Our Blog
Our blog is place for us to share news, information and resources about LifeSource and donation and transplantation. Most of the content posted here is courtesy of a select few writers at LifeSource, whose posts reflect their views and perspective on the topic about which they are writing. Our writers are asked to abide by a code of ethics when sharing information both here and across the web.
We also welcome guest posts on our blog. Please contact Rebecca Ousley if you are interested in sharing your thoughts or experiences. We hope you’ll join the conversation!
The Latest News:
Benefit for Ron Johnson
We’re pleased to share information about this upcoming benefit fundraiser for liver recipient Ron Johnson. The note below is from his sister, Dotie, who is putting together the benefit with their family.
For some time now, my brother Ron Johnson has had health complications. He has seen various doctors and specialists, stayed at numerous hospitals. January 17th, 2012 Ron received a liver through a transplant procedure performed by the Mayo, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. Since the procedure, Ron’s health has shown great improvements – he is off to a great start!
In our community, so many have been blessed and helped. These successes have been possible because of the generous contributions of people and businesses like you. With your help once again, I know we can make this a brighter road for my brother to travel. We thank you for your contributions.
Donate Life Day
Please join us for Donate Life Day, our annual celebration to honor and thank our volunteers and community partners who work so hard to create a culture of donation in our communities. New this year, Donate Life Day will be a brunch and awards program.
We look forward to honoring our volunteers of the year, as well as our Donation Advocates. We will also welcome Ana Stenzel as our keynote speaker. Ana is a cystic fibrosis survivor, author, patient advocate and filmmaker who will speak to the power of storytelling. View Invitation
Donate Life Day
Saturday, April 21, 2012
9:30 – 11:30 am
Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport Mall of America
3800 American Blvd. East, Bloomington, MN 55425
RSVP to Jeff Richert at jrichert@life-source.org.
“Transplant: A Gift for Life”
Tune into Twin Cities Public Television (tpt channel 2) tonight at 9:00 pm to see the premiere of the locally produced documentary Transplant: A Gift for Life.
This one-hour documentary is a co-production of tpt National Productions and Minneapolis filmmaker Dennis Mahoney and showcases the miraculous recoveries after transplant made by recipients which is possible only because of our generous donors and their families. Among the local stories told are that of liver recipient Elliott Bozak from Rosemount, MN; liver recipient Mary Brackey from Crystal, MN; and donor Chelsea Nielson from Elk River, MN.
Please tune in to the premiere tonight or to one of the many re-broadcasts this week. You can see a full list of air times on tpt‘s website. We also encourage you to share with your personal and professional networks and encourage them to watch this inspirational film.
The Power of Two at the Fargo Film Festival
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending The Power of Two at the Fargo Film Festival in Fargo, ND. The Power of Two is an extraodinary documentary telling the story of twin sisters who received the life-saving gifts of lung transplants. In graciously sharing their personal journey and triumph, Ana and Isa show us what it is like to grow up with Cystic Fibrosis, the fear that comes with not knowing if they would survive, and the sheer joy of life after transplant. The film also takes a look inside the donation system in Japan and how that compares with the United States.
Pictured: Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, Nikki Malnar, Anabel Stenzel
It was an honor to attend this movie with Nikki, a LifeSource volunteer who is waiting for the gift of a lung transplant. Like Ana and Isa, Nikki has Cystic Fibrosis. Like Ana and Isa, Nikki is a wonder of strength and positive energy. She has hope that she too will receive the gift of transplantation. Nikki is journaling her experience on her blog Nikki’snewlungs as she waits for that call.
Susan Mau Larson
Director, Public Affairs
Youth Grief Services: support group series coming up
We received a note from Youth Grief Services in Minnesota that their next seven week series of support groups begins Tuesday, February 21st in Burnsville.
This seven-week series is designed to help children and teens, ages 4 through 18, grieve the death of a loved one. Parent/adult groups are also offered at the same time in order to provide education and support for the caregivers in the children’s lives. There is no cost to attend the groups, but pre-registration is required.
Please see this flier for more information and contact Youth Grief Services if you are interested in participating.
Volunteer Training
Join us for a general orientation to our volunteer program, including an overview of LifeSource, the donation and transplant processes, tips on telling your personal story and volunteer opportunities.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
6:00 – 8:00 pm
I Hop Restaurant (meeting room)
2402 6th Ave Aberdeen, SD 57401-6501
RSVP to Jeff Richert at jrichert@life-source.org or 651-603-7863
Volunteer Training
Join us for a general orientation to our volunteer program, including an overview of LifeSource, the donation and transplant processes, tips on telling your personal story and volunteer opportunities.
Monday, March 5, 2012
6:30 – 8:00 pm
University Lutheran Church
2122 University Ave, Grand Forks ND 58203
RSVP to Jeff Richert at jrichert@life-source.org or 651-603-7863