“ TWO PEOPLE HAD TO DIE FOR ME TO LIVE ”
BLITZ FOR BRAINS
Many donated organs are deemed unsuitable for transplant ; for some organs , only 25 % are accepted .
Surgeon-Scientists at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and University of Alberta Hospital are combating this statistic through Ex Vivo technology .
Your support allows us to put the most advanced equipment in the hands of the best and brightest medical minds .
“ TWO PEOPLE HAD TO DIE FOR ME TO LIVE ”
One organ donor can save eight lives . Over 20 years ago two different organ donors saved the life of a boy whose made it his life work to save the lives of others .
Due to a rare genetic condition , Dr . Scott Livingstone was in endstage liver failure for the first time at age 14 . Two urgent liver transplants – the second coming after the first liver failed – saved his life .
Dr . Livingstone , now a Transplant Surgeon at the University of Alberta Hospital , where his life was saved , shares his story with patients who are anxious about their transplant . He finds it especially helpful for the parents of pediatric patients , who find it a great comfort to know their children can go on to lead long , happy lives . His story paints a powerful picture of what a difference organ donation can make .
Dr . Scott Livingstone with his family
As a transplant surgeon and father of two , Dr . Livingstone is humbled by his experience as a patient , “ I have a responsibility to make sure I do something meaningful with the extra time that I ’ ve been given . I can ’ t think of anything else I ’ d rather do ”.
BLITZ FOR BRAINS
Spencer Graling , a 16-year-old high school football player in St . Paul , kept seeing players get seriously hurt and concussed . “ Seeing this happen made me realize that something had to be done to combat concussions and to bring widespread awareness to the issue ”.
With the support of local businesses Spencer created his own fundraising initiative , Blitz for Brains . With $ 1 donated for each tackle made by the St . Paul Lions this past season , Spencer led his teammates in raising nearly $ 700 .
Spencer Graling
Blitz for Brains supports the University Hospital Foundation ’ s Brain Centre Campaign . As part of its commitment to transform care for every brain patient , the Campaign is funding research focused on increasing the understanding of the effects of head trauma and on researching better treatment and prevention methods .
Connecting Your Generosity PAGE 3