Torch Run shines light on organ donation

BUCYRUS – More than a dozen people marched the half mile from the downtown mural to Avita Health System’s Bucyrus Hospital on Wednesday morning to bring awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation.

The walk was one of the stops on the Torch Run for Life which highlights the 2016 Donate Life Transplant Games of America that will be held in Cleveland on June 10-15. The games, which take place biannually at different locations around the country, feature athletes who are transplant recipients and living donors, a news release from Avita states.

"In America, there are more than 121,000 men, women and children waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. In Ohio, there are currently 3,179 waiting,” said Dorrie Dils, Chief Clinical Executive for Lifeline of Ohio. “Once every 48 hours, an Ohioan dies waiting.”

According to Dils, a single donor can potentially save the lives of eight people through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 50 more through tissue donation.

“Over the past five years, Bucyrus and Galion hospitals have helped facilitate the healing gifts of tissue for 24 community members,” revealed Shellie Burgin, Vice President of Physician Services at Avita Health System. “We, at Avita, understand the need to bring awareness to organ, eye, and tissue donation and to celebrate with those who have received a second chance at life.”

The individuals who participated in the Torch Run included local donors, recipients, their families, and hospital staff. Following the walk, Shelly Crall and Kathryn Scott, a living organ donor and her recipient, shared their success story of organ transplantation.

As long-time co-workers and friends at a local medical office, Shelly came to Kathryn’s rescue last year when she discovered that Kathryn had organ failure looming in the distance.

Scott confided in Crall that she needed a kidney transplant. Shelly said she knew she had to help.

“On May 1, 2015, Shelly, my friend and hero, gave me the Gift of Life,” said Scott, organ recipient. “Without her, I may not be alive today.”

In 2015, 353 Ohioans shared the Gift of Life through organ donation at the time of their death. Through their unselfish generosity, 1,084 organs were transplanted.

Avita partners with the local organ procurement organization, Lifeline of Ohio, to facilitate the gifts of organs and tissues, and to provide education to staff and the community.

“I am proud to be part of this community. A community that supports eye, tissue and organ donation,” Crall said.

To become a donor, Ohioans may register online in the Ohio Donor Registry through www.lifelineofohio.org. They may also indicate their intentions when they renew their driver's license at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.