Of Organ Transplants

2 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Family and friends walk Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon to honor Perry teen Two families bonded together by sports with determination, passion donor. We wanted something good to earlier he wouldn’t make it the heart of a teenage baseball player and focus — and inspired his fellow come of our son’s death, and helping through the night. carry on Brendon McLarty’s legacy teammates to play the best they to save other’s lives was just that,” “We are so very appreciative by embracing what he cared about. could. Brendon’s mom, Lori McLarty said. his heart went to such an amazing Friends and family of the teen will “He was very selfless in a way Oklahoma is a first person man, and so happy to have had the walk in the Oklahoma City Memorial that’s hard to articulate,” Jennifer authorization state, which is an opportunity to meet Kerry and hear Marathon this year, not only Blair, Brendon’s aunt said. “He individual’s legally binding decision Brendon’s heart beat again,” Lori remembering the lives lost in the appreciated the small things in life. to become an organ and tissue donor said. 1995 bombing, but also to celebrate He lived life and touched so many after his or her death. The decision The Creach and McLarty families the life of a young organ donor who people’s lives in 16 years, and was to become an organ donor by an have been in touch for the past passed away in 2012. The recipient able to do that again when he died.” adult cannot be overridden; however, few years, and Creach walked in of his heart will cheer them on from Brendon died in 2012 after a fatal families of minors must make this the Memorial Marathon’s 5K with afar. asthma attack. When he got his decision for their children. Brendon Brendon’s family in 2014. Brendon McLarty was an all- driver’s license, he had signed up to was a registered organ donor on “Every year we run in the American 16-year-old boy who had be an organ donor. his driver’s license, and his parents memorial marathon to remember a passion for sports. He was a Perry “From the moment Jon (Brendon’s honored his wishes. Brendon. It gives me a chance Maroon through and through, and dad) and I knew our son was not Two days after Brendon died, to tell Brendon’s story through enjoyed playing football and baseball going to make it, we decided to Kerry Creach received Brendon’s •Please see Honoring, for Perry High School. He played honor his wishes to be an organ heart. He had been told just hours Page 3 Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 3 Honoring •Continued from Page 2 our annual t-shirt, and benefit a designated organ procurement standards by which Brendon lived. legacy for many to follow,” Jeff scholarship fund in his name,” Lori organization in the state of This year, Brendon will be Orlowski, president and CEO of said. Oklahoma and is responsible for memorialized on April 23, when the LifeShare said. “The actions of This year, Creach can’t be part organ and tissue donation statewide. Perry “BMAC” Baseball Complex his family following through with of the event, but will support them The families celebrate Brendon in is celebrating its grand opening. Brendon’s wishes, speaks volumes from afar. many other ways as well. BMAC is a nickname Brendon often to their care and compassion for The memorial marathon coincides The Brendon McLarty Scholarship went by. Kerry Creach will throw others.” with National Donate Life Month, at Perry High School was the first pitch and it will be caught Across the United States, more and LifeShare is celebrating the established to honor and remember by Brendon’s 7-year-old cousin. than 121,000 individuals wait for selfless gifts of life given by people Brendon’s life. The scholarship is “Baseball was Brendon’s passion, an organ transplant to save their around the state of Oklahoma. given each year to a Perry graduate and the field was where his heart life, 700 of these are Oklahomans. LifeShare is the federally that exemplifies the qualities and was. Now, his heart will literally be Thousands more are in need of at the field helping Kerry throw the tissue and corneal transplants to first pitch,” Lori said. restore mobility and sight. Without The McLarty family takes every the generous gift of more than opportunity to encourage the 24,000 donors in the United States community to be organ donors. per year, many would still be Inspired by Brendon’s life and waiting for a lifesaving gift. selfless act, many people have “LifeShare encourages all registered to be an organ, eye and Oklahomans to register as an organ, tissue donor. eye and tissue donor and to share “Brendon McLarty saved many your decision with your family,” lives and left an unforgettable Orlowski said.

Provided Two families bonded together by the heart of a teenage baseball player carry on Brendon McLarty’s legacy by embracing what he cared about. 4 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Sharing a decision, DR WOOD sharing life Karson Baker, of El babies his age. His brother, diagnosis of cerebral palsy. cared for his brother, Reno, was born a fighter. Keller, was also a fighter “Despite Keller not being sharing a bond only twins He and his twin brother, but did not overcome his able to speak, walk or care •Please see Sharing, Keller, were born three premature birth without a for himself, Karson deeply Page 5 months premature, weighing only two pounds and 14 ounces, and were in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for 72 days. Doctors and specialists warned Brad and Stephenie Baker, the twins’ parents, that the pair would most likely face delays as they grew. By nine months old, Karson was determined to catch up with the development of other

Provided By nine months old, Karson Baker was determined to catch up with the development of other babies his age. Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 5 Sharing •Continued from Page 4 share. Karson would always step character and high perseverance. held a Pre-Advanced Placement Karson cherished all of the at the time of his passing, and up to help soothe his brother He took criticism well and schedule and had been invited to friendships in his life. He was because he was still a minor, or involve him in activities. He worked as hard as possible join the National Honor Society. passionate about his faith and his parents made the decision grew up to be a proud brother to prove himself,” Taylor Karson also put strategies in sharing his beliefs with others. for him to be an organ donor. of Keller as well as his younger Schwerdtfeger, Karson’s high place to ensure his success On March 5, 2014, Karson Through organ donation, sister, Bradleigh,” Stephenie school coach said. “He was the academically. was in a car wreck with six Karson was able to save five said. type of person coaches hope to “He was on track as a of his friends and was unable lives. LifeShare encourages Karson began playing baseball, have in their programs. He was sophomore to be valedictorian to recover from a severe head all Oklahomans to have the basketball and football at four only a sophomore, but he was a when he graduated, Karson took injury. When Stephenie and important conversation about years old. His teams were great leader. He was the type of academics very seriously,” El Brad were faced with the donation with their friends and compiled of kids who would person everyone looked up to.” Reno High School principal Pat question of Karson being an family. grow to be his best friends As an athlete, he aspired to Liticker said. “He was driven to organ donor, they remembered a “One small conversation I through life. When entering take his gifts and talents for be the best.” short conversation they had with had with my son about organ junior high, he dedicated all of football with him to college and Karson was an all-American him. donation changed the courseof his focus and drive to football, play for the university he would teenager in sports, academics It was on a long drive to five lives,” Brad said. “It’s which was his favorite sport. attend. and also in his social life. He Hennessey, where Karson important to talk about those He worked hard for what he “It’s every football player’s was a joy to those around him expressed to his parents his final wishes with your familyso wanted and began to privately dream to play for Alabama and would never be caught wishes to be an organ donor. you are prepared to makethat train with the most elite group Crimson Tide or the University without a smile on his face. He knew being a registered decision if the time comes.” of quarterbacks in the country. of Oklahoma — Karson was no He made his friends laugh and organ donor could potentially Karson left a legacy for When Karson was a sophomore different,” Brad said. people gravitated to his charisma save lives through his death, and manyin both life and death in high school, he started as Karson was not just an and happiness. He was a good when he received his license, he becauseof his unwavering varsity quarterback for the El accomplished athlete, he was friend to everyone he knew was adamant about registering character,his drive for Reno Indians. also a top student in his class and had a core group of friends his decision. Karson’s wishes excellence andalso his wish to “Karson was a person of high at El Reno High School. He who were like siblings to him. were well known to his family save lives. 6 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Oklahoma woman waiting for lung transplant receives ‘the call’ `Raychel Baker, of Oklahoma City, has a lot of faith. She is just one of the nearly 700 Oklahomans who woke up this morning hopeful today would be the day she receives a call that would change her life forever. At a young age, she was diagnosed with a rare Idiopathic Lung Disease for which there is no cure. The disease manifests itself as a slow deterioration Committed to providing or scarring of the lung tissue. As a child, Raychel played sports and was very thecompassionate and athletic. During basketball season when she was 10 years old, she noticed she had a lingering cough quality care you deserve. that she could not get rid of. She saw her doctor, who initially diagnosed her with bronchitis. After medication and rest, the doctors determined it wasn’t bronchitis, and • 24/7 Physician Staffed • Home Health continually tested her for other infections or diseases. Her lungs were functioning at 40 percent, Emergency Room • Laboratory Services and stayed stable most of her teenage years. She went to high school and college normally, but used a handicap sticker because she would often be • Diagnostic Imaging • Outpatient Rehab out of breath. When she started a new teaching job after college, she noticed she needed more breathing treatments. Raychel thought this was mostly because she was 501 N. 14TH STREET. • PERRY • 580.3 36.3 541 moving a lot more and dealing with more germs and illnesses from kids. STILLWATERMEDICALPERRY.COM In her late 20s, her lung function reduced to 32 percent. She has noticed the dramatic change in how she used to feel. Now, Raychel’s lungs are functioning at a mere Looking for a provider? 13 percent. Two years ago, she started the process of being Our local clinics are now accepting new patients! listed for new lungs, still not thinking she was sick enough to qualify. “I had a misconception that qualifying for a transplant meant you are in a hospital bed gasping for air,” Baker said. “I didn’t realize how Perry dependent I was on using a wheelchair or oxygen.” FAMILYPHYSICIANS To be listed for the lifesaving procedure, she went through testing — nearly every part of her body was tested to ensure she was as healthy as possible. On 1318 Elm Stre et •580.3 36.9411 505 14th Stre et• 580.3 36.3529 January 29 of this year, Raychel learned she was officially listed for a lung transplant. Blake Baird, MD “The hardest thing about a lung transplant is that Julian Cecil, MD someone will have to die in order for me to live,” Michael Hartwig, MD Baker said. Robyn Mangum, PA-C Coleen Krieger, PA-C She and her husband pray for their future donor •Please see Call, Page 7 Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 7 Call •Continued from Page 6 family all the time. A lung transplant would change “We aren’t praying for someone to everything for this young mother and die — that’s already the plan for their her family. life. We’re praying for their decision April is National Donate Life Month. and that I will be able to honor their Across the United States, more than life.” 115,000 individuals wait for an organ For now, Raychel is taking one day transplant to save their life. Thousands at a time. She takes time each day more are in need of tissue and corneal for a little physical activity, such as transplants to restore mobility and walking around the house or doing sight. Without the generous gift of exercises recommended from her more than 30,000 donors in the United pulmonary rehab. She does multiple States each year, many would still be breathing treatments a day and tries waiting for a lifesaving gift. to get enough rest to keep up with her LifeShare is honoring those energetic son. who have given the gift of life by “I don’t remember what it was like celebrating National Donate Life to be healthy, because I have been sick Month. You can give the gift of for so long,” Baker said. “It sounds so life by registering to be an organ, small, but I’m most looking forward eye and tissue donor at www. to spending time with my son, such LifeShareRegistry.org. as going to the park or library without Raychel Baker received “the call” and having to load up a wheelchair and has received the gift of life through a oxygen too.” lung transplant and is doing well.

Provided Raychel Baker is pictured with her husband and son. Two years ago, she started the process of being listed for new lungs, still not thinking she was sick enough to qualify. Baker received “the call” and has received the gift of life through a lung transplant and is doing well. 8 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers

DR LONG Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 9

Sources for independent research

Madeline Mann videos, job boards, a transplant Staff Writer resource guide and much more. Donate Life America is a non- MORE THAN MED To research organ and tissue profit organization dedicated donation would result in 7.24 to “developing a culture where million search results. donation is embraced as a Many websites have been created fundamental human responsibility.” to provide more information on the DLA’s brand for promoting topic of organ and tissue donation. donation is called Donate Life. Though independent research on This cause was created to motivate health topics such as this can be the public to register as organ, helpful, finding reliable sources eye and tissue donors. DLA also online is vital when learning about manages the National Donate Life such serious topics as this. Registry at RegisterMe.org. DLA’s A simple way to make sure a website, donatelife.net, provides site is giving the correct stats and extensive donation information as information is to check the writer’s well as national statistics, ways to sources. If the author cites a contribute, personal testimonies and “.gov” website, the information is merchandise through the Donate most likely safe. Life Store. The official U.S. Government web NATCO, the Organization for site for organ and tissue donation Transplant Professionals, centers and transplantation is organdonor. its mission around the professionals gov. in the field of organ and tissue Other Federal Government agency donation and transplantation. websites regarding organ and tissue NATCO works alongside donation include, hrsa.gov (U.S. procurement practitioners, Department of Health & Human transplant practitioners, hospital Services), cms.gov (Centers for development specialists, and public Medicare and Medicaid Services) education specialists to strive for and unos.org (United Network for medical advancement. Organ Sharing). Though NATCO requires a Other great sources of information membership for direct involvement, about donation and transplantation the organization built natco1.org are built by national organizations to inform and encourage the public themselves. Many organizations to increase donor awareness within that are working to spread their communities. awareness also are quite willing to The University of Michigan provide ample information. Transplant Center has also created The Alliance is a nonprofit an informational website, transweb. independent organization org, to provide the general public focused on bringing the with information about donation donation and transplantation and transplantation. TransWeb also communities together for highlights common myths about future field advancements. The donation and transplantation. Alliance partners with national In addition to providing organizations, such as the HRSA, informational support to the public to promote learning, innovation through their site’s pages, many and future advancements in organ of the mentioned organizations donation and transplantation. urge readers to contact them The organizations website, directly with any inquiries. Their organdonationalliance.org, has contact information is most always open community forums, training provided for public use. 10 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Organizations making an impact in organ donation

Madeline Mann for Organ Sharing. This associate registering 147 million organ, eye and The Transplant Recipients Staff Writer began as a group of donation tissue donors. Donate Life America International Organization, or TRIO, professionals who saw a need for a spends millions of dollars supporting was founded in the early 1980s Throughout the history of organ more efficient method in matching education programs, donation when there became a noticeable lack donation there have been movements available organs to potential recipients. campaigns and donation conferences of support for organ recipients or of people with a passion for growing This was a much-needed process and and fundraisers. potential recipients and their family organ donation awareness. still is today. The Chris Klug Foundation, members. Now TRIO is committed “to The first transplantation in 1954 One of the oldest organ procurement named after the three-time Olympic improving the quality of life transplant opened an opportunity for a new type organizations (OPO) in the United snowboarder and only organ transplant candidates, recipients, their families of public involvement in healthcare. States now is New England Donor recipient to medal in the Olympic and the families of organ and tissue To increase popularity of a procedure Services (NEDS). The company’s Games according to their website, donors” as explained in their mission such as organ transplantation becoming OPO, New England Organ Bank, manages numerous fundraising efforts statement. would require substantial funding, serves more than 150 hospitals including those in honor of those who Though awareness of organ donation public marketing, informational according to the organization’s have been impacted by organ donation. is provided by many platforms, the marketing and also would require website. The site also says NEDS This foundation also advocates for need for advocates continues to grow individuals to reflect on their own is affiliated with LifeChoice Donor organ donation curriculum in schools along with the need for physical morals. With the rate of needed organs Services, who serves a population of and fundraises for “toolkits” to be sent donors. increasing rapidly, programs began 2.3 million people. to classrooms across the United States. To learn more about organizations forming, making it their objective to Donate Life America, an It also pushes for more information to focused on donation and fill this need. organization established in 1992, be given to children about the issue transplantation, visit www. One of the first programs manages the national Donate Life so they might make more informed organdonor.gov/awareness/ incorporated was the United Network Registry a platform responsible for decisions in the future. organizations.

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�� Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 11 Regional vs. national donations In October of 1984 congress incompatible with the donor approved the National Organ because of height, weight, Transplant Act (NOTA). and other medical factors Through the Organ are automatically screened Procurement and from any potential matches. Transplantation Network Then the computer applicator (OPTN) the law directed that determines the order other organ allocation would be candidates will receive managed on a national basis offers, according to national and be developed through policies. a unique public-private Geography is another big partnership. role in the donation process. There are currently 11 There are 58 local donors’ regions divided across the service areas and 11 regions United States for organ used for organ allocation. donors and receivers. Based Hearts and lungs have less off of where someone lives time to be transplanted, so will depend on what region they use a radius from the that person receives their donor hospital instead of organ from or send it. There regions when allocating those are several steps a person organs. will have to go through to be Proper organ size is critical able to receive an organ if to a successful transplant, they are on the waiting list. which means children often Although pediatric candidates essentially in line for other body it is stored in a cold Any candidates on respond better to organs have their own unique children’s organs. Once preservation solution and the waiting list that are that are child-sized organs. scoring system, children are an organ is taken from the then transported to that child.

CIMMARON MEDICAL Donors to Waiting Recipients* Donors Waiting 160,000

140,000

120,000

100,000

80,000

60,000 Number People ofNumber 40,000

20,000

*All data received from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

12 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Kidney transplant makes life possible Lifus Todd, of Lawton, was born into medically discharged from the Army a military family and was destined to was even more of a shock. After become an officer in the U.S. Army. leaving West Point, he received a He graduated high school from degree in accounting and worked as the United States Military Academy a Compliance Employment Officer. Preparatory School, and went on He managed his kidney failure with to attend the prestigious West Point medication for nearly 10 years. Military Academy. Lifus led an active Lifus found himself in unbelievable lifestyle, and in addition to his regular pain, and learned that his condition had drills, he enjoyed playing basketball. worsened. The doctors told Lifus he In August 2002, Lifus noticed his should have been on dialysis a long time ankles were so swollen he couldn’t get ago. He was placed on the transplant his boots on. After speaking with his waiting list and put on dialysis. platoon leader, he went to the clinic to Dialysis restricted Lifus’ lifestyle and see what was wrong. Lifus heard news kept him close to home, and it became he never thought he would hear — he increasingly difficult to work. He had was in kidney failure. a passion for agriculture and longed The news of this medical ailment came as a surprise to Lifus and his •Please see Call, family, and the fact that he would be Page 7 Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 13 Call •Continued from Page 6 to visit the beach, which were both activities he couldn’t participate in because of dialysis. Knowing that he needed a more flexible schedule, Lifus enrolled in the University of Oklahoma School of Law hopeful he could manage his medical schedule with a school schedule. Dialysis was as demanding as a full-time job, so he struggled to balance his schooling, dialysis and what little of a social life he had left. Instead of studying in the library or with study groups, Lifus would go home early to preserve his life. In an effort to live a normal life, he didn’t let many of his classmates know what he was going through with his failing kidneys. Lifus eventually left law school and went to live closer to his dad in Arkansas. Mona, an attorney, knew Lifus’ dad through a philanthropy and asked Lifus to escort her to a fundraiser. Little did Lifus and Mona know, God was playing matchmaker for what would become a beautiful relationship. When Lifus and Mona were in the middle of their first date, Lifus got a call regarding his labs and was sent to the hospital. “Going to the hospital on our first date was like a crash course into what life would be like dating someone on dialysis,” Mona said. Despite living with dialysis, Lifus stayed positive. He received several calls from the transplant center, but none were a match with his rare blood type. On March 10, 2016, Lifus Provided received a call from the transplant Pictured are Lifus and Mona Todd. While they were outside cooking for a barbeque one day, he received a center instructing him to be ready call asking him to get down to the transplant center within two hours. in the event the available kidney was a good fit. He already had an they were outside cooking for within two hours.” and found out from the spontaneously and finally appointment scheduled with the a barbeque, he received a call The couple packed their surgeon the kidney was a enjoy his passion for surgeon who would be performing his which was different than the belongings and headed to near-perfect match for his agriculture. This past Labor kidney transplant, so he made the trip rest had been. Oklahoma City. After what blood and tissue type. Day, he had a chance to visit to OU Medical Center. “In all of the calls I seemed like a thousand tests Lifus no longer takes life the beach with his family He arrived to learn that yet again, received from the transplant and days of waiting, Lifus for granted. He married for the first time since his the kidney was not a good match for center, they just wanted me was finally wheeled to the Mona on August 6, 2016, healthcare struggles began. him. He went home disappointed, but to be ready in case the kidney operating room to receive his and together they are Lifus is forever grateful to remained hopeful. was a good fit for me,” Lifus second chance at life. raising two sons. Without the selfless donor who saved Three days later, Lifus and Mona said. “This time, they told When Lifus woke up from living on dialysis, he has his life allowing him to live invited family to visit them. While me to get to the hospital his surgery, he felt incredible the opportunity to live lifeto the fullest. 14 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers

Provided A few weeks before Christmas, the doctors told her family that Kaylee would not go home alive without a transplant. In January of the next year, a liver came for Kaylee and the transplant was a success. Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 15 Liver transplant gives student a new chance at life Kaylee Rayburn, of Yukon, was a very big blessing to her family with her arrival to the world. After birth, she was slightly jaundiced so the doctors did a few blood tests for precaution as she was being discharged. As her family walked into their house, the phone was ringing saying they needed to go back to the hospital for a few more tests. The Rayburns packed up their new baby and headed back to the hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, the family learned they would need to stay overnight. Kaylee’s mom, Karla, was devastated to leave her baby in the NICU. After many days of testing and eliminating, they told Kaylee’s family that she would need surgery to confirm a Biliary Atresia diagnosis. At just five months old, Kaylee began her transplant journey. For the rest of her first year of life, she was in and out of the hospital. Her parents struggled watching her — she refused to eat, her stomach was giant and tight and she had trouble breathing. Karla would often sit on her bedside and sing songs or read to her. A few weeks before Christmas, the doctors told her family that Kaylee would not go home alive without a transplant. In January of the next year, a liver came for Kaylee and the transplant was a success. While her family was thrilled she was given the gift of life, they mourned for the mother that had just lost a child and made a heart wrenching decision to save another’s life though organ donation. Kaylee’s transplant has offered her a life full of all the things she loves. She has participated in many activities including horseback riding, gymnastics, softball, tennis and ballet. Like most teenage girls, she loves any excuse to buy a new dress. Kaylee works hard in school, and has visited beautiful places of the world — like Hawaii and Mexico. She’s thankful for her relationship with her younger sister and her best friend, Maddie. 16 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 17 Father and son share inseparable bond A father, George Schroeder, of Shortly after the procedure, until he grew so he could have an adult Norman, shares an inseparable Christopher’s kidneys failed. sized kidney. bond with his now 8-year-old son, Doctors and medical staff worked “God has wired it into me: do good Christopher. Together, they watch tirelessly to bring him back to the for Christopher. It’s just who we are as sports and play basketball or wrestle best health possible, while he still fathers,” George Schroeder said. one another to the floor. relied on dialysis to keep his kidneys “Fathers would give and have given In 2009 when Christopher was born functioning. much more because of the love they with a heart condition, the doctors The doctors knew Christopher would have for their kids.” originally thought he would just need eventually need a lifesaving kidney At 11 months old, Christopher went a series of three surgeries to repair transplant, and they suggested living home for the very first time following his heart. However, they learned donation so he would receive a great his lengthy hospital stay. His parents Christopher would need a heart match at his young age. would spend time every evening with a transplant to survive. At just 7 weeks Immediately, Christopher’s father, machine to do dialysis at home. old, he received a new heart from a George, hoped he was a match. selfless and generous donor — saving However, because Christopher was •Please see Inseparable, his life. just an infant, the team had to wait Page 19

HEALTH EXPRESS 18 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers

Kidney transplant gives man new outlook after emergency surgery

Mike McClellin was born with everyday passed, he hoped it would Nail-Patella Syndrome, a hereditary be the day he would receive a condition which affects the skeletal second chance at life. system and puts those with it at risk On April 1, 2001, Mike and his of kidney issues. family had gone grocery shopping Growing up, he had a few physical together, and when he got home, limitations but lived a pretty normal he took a refreshing Sunday nap. life with activities and functionality. His transplant coordinator tried to After his father died when Mike call his pager, which didn’t work. was 9 years old from the same She also tried to call his home condition, Mike was told he too phone number, but his wife was on would one day be in renal failure the Internet so the call would not and need a kidney transplant like go through. Finally, she called his his father did. last contact number which was his As soon as Mike reached his late mother. His mother rushed over 20s, he began to tire easily and with the good news that after nearly had high blood pressure issues. His two and a half years of waiting, doctor began running more frequent Mike was receiving a second chance tests to monitor his declining kidney at life. function. Mike became fearful and Everyone was running around began to resign himself to the same the house getting stuff ready to go fate of his father. the hospital, and Mike sat on the Mike was 34 years old when his edge of his bed and cried. He was doctor delivered the news to him so happy that he was receiving a his kidney function had reached transplant, but felt the gravity of the point where he needed to start another family grieving the loss of the process of getting ready for their loved one. a transplant. Initially, he was Mike underwent the transplant terrified and assumed his days were surgery, and woke up in recovery numbered, as his timeline mimicked and felt great. Within a few hours his fathers. after surgery, he already had At this time, Mike was married energy, feeling like he could have and had a 4-year-old daughter. The jumped and ran out of the hospital. thought of his daughter growing up Nearly 18 years after his without a dad was unbearable to lifesaving procedure, Mike enjoys him. his life to the fullest. He enjoys He continued to be treated for his traveling with his wife, spending renal failure and started dialysis. time with his grandchildren and He was officially listed on the competing in the Transplant Games Transplant Waiting List, and as of America. Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 19

Inseparable •Continued from Page 17 Once Christopher was almost 2 years old, the doctors suggested he could receive an adult sized kidney from his father. George was anxious to donate his kidney to his son, knowing this would change the course of their lives forever. “I had a sense of thankfulness and peace after I donated my kidney,” George said. Today, Christopher is a thriving second grade student, and will turn 8 at the end of this year. He has a sunny disposition and a fighter mentality that has served him well and helped him thrive. Christopher likes to read, play with hot wheels and recall information about cars. Since George has donated his kidney, he lives his life as if he has both. This family has been dramatically impacted by the need for organ donors. In 2017, 183 Oklahomans gave the gift of life by becoming an organ donor saving 481 lives. The need for transplant is growing, and there are still nearly 700 Oklahomans currently waiting on a lifesaving transplant. Across the United States, more than 115,000 individuals wait for an organ transplant to save their life. Thousands more are in need of tissue and corneal transplants to restore mobility and sight. Without the generous gift of more than 30,000 donors in the United States each year, many would still be waiting for a lifesaving gift. 20 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Website inspires woman to donate Cynthia Decker, of Oklahoma City, she continued in the process in order of medications and was able to finish throughout history. At that moment has a generous heart. to help someone else who might be high school, and continued onto he received a phone call and let it go For years, she had the Little Red waiting and it was an easy decision college where he earned his degree to voicemail. The phone rang again, Heart on her license, but because she for her to make. in Education. He began to work as a and he saw that it was the transplant was so passionate about it, she began “There was so much testing – lab high school history and government center and took the call. Milton a process to save another person’s work, x-rays, ultrasounds, cat scans, teacher, while also serving as an shares, “There was an altruistic donor life. interviews with physicians, social associate pastor at his church. for me who was a match, and they In June 2012, Cynthia was browsing workers, transplant coordinators, One day while teaching, Milton wanted to do the transplant the very thru Craigslist and stumbled across an psychiatrists and more. I also received a call from his doctor next week!” He could hardly contain ad from a 38-year-old single mother had to have some tests run on my and was told that he would need to his excitement! in need of a kidney transplant. liver, which all came back fine to start dialysis, to do the work of his She knew right away that she must continue. I received a tentative date kidneys. He began doing dialysis at The gift of life respond, so she made the call and on of December 10th for the transplant, home for eight to nine hours every On December 10th, Milton received July 5th she received the necessary and I was so excited. It was almost day — and the doctors told him he his kidney transplant and had a paperwork to start her journey. A few time for ‘My Little Kidney’ to become needed a kidney transplant to survive. successful surgery, and the kidney months later, she began being tested ‘OUR Little Kidney,” Cynthia said. Nearly 35 of Milton’s friends and started functioning right away. to donate a kidney to this woman in family were tested as potential donors, “In just a few days I felt so much need. About Milton but none of them were a match. This better than I ever had! I was only in During the process of lab work, Milton was very athletic, and one was discouraging for him, and he the hospital for two days. Now I enjoy testing, interviews and more, Cynthia day began losing weight and dropped was later placed on a paired donation having enough energy to run and play learned that the potential recipient 65 pounds very quickly. He was list in hopes of receiving a kidney with my daughter and keep up with had recently found a match through taken to Children’s Hospital and transplant sooner. my students, Milton said. a friend who ended up donating their diagnosed with a disease that infected One morning Milton was teaching After Milton’s surgery, the hospital kidney to her. his kidneys called Focal Segmental his history class and they were Cynthia knew that there were many Glomerulosclerosis. talking about helping others, and that •Please see Passion, others in need of a transplant – so He was put on a high dose regimen was how people kept things going Page 21 Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 21 Passion •Continued from Page 20 staff asked if he and his wife, Brittany, wanted to meet his donor. The couple was able to meet Cynthia for the first time before they each went home from the hospital. Milton and his family have stayed in close touch with Cynthia, almost as if she became a part of their family. Since the surgery, Milton has been installed as a pastor at his church. Cynthia wanted to surprise him by attending the service. “When his daughter opened the door and saw me standing there, she got a huge smile on her face! She knew I was the one who saved her daddy’s life. It melted my heart and I knew it was God’s plan for OUR kidney’s journey.”

Provided Cynthia Decker, left, is pictured with Milton, who received a kidney from Cynthia.

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to our community. Join the cause, and help your community become a WEATHERFORD’S HEALTH CARE better Us. PROVIDER FOR ALL AGES 3731 LEGACY • WEATHERFORD, OK 73096 1400 N Airport Rd, Weatherford OK, 73096 580.772.6777 22 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers What does it cost to donate? A common question that is asked by make it easier to become a living donor people that either want to donate an by providing time off for state or organ or needing to receive one is, what private sector employees. Some states is this going to cost. also offer tax deductions or credits The cost for the receiver and the for travel expenses and time away donor are usually nothing because it is from work. And in the other states, almost always covered by that person’s legislation has only been introduced, but insurance or by the Transplant Centers not signed into law yet. Organ Acquisition Fund (OAF). Needless to say, if someone is in need In either circumstance, the living of a transplant or plan on donating an donor should not incur any expenses for organ and is worried about expenses, the evaluation, and the actual donation contact an insurance agency and they surgery is covered by the recipients should be able to give more information insurance. on it. Anything that falls outside of the transplant centers donor evaluation will not be covered. A few examples of this would be, annual physicals, travel, lodging, lost wages and other non- medical expenses. Expenses related to another health concern that may be identified during the evaluation process will not be covered by the recipients insurance or the OAF. Many states have passed laws that Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 23

LifeShare donors ANGELS CARE HOME HEALTH save 487 lives in 2018 WHAT WE DO Randy Spicer II LifeShare also works with 145 Here is what we can do for you! City Editor healthcare organizations in Oklahoma to “facilitate donation, on top of raising • Skilled Nursing From humble beginnings in 1986, the awareness for organ, eye and tissue • Wound Care LifeShare of Oklahoma program has donation and transplantation through • Falls Prevention played an instrumental role in helping public education.” • Medication management and education donors transplant vital organs to people Officials across the state encourage desperately in need. people to register to be an organ, eye • Disease management and education More than 30 years later, the and tissue donor to save more lives. • Anodyne® Therapy for neuropathy and pain organization reports it helped transplant There are three ways to join the • Blood Glucose Monitoring Education 529 organs in 2017. In 2018 that LifeShare Donor Registry: • Hospital Transitional Care Programs number rose to 542, an all-time record License/State ID: When a driver’s (CHF, Pneumonia, Heart Attack) for the organization. And, according license or state ID card is issued, a to LifeShare, 487 lives were saved last person has the opportunity to say yes to • Therapy (Physical, Speech and Occupational) year by donors. organ, eye and tissue donation. •C are Connections Pre-Palliative Care Program Overall more than 750,000 Then they will have an opportunity •Behavioral Health Program transplants have taken place across to donate a dollar to the Oklahoma the United States since 1988. Every Donor Education Fund. If someone is Proudly serving: 10 minutes another person is added registered on their license or state ID to the national transplant waiting list, card, they do not need to register in Clintonand surrounding areas according to numerous organizations. any other way. 580-547-4265

As of January 2019, there were more It’s possible to register online An AngMar Managed Company angelscarehealth.com than 113,000 men, women and children at www.LifeShareRegistry.org. on the list. Registering online gives you the ability LifeShare of Oklahoma is a nonprofit, to access the registry page and change federally-designated organ procurement the donation information. organization based in Oklahoma City. On the phone: Call (800) 826-LIFE It works with the OU Medical Center, and request a donor registration. After The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical the form is filled out and returned, Center, Integris Baptist Medical the donor’s name and donation wishes Center, Saint Francis Hospital and St. will be added to the LifeShare Donor John’s Medical Center. Registry. 24 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Remarkable ‘firsts’ of organ transplants

Randy Spicer II achievement is one of rejection. of nearly 115,000 City Editor many “firsts” across This case was Americans wait on a list. the world, including interesting not because While the simplest Organ transplants have surgeries after 1950 the recipient was a way to increase the come a long way since involving the heart, 68-year-old man, but odds is for more people the world’s first ever kidneys, liver and lungs. because the donor was a to register as donors, skin graft was performed In June 1950 the chimpanzee. according to U.S. in 1869 by Swiss doctor first successful kidney In a December 1967 News & World Report, Jacques-Louis Reverdin. transplant happened in surgery, which was researchers and scientists In a 2010 journal Chicago on a 44-year-old considered a transient are exploring new published in the U.S. woman with polycystic success, a 54-year- options such as animal- National Library of kidney disease. Dr. old man received the to-human transplants, Medicine, Spanish Richard Lawler at Little heart of a 25-year-old how to preserve organs doctor Luis Fariña-Pérez Company of Mary woman and survived for longer stretches said Reverdin reached Hospital performed the 18 days until he died of and how to use new most of his goals and transplantation. Although pneumonia. technology to print is most remembered the donated kidney was In 1981 the first organs. for performing the rejected 10 months later, successful lung The report, published transplant. the woman’s remaining transplant was actually in September 2018, Fariña-Pérez highlights kidney recovered and a heart-lung transplant indicates many big the Reverdin needle, one allowed her to live performed on a woman advances are changing of the several surgical another five years. who had pulmonary how the organs are instruments he designed, In January 1964 the hypertension. Dr. preserved outside had a revival in current first successful heart Bruce Reitz of Stanford the body, with new laparoscopic surgery. transplant was performed University performed the technology able to The transplant by Dr. James Hardy transplantation. “keep the organ at at the University of Recent advancements body temperature Mississippi Medical in the medical field while maintaining a Center, though the are yielding more flow of oxygenated patient died an hour after organs for transplant, blood, medication and surgery due to acute as a staggering number nutrients.” How to become a donor A lot of people may not know they consent for the donation of their can actually become an organ donor organs. This does not include tissue the day someone gets their driver’s donation or body donation. license. If someone wants to be more Anyone is eligible to join the detailed about their donations, they registry, regardless of medical history can register online at lifeshare.com or or health habits. Some people don’t call (800) 826-5433 to receive a form, sign up to be organ donors because and mail it back whenever a person is they assume they are either too old done. or aren’t healthy enough. But each Donors can include which organs person has the opportunity to help they want to donate and ones they do others in many ways. not. Donors must be 16 to register but If registering online and at the parents/guardians of minors 18 and DMV, the registration online younger are consulted before donation supersedes a driver’s license. There can occur. If someone registers at the are more than 900 people in Oklahoma DMV a red heart will be placed on a on the organ transplant waiting list; driver’s license or ID card. people could have the opportunity to This means someone is giving legal save up to eight lives. Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 25 Healthy decisions to make for potential donors

Madeline Mann when the donor’s health is not Staff Writer analyzed thoroughly and the infectious disease is transmitted to the recipient. Organizations such as Ochsner Diseases such as Lung, Kidney, Clinical Foundation, American Digestive and Urologic diseases are Society of Transplantation and even becoming more common throughout the U.S. Department of Health and the U.S. Diabetes is the leading cause Human Services tell the public there of kidney failure according to the NIH. are virtually no prerequisites when To prevent such diseases and registering as an organ donor. avoid personal need of a transplant This is true in terms of application, or decreasing the chance to donate though the quality of one’s donated to someone else, medical research organs may be bettered by ensuring a provides many life choices or health few simple health goals. decisions proven reliable. For example, according to healthcare For example, according to the CDC professionals, to be a healthy living the use of cigarettes will increase donor one should have a body mass risk of lung disease as well as heart index (BMI) of equal or less than disease. Reevaluating one’s diet may 32. BMI measures the extra weight decrease risk of heart disease and type on the body as a result of genetics, 2 diabetes. environment, health issues or diet. Liver and heart disease has been According to the National Heart, linked to excessive consumption of Lung, and Blood Institute, maintaining alcohol. Even ensuring ample sleep a healthy weight is as simple as for the body will decrease risk of heart following a healthy diet, staying disease and obesity. These preventive physically active and reducing time measures are simple and reasonable for spent physically inactive. the average U.S. citizen. Donation representatives might While these objectives may all be claim physical health has no influence obtained, it will still be up to the on ability to donate, though health discernment of the medical examiner professionals emphasize the importance whether or not a candidate is chosen of the health of each organ donated. for transplant. Any disease within the body may Until then, staying healthy will show decrease the likelihood of organ lasting benefits that will not only transplantation. Studies published improve chances at a healthy donation by Centers for Disease Control and but will also improve overall quality of Prevention highlight the instances life. 26 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers

Provided Breanna Fly lives everyday grateful for a priceless gift she received, and she pays it forward in her actions as a nurse. Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 27 Tulsa nurse honors woman who saved her life Breanna Fly, of Claremore, lives everyday grateful for a priceless gift she received, and she pays it forward in her actions as a nurse. On Christmas Eve in 2010, Breanna was enjoying time with her family eating, playing games and opening gifts. She took a nap that afternoon and woke up glowing yellow. Her mom rushed her to the nearest Emergency Room. Breanna was diagnosed with severe food poisoning and Hepatitis A. The doctors told Breanna the Hepatitis A would run its course and she would make a full recovery. Instead, it destroyed her liver. Breanna became lethargic and the ammonia levels in her body were so high she was significantly confused. She was life-flighted to OU Transplant Center on January 12. She was placed on the National Transplant Waiting List that night and, because of her condition, she had her liver transplant the next morning. After her transplant, Breanna felt healthier than she ever had. However, three months later her body rejected her liver, which resulted in a 27 day hospital visit. It was during this stay that Breanna fell in love with the idea of becoming a nurse. A passion was instilled in her to help others the way the nurses helped her. After Breanna recovered, she received a letter from a woman named America, the mother of the woman who saved Breanna’s life. The two have connected well, and they get together at least once a year. “My favorite thing is the ways I changed after my transplant. I took on different characteristics after transplant such as the way I ate, my personality becoming more outgoing and I developed a passion for fitness,” Breanna said. “America tells me that these are characteristics my donor carried through life. So in a way, I carry her with me in more ways than just physically.” Breanna has now graduated college and is a Registered Nurse. She gives back to the generosity of the precious gift of life that was given to her and honors her donor each day through her kindness and generosity with all of her patients. “What an amazing gift organ donation is. I am forever thankful for my donor’s decision to save lives. I hope that she would be proud of the way I have honored her life,” Breanna said. 28 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Childhood friend gives woman new lease on life Childhood observation and a generous call, from a number she initially didn’t heart saved one Oklahoma woman’s life 36 recognize, that changed her life. When she years after the two had lost connection. answered the phone, she realized it was Belinda Ball, of Tulsa, was born with a Claudia instantly because her voice had kidney defect and at just three years old not changed since high school. For a few she underwent surgeries to fix them. She minutes they had small talk and caught up grew up with frequent medical problems, on one another’s lives — until Claudia told including infections. When Belinda was in Belinda that she was a match and would the third grade, her friend Claudia noticed soon be donating a kidney to her. her struggle. Even at such a young age she Belinda was ecstatic and the two spoke wanted to help, and remembered watching on the phone that night for about six and a Belinda’s struggle throughout her adult life. half hours, as they had more than 36 years As Belinda got older, she began to work to catch up on. with her doctors to eat a healthy diet to Claudia quickly began to follow the improve the health of her kidneys. Even doctor’s orders and began such as walking with the new change in her lifestyle, her daily and adhering to a particular diet, doctors referred her to a dialysis center. in order to donate her healthy kidney to When she heard this news, reality hit Belinda. After following a healthy protocol her, knowing she would need a kidney and final testing from the transplant transplant to avoid dialysis. center, the two planned the surgery for the Her family members selflessly offered to beginning of 2016. become her kidney donor, which did not However, Belinda’s health began to turn out in her favor because of different decline, and she realized she may have blood or tissue type. Belinda’s husband to start dialysis. When she told Claudia began the testing to save his wife’s life and this news, Claudia immediately called not only was he a match — but he was an the transplant center and scheduled the identical match. He continued the testing, transplant for the closest date possible. but eventually was excluded because of Just four days before Christmas, Belinda Belinda’s petite stature which ultimately received the gift of life from her childhood meant she needed a smaller-sized kidney. best friend. Belinda was stunned and prayed even Across the United States, more than harder than she had been. 95,000 people are waiting for a kidney to On her tearful journey home from the save their life. Of these, nearly 500 are transplant center, she posted on Facebook. your fellow Oklahomans. The need for Unbeknownst to Belinda, her dear friend more organ donors is great — every 10 Claudia, from elementary school, began minutes, another person is added to the testing after 36 years of no communication national waiting list. LifeShare encourages between the two. all Oklahomans to register to be a donor Around March 15, Belinda received a and share their decision with their family.

Provided Belinda and Claudia, childhood best friends now share a forever bond. Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 29

April: National Donate Life Month National Donate Life Month (NDLM) was the moving circle of life. established by Donate Life America and its Bicycles come in all styles, shapes and sizes, partnering organizations in 2003. but each is comprised of the same components, Celebrated in April each year, Donate Life Month essential to supporting the rider and converting their features an entire month of local, regional and energy into motion. Similarly, organ, eye and tissue national activities to help encourage Americans donation offers many ways to give hope, support to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to and strength to patients waiting, recipients and donor celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift families. of donation. People carry the potential to help make LIFE a beautiful ride for others, and then for others, by National Donate Life Month 2019: registering as a donor, considering living donation, Life is a beautiful ride being a caregiver and championing the cause. For the 2019 National Donate Life Month theme, This National Donate Life Month, organizers ask Donate Life America was inspired by bicycles and for people to consider tehir role in this lifesaving and the phrase “Life is a beautiful ride.” healing journey, and how they can inspire others to Like the donation and transplantation journey, a provide hope through donor registration and living bicycle serves as a symbol of progress, renewal and donation.

waiting recipients total total received organ needed donors transplants

30 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers Oklahoma woman receives transplant at last minute

Heather Dean She spent time at the stomach virus. asked if they could Public Relations Coordinator lake with her family and When she arrived back directly donate their looked forward to family in Oklahoma, Conna loved ones liver to her. Conna Weaver, of vacations to the ocean. made an appointment Conna was humbled but Moore, wakes up and When she wasn’t with with her family doctor. excited; she thought this looks around her room her family, Conna was The morning of her might be her chance at and thinks to herself, working at a job she appointment, March 21, another life. However, “I’m really here?” adored. She worked more 2017, she began feeling though the process, Normal and mundane than 22 years keeping sick and started throwing they realized the liver days are often surreal to semi-truck drivers safe up blood. She was rushed was not transplantable. her; remembering the and compliant on the to the emergency room. A few months later, journey to her second road. Through a series of Conna realized she was chance at life. Her health had always tests, the doctors realized even weaker than she Conna lived a very been fairly good, but she had cirrhosis of thought she could ever active life — w with four her legs and feet swelled the liver and would be. She couldn’t get out grown kids and nine constantly for several need a transplant to of bed and she knew grandchildren all involved years. Typically, doctors survive. Five months something was wrong. in their respective hobbies diagnose swelling with later, after many Her husband took her to and within miles of her heart issues, so Conna doctors’ appointments the hospital and found — she never missed underwent multiple tests and meetings she was out she had sepsis, anything. to ensure she had no officially on the waiting a life-threatening heart issues. Her doctors list. condition caused by her did notice that she had It was surreal for Conna body’s response to an high liver enzymes. He to be listed. She had infection. The doctors sent her for a CAT scan always been on-the-go, took her directly to the before a procedure and but she found herself Intensive Care Unit. called her to come into unable to work, sick and She was on life his office the next day. waiting for the phone support, and the The doctor told to ring with the hope of medical staff was her news she wasn’t a second chance. She making her as expecting: her liver was waited for one and a half comfortable as not functioning. She years. possible. The doctors began seeing a specialist, As Conna waited, she talked to her family who encouraged her to was scared; her feet and — assuring them they have a healthy diet and ankles were swollen. did everything they lose weight to get her Her quality of life was could to save her life. liver numbers looking depleted and she felt They would continue to better. Throughout the like a burden to her give her medication to process, Conna lost more family. Worst of all, be comfortable, but she than 100 pounds. Conna realized she was would be discharged After her fourth visit not improving and just soon to spend her last with the liver doctor, he getting weaker by the days at home. told her to continue this day. Robin, a friend healthy lifestyle because A glimmer of hope of Conna, who had her numbers were came in the form of a received a liver improving. Encouraged, phone call one night. transplant was sitting in she went on vacation with A family friend had a the room with her and her granddaughter to the stroke, and was becoming encouraging her. ocean. While she was an organ donor. The “Don’t give up,” there, she got sick with family immediately •Please see Last minute, what she thought was a thought of Conna and Page 31 Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers • 31 Last minute •Continued from Page 30

Provided Conna Weaver, left, and husband, Jimmy, are pictured at right. Through a series of tests, doctors realized Conna had cirrhosis of the liver and would need a transplant to survive. Five months later, after many doctors’ appointments and meetings she was officially on the waiting list.

Robin said. hearing the news. She April is National A few minutes later, woke up feeling better Donate Life Month. she saw doctors and than she had in years. Across the United States, nurses gathering in the Humbled, Conna more than 115,000 hallway. Conna thought realizes that the worst individuals wait for an this might be bad news day of one family’s life organ transplant to save again — but the doctor was the best day of hers. their life. Thousands walked in and told her Through the midst of more are in need of something she wasn’t this family’s tragedy, tissue and corneal expecting. they chose to give life transplants to restore “We found a perfect to someone like Conna mobility and sight. match for you,” the — who chooses to do Without the generous surgeon explained. good with this new life gift of more than 30,000 “You’re getting a she was been given. She donors in the United transplant today.” honors her donor by States each year, many Conna underwent loving her grandkids and would still be waiting for surgery within hours of spreading positivity. a lifesaving gift. 32 • Weekender, April 27, 2019, Reid Newspapers