October 2, Gift of Life hosted in the 9^th Annual Hispanic Choice Awards Press Conference at our Philadelphia offices. Over 60 people from the Latino community attended the event to provide their support to the Choice Awards and to learn more about the ceremony, which takes places on October 16 at the Kimmel Center.

Howard Nathan, Gift of Life Donor Program CEO and President, welcomed the staff of the Hispanic Choice Awards and fellow supporters of the Awards.

“Partnering with the Hispanic Choice Awards to present the Lifetime Achievement Award is very meaningful for Gift of Life,” says  Howard M. Nathan. “What one person is able to accomplish in a lifetime inspires us to remember the importance of life itself. Partnering with HCA for this award reminds viewers not to take lifetime achievements for granted, and encourages them to help bring hope to those waiting by registering as an organ donor.”

Guests in attendance were able to learn more what is in store for the 2012 Awards, and were able to view the official trailer for the ceremonies, which can be viewed here. Gift of Life volunteers were also on hand to represent the faces of organ donation in the Latino community. George Arryo, kidney recipient, Ed Galarza, liver recipient, Lizbeth Gonzales, currently waiting for a kidney transplant, and Priscilla Lane, heart recipient, will also be in attendance of the award ceremony.

“We are so proud to have such an amazing line up of partners this year,” says HCA Executive Producer, Javier Suarez. “Gift of Life is an exceptional organization with a tremendous mission. We are honored to work with them to engage the Latino community.”

The 9th Annual Hispanic Choice Awards continues to strengthen its mission of highlighting the successes of Latino professionals and artists in the Greater Philadelphia region and is also partnering with the American Heart Association and CBS3 for this year’s event.

The Hispanic Choice Awards are open to the public, and tickets can be purchased online.

George Arroyo, kidney recipient and Gift of Life volunteer.

• There are more than 20,000 Hispanics on the organ transplant waiting list.
• While Hispanics make up approximately 16 percent of the total United States population, almost 18 percent of the more than 114,500 persons awaiting organ transplants are Hispanic.
• Hispanics, like other minorities, are three times more likely than Caucasians to suffer from end stage renal disease and diabetes.
• Tragically, every 10 minutes another patient is added to the waiting list and 18 people die each day due to lack of organs and tissues.
• Many thousands more await tissue transplants to restore their health, mobility and sight.
• Approximately 56 percent of all those awaiting organ transplants are minorities.
• In 2011, nearly 13 percent of organ donors were Hispanic.
• Currently, more than 17,500 Hispanics in the U.S. are waiting for kidney transplants. For these patients, the lack of available organs means longer waiting periods on transplant lists, years spent on dialysis, and sometimes death.
• Hispanics, like other minorities, have the best chance of a successful organ transplant if the donor is of the same ethnic background

11 sneakers, 3,330 miles and four months later, Chris Praetzel has accomplished a personal goal that he had been working to make a reality for over two years- to run across America for organ donor awareness. At age 22, the recent Arcadia University graduate has been impacted by the gift of donation and the power of transplant almost his entire life. His younger brother, Brian Praetzel received a life-saving transplant in 1996, at the age of three. Without a transplant, Brian’s prognosis was quite bleak due to his diagnosis of hypoplastic kidneys at birth. Today, Brian is a thriving nineteen-year-old college student at Neumann College. “He is honestly my best friend and I don’t know what I would do without him,” said Praetzel.

Praetzel set off on his journey, titled ‘Brotherly Love’ on May 23, just five days after his college graduation, accompanied by only a jogging baby stroller holding few belongings. From his launching point in Santa Monica, California, he made his way across the United States, taking in the Mojave Desert, the Rocky Mountains and the Great Plains.

During the days of solitude while running, Praetzel had time to reflect on his life and his hopes on spreading the importance of registering as organ donors.

“I thought about my family and loved ones, including my brother. I hope people get out of this the extreme blessing donation was for us and how it transformed our family,” said Praetzel.  “Going through the tough time before Brian received his transplant and how wonderful it has been since was on my mind a lot. I hope now the people I’ve reached can put a face to the name of organ donation.”

Three days before his run concluded, Praetzel arrived at Gift of Life Family House on Friday, September 21. He was greeted by Gift of Life staff and volunteers who welcomed him to stay the night before he set off to the next leg of his journey that following morning.

On Monday, September 23, Praetzel officially completed the Brotherly Love Run by running from Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey to the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Brian joined his older brother during the final moments of the run, racing down the shore line surrounded by family, friends and supporters who were there to witness Praetzel’s achievement. Afterwards, Praetzel, along with his friends and family, were invited back to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center for a celebratory lunch, which included a steak dinner especially for the runner in dire need of a home cooked meal.

Out of everything that Praetzel experienced over the months of his journey, the most important message he wants to share is the gratitude of the families that make donation possible.

“I just want to say to all of the donor families out there that you can see the sense of gratitude that my family has, and all of the other families have from receiving and organ or tissue transplant. It can really make all the difference in the world.”

When Maggie Nix’s son was in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant, her only hope was that a stranger would step up to donate. Because of a stranger’s decision to donate, her son was able to receive his transplant. Inspired by a stranger’s life saving gift, Maggie decided to become an altruistic kidney donor. Sadly, Maggie’s son passed away in 2010, but his legacy lives on through Maggie’s dedication to donation awareness.

During the month, we will be sharing the donation experiences from the Hispanic community. Our first post shares the story of Lou Torres. Torres received a new lease on life after he received a liver transplant.

Courtney, the recipient of Jordan’s heart, and Lisa

In 2011, Lisa Benkert made a decision during the most difficult time of her life. When she learned that her son  Jordan had taken his own life, she made the decision to donate his organs, hoping that other families could be spared the heartache of loosing a loved one. Through the last 16 months, Lisa has experienced the full impact of her decision after meeting Jordan’s recipients, and seeing how her son continues to touch lives through his precious gift of life. Lisa shares her donation experience, and the message of hope as she strives to raise awareness, along with honoring Jordan’s memory.

How did you and your family become involved with organ donation and transplant?

I have always been an organ donor since I started driving, but as easy as it was me to make a decision to be a donor, it was just the opposite when I was confronted with the decision to donate my son’s organ.  I am not sure if it was me not wanting to accept that my son was not going to live and by donating his organs was making it too real, but something within me really hesitated that night to agree to donating his organs. Thank God a woman who was there the night this happened was so compassionate as well as a very strong advocate for Gift of Life.  She not only shared  the pain we were going through, she was also able to testify firsthand how grateful she was for the Gift of Life.  I can remember that at least one of her very “young” children had received a transplant, if not both of her children.  If I am not mistaken, she went through both of her children needing a transplant.

Listening to her share her personal story, as well as explaining that the skin, muscle, etc can be used for many different reason (like for instance a burn victim who could suffer from the damage due to  the severity of the burns and how by using a donor’s skin could help this burn victim in so many ways), the reality hit me of how selfish I would be not to donate Jordan’s organs. As bittersweet as it was, I realized I could spare another parent the intense heartache I was feeling by losing their child by donating Jordan’s organs.

 Before this event happened, were you aware of the impact of donation?

Intellectually, yes. Realistically, not even close. I can honestly say that I did not start to feel the impact until I was able to make contact with Jordan’s recipients. I have heard back from the two recipients who received Jordan’s heart, kidney and liver. There were still a little bit of the bittersweet feeling I was dealing with, but at least I was able to read that these two individuals were giving a second chance of life all because of my son’s organs. But I am now blessed to see and feel the “full” impact of donating my son’s organs by meeting Courtney and her family, which truly is a gift! I have been able to get to know Courtney, who has so much joy and laughter to bring to others as she enjoys her life. Also, getting to know her mother, Michelle has been an equal gift. I have learned how sick Courtney was before her transplant, and the ordeal her family has been though while waiting for Courtney’s transplant. There is no doubt in my mind that Jordan’s heart found the right recipient.  It is an honor to Jordan for Courtney to have his heart!

Why is it important to you and your family to commit to raising awareness for organ donation?

I want others to know that as hard as the decision can be when you are faced with making this decision, you are doing so much more than just donating an organ. Yes, you are giving someone a second chance at life, but it does not stop there.  You are giving a parent a gift to still have their child there with them,  as well as for anybody who is faced with needing an organ to save their life, and for the ones who love them.

How does advocating for donation help honor your son’s memory?

Knowing it is not how he died, but by donating his organs how many lives he was able to help.  He was such a beautiful and perfect son who now lives through another.  What better way to honor him.

Can you explain how you felt when you met Courtney for the first time?

It is the weirdest thing. Meeting Courtney and her family for the first time honestly felt like I have known them my whole life. I am not sure if this was due to Michelle and I talking before hand, but I lean more towards seeing it as another gift from God. Our families blended together like one.  There were no awkward moments, or long periods of silence, in fact it was the complete opposite. We have so much fun together, and Courtney has brought me more joy and peace then she will ever realize.  She is such an amazing, beautiful child!

Do you have any upcoming plans to honor your son’s memory and his gift of life? 

I am working with York College of Pennsylvania to start a Suicide Awareness Walk in April 2013, which will also help raise awareness for organ donation. I also would love to share my story to others, from a donor family perspective. My hope is to share with other families that major emotions that may run through their mind when they are up against making this decision in behalf of a love one. But in the end, I hope they know how rewarding it can feel knowing that donating your love one’s organ touches more than just the recipient.  It touches a parent who loves their child and had to watch them sick. It touches a spouse who facing losing their soul mate, and for a great grandchild who now is given the chance to know her great grandmother. These connections are made all due to the decision to donate. As I said before, making the decision for myself to be an organ donor did not come close to having to make the decision for my son.  And here I am 16 months later, so glad that I did.

For more information about writing to recipients and donor families, please visit our website to learn more about our Family Support Services department.