UW Organ donation program and an Ithaca fundraiser

RICHLAND CENTER, Wis (WRCO / WRCE) – The University of Wisconsin (UW) Organ and Tissue Donation program is recognized as one of the most successful organ procurement programs in the United States.

The program, based in Madison, Wis is dedicated to saving and improving lives through organ and tissue donation, while also supporting donor families with compassion and expertise.

Many people in the Richland County area, including Ithaca graduate Kreg Perkins, have benefited from organ and tissue donation transplants. Without this critical service, many area patients would not survive.

The UW Organ and Tissue Donation team collaborates with over 100 hospitals across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Illinois to facilitate donations. They manage the entire process for living AND deceased organ donors, including evaluation, recovery, preservation, and providing organs for transplantation, research, and education.

If you would like to become a LIVING donor, please visit the following UW Health web page to initiate the process.

Their mission is to advocate for donors, donor families, and recipients, while educating healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of organ and tissue donation. They also work to increase the number of registered donors, as only 58% of Americans are currently registered, despite 95% supporting the idea.

If you would like to become an organ and tissue donor, the process only takes a few seconds and can help save someone’s life. To start the online process, simply click the following LINK.

The topic of Friday’s (March 14th) WRCO Morning Show at 9:10a will be organ and tissue donation. Joining Phil Nee will be local organ donation recipient Kreg Perkins, Melissa Meyer Marketing Strategist at UW Organ and Tissue Donation, and Juli Thompson – contact liaison for the Ithaca Lions Club “Perkins Fundraiser” event.

To help with medical expenses and to share life-saving organ donation information, the Ithaca Lions Club will be spearheading a community event.

The Club will host a pancake breakfast and silent auction Sunday, March 16, from 7:00a to 12:30p at the Ithaca High School Commons. The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for students, and free for preschoolers. Proceeds will benefit Kreg Perkins for medical expenses.

If you would like to donate to the sale or auction, contact Julie Thompson at 507-458-5327 or Marge Brock at 608-604-7054.

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