URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Those who have had their lives impacted by organ donation shared personal stories at a Donate Life event hosted by Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on Wednesday.
Carle Health, in partnership with Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, is raising awareness about the importance of organ donation through the event which honored personal stories.
All eight Carle Health hospitals work with Gift of Hope to facilitate organ and tissue donation, transition patients who registered their intent to be organ donors and provide support to their loved ones through the experience.
The keynote speaker was Melissa Bornder, a parent whose 17-year-old son, Elijah Luczaj, gave both kidneys following an accidental death.Â
Other speakers included:
- Steve Benoit, of Urbana, a kidney recipient and husband of Ronna Benoit, RN, CVICU at Carle Foundation Hospital
- Elizabeth Angelo, DNP, Carle Foundation Hospital president and Carle Health chief executive nursing officer
- Harry Wilkins, MD, CEO, and Liz Ewing of Gift of Hope
- Jeffrey McPike , Carle Foundation Hospital Chaplain
Click here to learn more about families affected by organ donation.
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