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Donor Network Celebrates Its 25th
Anniversary - January 22, 2003
This year, the New York Organ Donor Network commemorates its
25th Anniversary. The Donor Network started out in
1978 as the New York Regional Transplant Program (NYRTP). We
assumed the Donor Network name in May 1997.
The 25th Anniversary theme will be woven into all of our events
during 2003, including National Donate Life Month in April,
and National Donor Sabbath in November. Many that contributed
to our success, including individuals, donor families, transplant
centers and hospitals, will be honored during the year.
Elaine Berg, Donor Network President and CEO, believes that,
as we mark our 25th year of service, the organization cannot
continue to operate under the status quo. Ms. Berg points out
that approximately 6,800 patients are awaiting an organ transplant
in the New York metropolitan area, the region served by the
Donor Network. Thousands more need tissues, such as musculoskeletal
tissues, skin and corneas.
"For this reason," Ms. Berg says, "to commemorate a quarter
century of saving lives through transplantation, we plan to
redouble our public and professional educational efforts about
the critical need for organ and tissue donors. Although we have
made numerous changes in the past few years, which have resulted
in improved performance, we are still unable to achieve our
goals with respect to meeting the needs of all those in our
communities awaiting transplant. We must create a paradigm shift,
so that organ and tissue donation becomes universally accepted
as a fundamental societal value."
To coincide with its Silver Anniversary, the Donor Network will
reach out to corporations, both for funding for educational
programs and to encourage expanded enrollment in the New York
State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. One of the year's highlights
will be our first-ever fundraising dinner gala, scheduled to
take place on November 13 at The Waldorf-Astoria in Manhattan.
All proceeds from the gala will be invested in our public education
programs.
Commenting on our Silver Anniversary, Lewis Teperman, M.D.,
Chair of our Board of Directors, and Director of Transplantation
at NYU Medical Center, says: "With the Donor Network no longer
in its infancy, we are in a position, under the guidance of
Elaine Berg, to become a leader on a national level. We expect
organ donation to rise due to the new public and professional
educational programs that will be rolled out in the next few
years. It is my honor to be chairman of this organization, and
to watch its growth. I am proud to be a part of a very capable
team."
For more information, contact Martin Woolf, 212-870-3960 or
mwoolf@nyodn.org
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