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Recent News...

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Grand Opening of Blood Donation Center at DeGraff Memorial Hospital

3rd Annual Bear Open

Upstate New York Transplant Services and University at Buffalo receive 9th straight HRSA award...

Niagara Falls High School leads turnout for Upstate New York Transplant Services Community Blood Drives...

Upstate New York Transplant Services eclipses 1,000 total donors in 2007...

2nd Annual Transformations After Hours...

rest in peace Mr. President...

Ronan Tynan at the Donate Life Program...

Gerda Klein at Clergy Education Day...

Donor Mom Stacie Pickel reunites with Transplant Recipients...

African American Leadership Seminar...

Upstate New York Transplant Services announces Grand Opening of blood donation center at DeGraff Memorial Hospital

BUFFALO, NY – Upstate New York Transplant Services hosted an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, August 11th, 2008 to celebrate the grand opening of a blood donation center at Kaleida Health’s DeGraff Memorial Hospital.  Upstate New York Transplant Services has been the primary supplier of blood products to the hospital since December of 2007. 

New York State Senator and North Tonawanda native, George D. Maziarz, delivered the keynote address at the August 11th event alongside Mark J. Simon, President & CEO of Upstate New York Transplant Services and Tamara Owen, President of DeGraff Memorial Hospital.  “With 100% of donations staying within our Western New York community, it is a powerful personal impact you can make by selecting Upstate New York Transplant Services as the organization that receives your blood,” said Owen.

The institution of a fixed donation site within Niagara County will provide local residents with a convenient and dependable location to donate, and will help to ensure that local patients have blood available when they need it.  “In January 2008 I was admitted to DeGraff with internal bleeding, and required two units of blood,” said Carmela Amabile, supporter and volunteer of DeGraff Memorial Hospital.  “Fortunately, the blood was readily available due to the community blood bank of Upstate New York Transplant Services.  Because of the transfusions I received I have returned to good health.”

The blood donation center operates every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00am – 6:00pm, and every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 7:00am – 2:00pm.  It is located in the Skilled Nursing Facility off the main parking lot at DeGraff Memorial Hospital, 445 Tremont Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120. 

Since beginning collections in July 2007 Upstate New York Transplant Services has already become the primary supplier of blood products for the 6 hospitals in Niagara and Wyoming Counties, and for Kaleida Health’s DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital and Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. As Upstate New York Transplant Services begins to supply more facilities, the total 5-year savings for the region is projected at $20 million.  This is a savings which will positively affect healthcare in the Western New York community, leading to improved patient care and better efficiency.

On Thursday, July 17th The Zenger Group, Printing Services Network, held its 9th Annual Bear Open - George J. Zenger Memorial Golf Tournament at Glen Oak golf course - raking in another sell-out crowd. For the 4th year in a row, the tournament was held to benefit Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS).  

To date, the tournament has raised over $140,000 in support of Upstate New York Transplant Services - specifically funding initiatives to increase knowledge, education and awareness surrounding organ, eye, tissue and blood donation. Through the Bear Open, The Zenger Group has become a major supporter of Upstate New York Transplant Services' Donate Life Program - an initiative designed to boost knowledge and awareness regarding donation and teach valued public relations skills throughout area high schools.

At the Bear Open 2008, golfers enjoyed 18 holes of blue sky and sunshine with temperatures reaching into the 80's.  Once score cards were tallied up, teams retreated to the dining patio where they joined family, friends and volunteers for a delicious meal, live music by Dr. Thomas P. Stewart and the Fox Chapel Band and a Silent Auction displaying everything from Buffalo sports memorabilia to a barbecue enthusiast's dream kit.   

Each year, in demonstration of the work that UNYTS does, someone is selected to tell a personal story with regard to donation and transplantation.  This year's chosen speaker was kidney recipient and UNYTS volunteer, Amy Nash.  Amy was diagnosed with kidney disease in 1984 during her senior year at the University at Buffalo.  As her health deteriorated, she was placed on the transplant waiting list.  Due to the kindness of strangers, Amy received a new kidney, giving her a second chance at life. Now, 21 years later, Amy is searching for a third chance.  Her donated kidney has failed and she is currently awaiting a new one.  Although Amy has dealt with many struggles in her life, she continues to focus on the good she has experienced. "From the first inexplicable act - the kindness of strangers, my donor family, who were able to look past their own grief to help me, even though we have never met one another, to the daily love I am able to experience with my husband, Jerry, our son, Nicholas, my mom, Diane, my sisters, Mary Ellen and Ann, and their families. My life is richer because of each one of them, and I literally have this life only because of the tireless work UNYTS does. I cannot overstate that fact."

George J. Zenger, "Bear," proved that one person can make a difference, and he gave all to what he felt was important in life - his family and his community. In establishing the Bear Open his children have continued their father's leadership, vision, advocacy and generosity in support of a cause.
We thank the Zenger family for their continued generosity, and hope that Bear is proud of what his children have accomplished, and what they have done to further our organization.

Upstate New York Transplant Services and University at Buffalo receive record 9th HRSA award.

Buffalo, NY – Upstate New York Transplant Services was awarded substantial federal funding to further organ and tissue donor awareness and designations throughout the eight counties of Western New York. The funding, in conjunction with the University at Buffalo and Independent Health, is the result of a competitive grant process through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

This is the ninth HRSA award for Upstate New York Transplant Services and the University of Buffalo to increase donor awareness and registration. These partners have received more competitive HRSA grant awards than any other organization of its kind nationwide. Total funds awarded nearly surpass $4.5m.

"This sustained success, evidenced by the fact that our projects have been funded nine times, speaks to our credibility as an organization, the dedication of our partners and the ability of Dr. Judith H. Tamburlin to put together a sound plan and study," said Mark J. Simon, President & CEO of Upstate New York Transplant Services.

This year's award, totaling over $425,000 over two years and in partnership with UB and Independent Health, carries the overall goal of increasing the number of individuals who formally declare their intent to donate organs and tissue and inform their family members of their decision.

Previous studies have found the two most frequently trusted sources for having discussions surrounding organ and tissue donation were physicians and their staff. However, given the nature of discussions with one’s primary care physician, studies have also found those conversations unlikely to take place.

“Given that providers deal with individuals on issues ranging from immediate health, to wellness programs and preventative measures, to end of life decisions, we believe education through the HMO provider can be equally effective in increasing knowledge surrounding organ and tissue donation as one’s primary care office,” said Dr. Tamburlin, Research Assistant Professor in Biotechnical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences at the University at Buffalo.

“Nearly 100,000 individuals in the United States today are waiting life-saving transplant, Tamburlin continued. “The universal goal in the effort to alleviate the shortage of transplantable organs is to increase the number of individuals that register as donors and consent to donation when given the choice. We would like these decisions to be based on informed discussions from credible sources – and health care providers are a natural fit with that,” Tamburlin concluded.

Previous awards from HRSA have included most recently 3-year funding for the Donate Life School Program (formerly Life Lessons), a unique effort in area high schools designed to boost awareness with regard to donation in the form of student-run public relations campaigns. The program was the first of its kind nationwide.

"Upstate New York Transplant Services continues to serve as the national model in both donor outreach efforts and consent-rates to donation,” continued Simon. “And not only have these grants helped to determine industry best-practices, but all of our grants have experienced tangible results in the form of donor designations and consents to donation granted," continued Simon, "and those are inherently good and life-saving choices," Simon concluded.

Niagara Falls High School leads region in turnout for Community Blood Drives.

Niagara Falls, NY –Niagara Falls High School announced today it achieved the

highest turnout for any blood drive through Upstate New York Transplant Services in 2007. Niagara Falls High School had over 140 students present – nearly tripling the average turnout for all Upstate New York Transplant Services blood drives and more than doubling the average turnout at high school-based drives. In 2007, Upstate New York Transplant Services held over 300 drives through over 250 businesses, high schools, universities and community groups.

“The achievement of Niagara Falls High School is nothing short of remarkable,” said UNYTS President & CEO Mark J. Simon “Our regional high schools have long been a most captive audience with regard to our organ and tissue donation awareness efforts, and now through community blood drives and blood donation Niagara Falls High and many others are responding to this same message of the Gift of Life in resounding ways,” Simon concluded.

To read more about high school programs, click here!

Upstate New York Transplant Services eclipses 1,000 total donors in 2007!

For the first time in history, Upstate New York Transplant Services eclipsed 1,000 total organ, eye and tissue donors in a single year. The announcement came among a 35% increase in eye and tissue donation from 2006 to 2007, and Upstate New York Transplant Services holding the highest organ donor conversion rate of the fifty-eight organ procurement organizations nationwide. Organ donor conversion rate is the percent of eligible organ donors whose family or next-of-kin consents to donation with the consent resulting in a successful transplant. Upstate New York Transplant Services rate of 91.1% is first nationwide and nearly 30% higher than the national average.

"This region's achievement in donation is in direct correlation with the dedicated work of our clincial staff and hospital partners," said Mark J. Simon, President & CEO of Upstate New York Transplant Services. "People throughout Western New York have been realizing for quite some time now that donation is vital - and transplantation saves lives," Simon concluded.

Upstate New York Transplant Services works with 28 hospitals in the region and other procurement organizations and transplant centers across the country in coordinating organ, eye and tissue donation. The organization is one of only eigh nationwide to offer opportunities for organ, eye and tissue donation. With the addition of the Community Blood Service in June of 2007, the organization has become the first of its kind nationwide.

Upstate New York Transplant Services 2nd Annual Transformations After Hours...Buffalo Business Takes Center Stage gathers support for Gift of Life.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown joined other prominent area professionals showcasing musical talents at Upstate New York Transplant Services’ 2nd Annual Transformations After Hours…Buffalo Business Takes Center Stage. The event was given to further organ, tissue and community blood donation awareness and registration, and co-chaired for the second year in a row by Sara Anderson and Madonna J. Spitler.

“Western New York is a national leader in terms of organ and tissue donation awareness and consents," said Mayor Byron Brown. "And if I can use some of my lesser-known talents to help further support this effort, and to help bring area donation rates to where they need to be, that is any easy choice to make," Mayor Brown concluded.

For the past eighteen months, Upstate New York Transplant Services has maintained the highest organ donor conversion rate out of 58 organ procurement organizations nationwide. Organ conversion rate is the percentage of eligible organ donors whose family or next-of-kin consented to donation with the consent resulting in successful transplant. Upstate New York Transplant Services’ rate of 91.1% is roughly 30% higher than the national average.

In addition, Upstate New York Transplant Services had nearly 1,000 total donors in 2006 – with increases of 112 tissue and 93 eye donors respectively. However, Western New York donates blood in rates below the national average. Currently, roughly 4% of the eligible blood donor population donates, with more than 10,000 donors giving only once a year.

This is partly the reason Upstate New York Transplant Services was approached by a group of area hospitals two years ago under the premise of bettering – in both practice and price – the regional blood program.

“This event and our organization are about furthering the Gift of Life,” said Upstate New York Transplant Services President & CEO Mark J. Simon. “Whether this is through organ, tissue and now community blood donation, we are committed to continuing our success in organ and tissue donation and helping to bring area blood donation levels to what is needed,” Simon continued.

Click here to read entire release

Rest in Peace Mr. President...A Seminar on the three Presidential Funerals held in Buffalo

presented by Todd Van Beck

New York State Funeral Directors gathered at the The Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society on Thursday, May 31st to hear leading historian Todd Van Beck outline three Presidential deaths and subsequent funerals with a Buffalo aspect to them.

In the route to burial, the body of President Abraham Lincoln re-traced the initial route from Springfield, Illinios to Washington, DC when Lincoln was first elected President where a stop at The American Hotel in Buffalo was included. President William McKinley was assassinated in Buffalo while visiting the Pan-American Exposition, and President Millard Fillmore died in his Buffalo home of a stroke.

Mr. Van Beck presented these deaths and funerals in vivid detail - while explaining the Victorian Era themes which are prevalent throughout all three.

For more information on Upstate New York Transplant Services' initiatives and programs with funeral directors, please contact Ralph Klicker at 716.566.3941 or rklicker@unyts.org.

Click here for pictures from the event (pdf)

Irish Tenor, Physician and Paralympic Athlete Ronan Tynan joins with Upstate New York Transplant Services in honoring the students of Life Lessons.

The students and advisors of Life Lessons, supporters of The Gift of Life and fans of Ronan Tynan gathered at Kleinhans Music Hall this evening to hear inspirational words and song from the Irish Tenor and to salute and recognize the schools and students of the program.

Life Lessons is a pioneering program begun by Upstate New York Transplant Services in conjunction with the University at Buffalo with the goal to increase organ, tissue and eye donor registration and awareness among area teens – particularly students in their Junior and Senior years of high school. In the program, the students learn the importance of becoming registered organ and tissue donors in addition to gaining knowledge from public relations experts in how best to launch effective donor registry and awareness campaigns within their own schools.

Skits on morning announcements at Lockport High School, trivia contests with prizes at St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute and guests speakers at Sacred Heart Academy were just some of the strategies used at area schools – with fifteen in all partaking in the effort.

“Those in need of and awaiting the Gift of Life are most helped by a strong and vibrant donor registry. Educating area teens works to support that – generations from now. In addition, the program teaches these students how best to relate to their peers in a professional manner – a skill not often learned until later in life yet applicable to any path these young minds may choose,” said Mark J. Simon, President & CEO, Upstate New York Transplant Services, Inc.

The schools of Life Lessons are: Canisius High School; Cheektowaga Sloan John F. Kennedy; Clarence Senior High School; Depew High School; Sacred Heart Academy Mount Mercy Academy; Lockport High School; Starpoint High School; Williamsville South High School; St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute; Grand Island Senior High School; Niagara Catholic High School; The Nichols High School; City Honors School; Hamburg High School.

Author and Holocaust Survivor Gerda Weissmann Klein joins with Upstate New York Transplant Services in educating clergy in dealing in the aftermath of loss.

A one-time Western New York resident, Gerda Weissmann Klein has extensive experience helping others deal with tragedy, loss and grief. A Holocaust survivor, Ms. Klein has counseled students in the aftermath of Columbine High School, in addition to those who had to experience the horrors of Oklahoma City and the September 11th attacks. Ms. Klein’s body of work includes A Boring Evening at Home (2004), The Hours After: Letters of Love in the War’s Aftermath (2001), Passion for Sharing (1984), Promise of a New Spring: The Holocaust and Renewal (1982), The Blue Rose (1974), All But My Life (1957).

Ms. Klein has spoken before the United Nations and has been featured on 60 Minutes. Her story is now an HBO documentary, One Survivor Remembers, which won an Academy Award in 1995.

Ms. Klein joined with Upstate New York Transplant Services to share her story, and to advise clergy in how to help as Ms. Klein so often does.

We thank her for her visit back to Buffalo!

Donor Mom and Upstate New York Transplant Services Family Services Counselor Stacie Pickel celebrates her 50th birthday and reunites with her son's recipients and family!

pictured from left are Artie (Jason Pickel's heart recipient), Bob (Stacie's husband), Joy (Artie's wife), Scott, (the husband of one of Jason's kidney recipients) Tina (Jason's kidney recipient), Stacie Pickel, and Brendon and Aaron Pickel

Upstate New York Transplant Services Family Support Counselor and Donor Mom Stacie Pickel celebrated her 50th birthday recently with the recipients and loved ones of her son Jason's organs. The theme was Mardi Gras - as the group celebrated a special birthday and connection forever made possible by the generosity of her son Jason.

We congratulate Stacie and thank her for dedication and service to spreading The Gift of Life.

Click here to read Jason's memorial

Upstate New York Transplant Services salutes its 2007 Donation Champions!

Each year, Upstate New York Transplant Services honors the individuals and institutions who work to further donation and transplantation at the hospital level each and every day. During the first week of March, two events - one for Southern Tier hospitals and a second for those in Buffalo/Niagara. Longtime friends of transplantation, New York State Senator Catharine Young delivered the keynote address for the evening in the Southern Tier, and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger joined Upstate New York Transplant Services for the event honororing those in Buffalo Niagara.

Click here for pictures from our Southern Tier Hospital Appreciation! (pdf)

Click here for pictures from our Buffalo/Niagara Hospital Appreciation! (pdf)

Upstate New York Transplant Services salutes them both and congratulates its 2007 Donation Champions!

A Celebration of African American Leadership - an observance of Black History Month

For pictures of the evening click here!

On Thursday, February 22nd,  African American leaders in business, politics and community celebrated and raised awareness for The Gift of Life at the Mary Seaton Room of Kleinhans Music Hall. The event featured a presentation of the play – “The Gift of Me” –which deals with an African American family’s decision of whether or not to donate their daughter’s organs and tissue after a tragic accident.

“The Gift of Me” debuted in 2005 at the Ujima Theatre Loft in Buffalo, NY and recently made its national debut to rave reviews at the American Society of Multicultural Health and Transplant Professionals national conference in Dearborn, Michigan. “The Gift of Me” was produced by Business Theatre Works LLC of Buffalo, NY.

“Community events like tonight - especially with a presentation like “The Gift of Me,” – are excellent at raising the needed awareness for the need for more organ and tissue donation. The Gift of Life can be universal – and people of all ethnicities and backgrounds can save and enhance the lives of others. Really, it is about communities helping communities,” said Victoria Dent, Director of Community Relations at Upstate New York Transplant Services.

For pictures of the evening click here!