Heroes Honored for Selfless Donations to Save Lives
UR Medicine is celebrating the heroes whose donations of organs, eye, tissue and bone marrow provided second chances for critically ill patients last year. Their names will be unveiled on the Gift of Life Honor Wall at Strong Memorial Hospital, the Finger Lakes region’s only transplant center.
The tribute spotlights the powerful role donors have in lifesaving care, and is part of UR Medicine’s celebration of Donate Life Month with the Rochester River Run/Walk 5K Sunday, April 13.
The Honor Wall is a beautiful digital display recognizing the more than 250 individuals who made selfless donations at Strong last year.
“We are grateful for the deceased donor families who make transplant possible while grieving the loss of their loved one, our living donors who generously offer up a part of themselves to help someone else live a full life, and our recipients who receive the gift of life and carry on the legacy of their donor,” said Kathy Parrinello, CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals.
Rhonda Remmel lost her son, Zachary, six months ago, and knowing that he changed others’ lives through organ donation makes her proud. Born with Down syndrome and autism, he faced many challenges, but it was his smile and enthusiasm that family and friends won’t forget.
“Zachary was the most loveable soul, and he liked to meet new people. He was a big hugger--sometimes it was a run-and-hug, and you had to plant your feet as he approached,” Remmel said with a laugh.
Those memories and an unexpected letter lift her heart when grief is overwhelming.
“A few weeks ago, I got a card from a person who received Zachary’s tissue during knee surgery. They said: ‘I’m healing and will be back and better, thanks to your son.’ It made me so happy to see Zachary lives on through others,” Remmel said. “It was wonderful to see their handwriting and I carried the card around with me for a few days.”
These heroes’ donations were supported by Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network (FLDRN), the region’s organ procurement organization, and UR Medicine’s Transplant Institute and Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program.
The Honor Wall, located near the Main Lobby, is a result of generous support from Sedgwick Business Interiors to honor an organ donor who was special to employees.
“The exhibit is a steady reminder of the sacrifices that individuals and families make. They chose to save someone’s life, allowing second chances to become a reality. We never forget their heroism,” said Robert Gruenenfelder, executive director of FLDRN.
FLDRN coordinates organ donation in 20 counties with a population of 2.4 million and serves two transplant centers and 38 hospitals in the Finger Lakes Region, and Central and Northern New York. Staff also work to raise awareness to expand the state’s organ, eye, and tissue registry.
Consider joining the New York State Donate Life Registry and NMDP Registry to become a lifesaver.
Rochester River Run Supports Transplant Patients
The River Run/Walk 5K, which supports local transplant patients, is set for 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 13 at Genesee Valley Park Roundhouse Shelter.
Sponsored by Friends of Strong Memorial Hospital and UR Medicine’s organ transplant teams, the event supports patients while they await and recovery from transplantation surgery.
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