Lifebanc

Though is wrapping up, our commitment to addressing the disparities in organ donation within minority communities remains stronger than ever. Lifebanc's Community Outreach Program Manager, Edmund Wilson, and 75-year-old heart transplant recipient, Charlene Boyd, offer powerful insights into the cultural stigmas and misinformation surrounding organ donation. Discover their inspiring stories via News 5 Cleveland here: https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/critical-need-for-donors-in-minority-communities-of-color

This week, Lifebanc hosted an expert panel education session that included teams from Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth, Lifebanc and InVita to explore and learn about the benefits of adopting electronic consults to enhance organ donation and transplantation opportunities through technological innovation. Lifebanc had the privilege of awarding these trailblazers with the Lifebanc Challenge Coin in recognition of their dedication to advancing and improving the donation process within our hospital network. Congratulations to Bill Vorhees, Melinda Otero, Micheal Dondero, Wade Liu and Stacy Farnan, and thank you for all your inspirational work! 👏

It's the gift that keeps on giving. 💙💍 Tania Markarian-Skowronski, a devoted and long-time Lifebanc supporter, recently celebrated her wedding and chose to have her guests donate to Lifebanc in place of a traditional registry. Her unwavering commitment has had a remarkable impact on our mission. Read her full, inspirational story here: https://www.scriptype.com/2024/08/28/former-resident-encourages-gift-of-life-for-wedding-registry/

By encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to consider becoming organ donors, we can make a profound difference. 🙌 Not only can we save more lives, but we can also improve the overall effectiveness of transplants, providing hope and better outcomes for those who might otherwise face longer waiting periods and uncertain futures. Let's come together to promote the importance of organ donation, educate our communities and advocate for a broader, more inclusive approach to saving lives.💙

What a wonderful day it was 🤗💚 Take a look back at the unforgettable moments from this year's Gift of Life Walk and Run and see the full album here: https://stacyjantz.passgallery.com/UWcZt1MHPu892

Did you know August is ? Let's dedicate this month to focusing on self-care, stress management and healthy routines for a healthier and happier life! 💙 How do you prioritize your well-being?

This striking fact highlights the urgent need for increased awareness and support for organ donation across all backgrounds. By coming together, we can make a difference and save countless lives.💚

During , we highlight Charlene Johnson-Boyd, who was diagnosed with heart failure and told there was nothing more doctors could do because of her age. Thankfully, she wouldn't take no for an answer. Since receiving her lifesaving transplant, Charlene has taken on the role of educator in her community, teaching others the importance of organ donation and how no matter your race (or age!), you can receive this lifesaving gift. 💚 Listen to her full podcast here: https://www.lifebanc.org/podcast/aging-of-transplants/

📣 Calling all nurses at Lifebanc partner hospitals utilizing or exploring iReferral!

Join us for a live panel discussion on utilizing electronic consults to increase organ donation transplantation.

🗓️ Tuesday, August 27, 2024
⏰ 1:00 - 2:00 PM.
✅ Register now to secure your spot! https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAsf-ysqj0jHtJYbDEeJaEu_Naq9mv8eYT0 #/registration

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 25th Annual Gift of Life Walk & Run yesterday at Blossom Music Center!

To all our teams, sponsors and participants — your energy and support made the day unforgettable. Together, we’re making strides toward saving lives and honoring those who gave the gift of life.

Till next year! 💙💚

⏰ The big day is almost here! The Gift of Life Walk & Run is TOMORROW, and we can't wait to see everyone come together for this incredible cause.💙 Lace up your shoes, bring your energy and join us as we stride towards saving lives and celebrating the incredible gift of life. Let's make this event unforgettable!👟🌟

🩺Calling all physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists at Lifebanc partner hospitals!

Join us for our upcoming Continuing Education Webinar on "Quality Assurance for Timely Donor Consults" with expert speakers Dr. Samara Zavalkoff and Dr. Samir Latifi.

🗓️ Thursday, August 29, 2024
⏰ 1:00 - 2:00 PM.
✅ Register now to secure your spot!

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYocOiurjopHddDKE4FW2KNqbnaem0Xk0Xj #/

📣 Gift of Life Walk & Run T-shirt pickup starts tomorrow! Head to the Lifebanc offices on August 15th and 16th to receive your GOLWR gear!💙

📆: August 15th: 4 - 7 p.m.
📆: August 16th: 7 - 10 a.m.
📍: 4775 Richmond Rd, Cleveland, OH

🚨Online registration for the Gift of Life Walk & Run will close at noon on Wednesday, August 14th! Register here: https://give.lifebanc.org/event/2024-gift-of-life-walk-and-run/e560826

Don't worry, you can still register in person at packet pick up, Thursday 4-7 p.m. and Friday 7-10 a.m. at Lifebanc OR at Blossom Music Center on Saturday morning starting at 7:30 a.m.💙

🌟 GIFT OF LIFE WALK AND RUN TEAM SPOTLIGHT 🌟

For our last team spotlight, meet Team Mac! We are honored that you have chosen to honor Mike's legacy at the GOLWR for 18 YEARS! 🤯 Team MAC says "it is an amazing experience to see the many teams coming together to celebrate the lives of their loved ones.... and to raise money for this incredible organization, which helps so many donor families on their grief journey."

We only have a couple more days to reach our donation goal! 👟 You don't have to be in attendance to donate, click here to show your support: https://give.lifebanc.org/event/2024-gift-of-life-walk-and-run/e560826

In the face of unimaginable tragedy, Roschelle Ogbuji made the brave decision to donate her 14-month-old daughter Anya's organs, saving the lives of two other children. Now an advocate for , she shares her story in hopes of inspiring other people of color to consider organ donation. This National Minority Donor Awareness Month, let's honor Roschelle's courage and consider the life-saving impact of organ donation. Learn more about Roschelle's story here: https://fox8.com/morning-show/how-one-moms-story-hopes-to-inspire-people-of-color-to-say-yes-to-organ-donation/

We were honored to collaborate with Cleveland MOTTEP and Transplant House of Cleveland for a powerful community event focused on the importance of organ donation in minority communities.🌟

The evening was filled with heartfelt stories from transplant recipients and donor families, each sharing how organ donation has profoundly impacted their lives. Together, we are making a difference, one story at a time. 💙

🌟 GIFT OF LIFE WALK AND RUN TEAM SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Introducing another awesome team for the Gift of Life Walk & Run: Born to Run for CasJ, who has been participating since 2020! 💙 "We love this event as a way to support Lifebanc and carry on the legacy of Cat—losing her is still very hard to this day for all of us, so this event helps us focus on the positive aspects of her gone and uplifts us along our grief journeys."

We are still on our journey towards our donation goal! 👟 You don't have to be in attendance to donate! To show your support, click here: https://give.lifebanc.org/event/2024-gift-of-life-walk-and-run/e560826

📣 Today is the last day to order a Legacy Garden sign for the Gift of Life Walk & Run. The Legacy Garden is another way to honor a loved one and support a vital cause and is always a powerful area of the event.💙 To fill out your form, click here: https://give.lifebanc.org/event/2024-gift-of-life-walk-and-run/e560826

🚨Gift of Life Walk and Run T-SHIRT REVEAL🚨

Get ready to show off your new GOLWR gear and join us for a day of fun, fitness and making a difference. Lace up your shoes, gather your friends and family and let’s race together to raise awareness! Still not registered? It's not too late! Click here for more info: https://give.lifebanc.org/event/2024-gift-of-life-walk-and-run/e560826

August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month (NMDAM) – a collaborative effort to save & improve the quality of life of diverse communities by creating a positive culture for organ, eye & tissue donation.

Why is NMDAM needed? 60% of national transplant waiting list patients are from multicultural communities. The need for donation and transplant is more pronounced in minority communities where disproportionately higher rates of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease contribute to organ failure, especially kidney failure. You can find resources to share and read more about NMDAM at nmag1.org and DonateLife.net 💙💚


NMDAM is a collaborative effort of the National Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Multicultural Action Group (NMAG).

🌟 GIFT OF LIFE WALK AND RUN TEAM SPOTLIGHT 🌟

Introducing another wonderful Gift of Life Walk & Run team: Team Tootie! We are inspired to hear that Quinn's gift of life saved THREE lives. 💙 Her family remembers her gift every single day, and they are participating in the Gift of Life Walk and Run for the third year. We are honored that you choose to celebrate her legacy with us.

We are still racing towards our donation goal! 👟 You don't have to be in attendance to donate. Click here to show your support and remember, every bit counts: https://give.lifebanc.org/event/2024-gift-of-life-walk-and-run/e560826

For nine years, northeast Ohio mom Michelle Tarczy has been on dialysis due to polycystic kidney disease. Now, time is running out, and she and her family are urgently looking for a kidney donor to save her life.

To read more about Michelle's journey, click here:

Ohio mom seeks life-saving kidney Could you be her perfect match?

Honor and remember your loved one with a Legacy Garden Sign.💚 The deadline to order one is this Friday, August 2nd at midnight.🌟 Order now here: https://lifebanc.wufoo.com/forms/x1xu7m9l0eggd49/

This past month, we presented Linda Carbetta, RN, BSN, Supervisor from UH Samaritan Medical Center, and Beth Jackenheimer, Ashland County Investigator, with the Lifebanc Challenge Coin. 👏

Both were instrumental in facilitating a pediatric heart for valves donor. Donated heart valves are used in two main procedures, heart valve replacement surgery, and reconstructive cardiac surgery. In heart valve replacement surgery, donated heart valves replace absent, damaged, diseased, or malfunctioning heart valves in infants, children, and adults. In reconstructive cardiac surgery, donor valves are made into patches used to repair and reconstruct heart defects in infants, children, and adults with congenital or acquired heart disease.

Thank you, Linda and Beth! 💙💚

August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month, and Lifebanc is ready to celebrate! 🎉 Join us on August 7th for a day full of education, music, food and more! Learn more and register now here: https://secure.givelively.org/event/transplant-house-of-cleveland/one-voice-one-vision-2024

Happy 17th anniversary of your liver transplant Chase Del Ferraro! You’ve come a long way and we are so proud to be part of your journey! Wishing you many, many more years of health and happiness! 🎉🥳👏🎊🙌🎈💙💚💙

Did you know becoming an organ donor is a simple process that you can complete online in a matter of minutes. Save and heal more lives this summer by saying YES here: https://www.lifebanc.org/get-involved/register-as-a-donor/

Golfing for a cause ⛳️ We had a great time at the NEO Heroes Memorial Annual Golf Outing hosted by Dave and Gail Wickert in honor of their daughter, Ashley Wickert. To date, the Wickert family has raised more than $70k to support LIfebanc's mission. This year, 120 golfers participated in the event. 👏