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Organ transplant
Patient Information
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UK/UofL Gift of Life Challenge Promotes Organ/Tissue Donation
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 17, 2006) − The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville are taking their storied rivalry out of the sports arenas and into the medical arena. The two schools are standing together in a friendly competition supporting organ and tissue donation.
The UK/UofL Gift of Life Challenge was developed in the spirit of competition to raise community awareness about the life-giving opportunity of organ donation and transplantation. The universities are competing to see which school can gather the most donor registration forms, making people eligible to become organ/tissue donors. The competition is already underway and will run until Dec.8. The forms must be complete with driver's license numbers and must also be signed. The winning school will be recognized and presented with a trophy during half time of the Dec. 16 UK vs. U of L basketball game. The real winner, of course, will be those awaiting potentially life-saving organs.
The Gift of Life Challenge is in its sixth year, with UK winning four of the previous five years. The public can fill out organ registry forms at the following locations:
- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. November 28-30, at the UK Student Center (across from Starbucks)
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 4-8, in the UK Chandler Hospital front lobby (outside the gift shop).
Individuals who have decided to become organ and tissue donors should tell their families about their decision.
"Nearly 90,000 Americans are currently waiting for an organ as their only hope for life-saving treatment including over 600 Kentuckians, with a new person added every 14 minutes. We want to assist the faculty, staff and student body in becoming informed about organ/tissue donation and transplantation," said Ashley Karathanasis, director, UK Transplant Program.
For more information about the Gift of Life Challenge or organ donation please visit the Kentucky Organ Donor Affiliates Web site.
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