The Gift of Life
Organ, eye, and tissue donation transforms lives and spreads hope at Kaweah Delta
RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE
The loss of a cherished loved one is never an ordeal a family is prepared
to experience. But when that loved one is registered as an organ, eye,
and tissue donor, the gift of life they bestow on others can help families
heal from the pain of their loss.
Kaweah Delta is honored to provide families with the support they need
when navigating the path to organ donation. The medical center is making
a difference every day through a partnership with Donor Network West,
the organ and tissue recovery organization for Central and Northern California
and Northern Nevada. “The well-being of our patients and our community
is very important. We care for them,” said Regina Sawyer, Vice President
and Chief Nursing Officer for Kaweah Delta. “Organ and tissue donation
is a gift like no other. We are glad to join Donor Network West in celebrating
those who have received the gift of life, and to honor the donors and
their families who make life possible.”
2018 was a record year for organ donation at Kaweah Delta as a result of
the compassionate work of its medical staff and a caring culture that
truly believes in the power of organ donation. In total, 12 donors saved
48 lives via organ transfer in 2018. After each donation, if the family
authorizes, donors are honored with the rising of the Donate Life flag,
a touching element giving community members who are passing by the medical
center an opportunity to recognize the gift of life just given from one
resident to another.
During a special ceremony in November 2018, the family of an organ donor
and an organ recipient who was given a kidney at a time of need shared
their stories at the medical center as it welcomed the Wall of Hope, a
traveling exhibit featuring stories and photos of community members impacted
by organ, eye, and tissue donation. German Amezcua, the father of a donor
in Fresno, and Sunny Luna, a kidney recipient of Visalia both spoke during
the event, which took place inside the hospital’s Acequia Wing.
The Wall of Hope was on display at Kaweah Delta for 10 days.
“Organ, eye, and tissue donation is possible because of life-transforming
decisions made by donors and their families. But we could not carry out
those wishes without Kaweah Delta’s unwavering support,” said
Jason Bailey, Regional Director of Donor Network West. “By displaying
the Wall of Hope, the hospital allowed us to continue to highlight donation
in the communities we serve together.”
According to Donor Network West, 22,000 people are waiting for an organ
transplant in California, and the need is great in Tulare County where
420 people are still waiting for their second chance at life. Unfortunately,
only half of the county’s residents are organ and tissue donors.
One organ donor can save the lives of up to eight people and a tissue
donor can heal more than 75 others. “Though it was not an easy decision
for us, donating our son’s organs was the right thing to do,”
expressed Amezcua. “Donation helps families with their grieving
in a way. Knowing that something positive can come out of a loss is very
healing.”
Kaweah Delta has received a Platinum Award from the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services as part of the Workplace Partnership for Life.
The award from the federal government is for Kaweah Delta’s involvement
in educating the community about organ donation. Kaweah Delta is the only
hospital in the Central Valley to have received the Platinum Award three
years in a row.
Kaweah Delta is proud to take the charge of promoting organ, eye, and tissue
donation in our community. “Donation touches us all as illnesses
do not see race, ethnicity, religion, or socioeconomic status,”
Amezcua stated. “It’s on all of us to make a difference together
and promote organ and tissue donation in our communities.” Like
the pictures and stories featured on the Wall of Hope, we can inspire
others to register as donors, and spread hope that has the power to overshadow tragedy.
RETURN TO PREVIOUS PAGE