Local woman awaiting a life-saving lung transplant will be recognized during Sept. 26 Reno Aces Game

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 22, 2022) — Diagnosed with a rare lung disease in 2009, Reno local Dina Jennings is awaiting a life-saving lung transplant. She is one of the more than 600 Nevadans and 100,000 people in the U.S. on the national transplant waiting list.

Jennings will be honored at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Monday, Sept. 26, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

Before being placed on the national transplant waiting list in April 2022, Jennings had a strong connection to organ donation. Her father, Danny Turner, died in 2010 and, as an organ donor, he gave the gift of sight to a blind person. Now awaiting a lung transplant, Jennings relies on oxygen to live. She uses around three oxygen tanks each week. Despite her reliance on oxygen, she remains physically active as she wants to be as healthy as possible while waiting for a lung transplant match.

“Whenever I get a phone call, I think it may be the call that they’ve found a transplant match – my heart skips a beat every time I hear the phone ring,” said Jennings.

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and heal up to 75 lives through tissue donation.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories like Dina’s in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Awaiting a life-saving kidney donation, local woman will be recognized during Sept. 16 Reno Aces Game

RENO, Nev. (Sept. 14, 2022) — In her 30s, Xochie Aranda was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease, a leading cause of kidney failure. She was placed on the national transplant waiting list and within three years received a transplant. However, Aranda was placed on the national transplant waiting list again after experiencing transplant failure nearly 10 years ago.

Aranda’s 9-year-old granddaughter will run the bases on her grandmother’s behalf at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Sept. 16, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Sacramento River Cats.

As she awaits a new kidney, Aranda receives dialysis treatments for nearly 10 hours per week. Using experience gained from her challenging health journey, she educates the community as a Donor Network West volunteer Donate Life Ambassador.

“When I went back on dialysis after my transplant failed, I was a working, single mom. I had to educate myself on my health issues – a lot,” said Aranda. “As a Donor Network West ambassador, and someone who is a part of the local Hispanic community, I try to listen to people’s questions and address any myths to help people understand why it’s important to register as an organ donor.”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the national transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to have supported six Home Run for Life baseball games during the 2022 Aces’ season. The partnership has brought critical awareness about organ donation to the northern Nevada community and its sports fans. This will be the final Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Xochie is one of more than 100,000 people in the U.S. waiting for a life-saving organ donation. Reducing the waiting list is what fuels our mission at Donor Network West as we help educate our communities and increase the number of people registered as organ donors,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces has provided incredible opportunities to share powerful stories in our community and give hope to those waiting for a second chance at life.”

Throughout the 2022 season, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community have been honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have been personally impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation.

“Seeing the community cheer on the Home Run for Life participants and their families this season has been incredibly special,” Eric Edelstein, president of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “The Reno Aces are proud to have partnered with Donor Network West to support the organization’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

3rd Annual “Give Life Walk & Bike Ride” is Saturday, September 24 at Delaware Park

Walk & Bike Ride celebrates life and is in memory of Marcy Dandes

Help celebrate life at the third annual Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride & Walk, Saturday, September 24 at Delaware Park. Register Today

People of all ages and abilities are invited to attend with bikes, trikes, scooters and strollers welcome. Registration begins on September 24th at 8:30 a.m. with the program to start at 9:15 a.m. and the Family Bike Ride and Walk around Ring Rd. to run from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Post-race festivities in Delaware Park will include food, music by DJ Milk, a kids bike rodeo and more. To register, visit: https://e.givesmart.com/events/rU2/

Marcy Dandes was deeply engaged in the WNY community, a dedicated volunteer for ECMC and a passionate advocate of the Donate Life mission through Connect Life. The Family Bike Ride in her memory will benefit both ECMC and ConnectLife, and will continue Marcy’s legacy of giving across WNY for years to come.

The Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride & Walk is sponsored by ECMC, ConnectLife and Rich Products.

Honoring Two Grandchildren’s Legacies; a Local Grandfather will be Recognized at Aug. 19 Reno Aces Game

RENO, NV (Aug. 15, 2022) — Anthony Lyson was 18 years old when he died from a severe allergic reaction to tree nuts in 2017. His cousin, Frankie Lynn Young, passed away at 10 months old in 2012 after being born prematurely and experiencing health complications with her breathing. Anthony saved five lives through organ donation and Frankie saved three. Both were the grandchildren of Reno local, David Lyson.

David will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, Aug. 19, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Salt Lake Bees.

David has owned and operated a print shop for nearly 34 years in Reno and extends his passion as a community leader to organ donation advocacy, speaking with high school students and DMV groups about his grandchildren and their life-saving gifts.

“Frankie was an incredible little girl,” said David. “And Anthony was such a wonderful young man; a 4.0 student who loved numbers and wanted to become an aeronautical engineer. He was so excited when he got his driver’s license in the mail saying, ‘Look, I got my license and I got my red heart!’”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the organ transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. The partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the fifth Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“David continues the legacies of Frankie and Anthony by sharing their stories – the Donor Network West team is immensely grateful to David and his family for their continued advocacy for organ donation,” Janice Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Our partnership with the Reno Aces is just one of the many powerful ways we honor the gifts of donors and their families and give hope to those on the waiting list.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community are honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Honoring everyone who’s been impacted by organ donation at Greater Nevada Field has created incredibly powerful moments throughout our season,” Eric Edelstein, President of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “Seeing our community rally around organ donors and their families has been so special. We look forward to continuing our support of Donor Network West’s community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Media note: If the media would like an interview with David Lyson ahead of the Friday, Aug. 19 Aces game, please contact Jena Esposito, [email protected], 702-513-0606. Photos of Lyson’s grandchildren, Frankie and Anthony, are available for download here.

Photo cutline: Donor Network West and the Reno Aces will honor the family of David Lyson at the Aug. 19 Home Run for Life game. David’s grandson, Anthony Lyson, was 18 years old when he died from a severe allergic reaction – he saved five lives through donation. David’s granddaughter, Frankie Lynn Young, passed away at 10 months old after being born prematurely and experiencing health complications with her breathing – she saved three lives.

About Donor Network West

Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern Nevada and northern California, Donor Network West has headquarters in northern Nevada and California and partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.

About the Reno Aces
Since 2009, the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a fixture in the Northern Nevada community providing family-friendly entertainment and Minor League Baseball in downtown Reno at Greater Nevada Field. Over the past 14 years, over 4.5 million fans have passed through the turnstiles, and the Aces have contributed to thousands of different non-profit charities throughout the region. For more information about the team or tickets for the entire 2022 season, visit RenoAces.com or Text TIXX to 21003.

Reno family to honor loved one’s legacy at July 8 Reno Aces game

RENO, NV (June 29, 2022) — An athlete and avid skier, Alex Anderson, died in May 2020 at 38 years old. As a registered organ donor, he saved the lives of four people through organ donation.

Anderson’s family will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, July 8, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers. His family has also connected with his liver recipient, Diana Lujan, who lives in Colorado – a video message from Lujan will play during the game.

A Donor Network West ambassador since January 2021, Anderson’s mother, Dawn Tindal, has been working to extend her son’s legacy by sharing with others the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. Other family members have joined in advocacy for organ donation as well; Anderson’s 11-year-old nephew gave a presentation to his classmates about organ donation.

“Alex was a very giving person,” said Dawn Tindal. “If he was here today, he’d want his recipients to know that his gifts are meant to help them to live their best lives.”

One donor can save up to eight lives through organ donation and up to 75 lives through tissue donation. More than 600 Nevadans are on the organ transplant waiting list.

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization are proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. The partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the fourth Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“We’re so grateful to Alex’s family for their strength in sharing their story and continuing his legacy as organ donation advocates,” Janice Whaley, President and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Donor Network West is proud to partner with the Reno Aces in honoring organ donors like Alex and their families who have given so much – their gifts have granted others a second chance at life.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, brave individuals and families in the northern Nevada community are honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases, with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Honoring organ donors and their families during Aces games at Greater Nevada Field has been a tremendous privilege,” Eric Edelstein, President of Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field said. “Our partnership with Donor Network West has been so gratifying and we look forward to continuing our support of their community outreach and educational efforts for organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

— @MyDNWest —

Media note: If media would like an interview with Dawn Tindal ahead of the Friday, July 8 Aces game, please contact Jena Esposito, [email protected], 702-513-0606. Photos of Tindal’s son, Alex Anderson, are available for download here.

Photo cutline: Donor Network West invites the community to honor and remember Alex Anderson, who died in May 2020 and saved four lives through organ donation. Anderson’s family will run the bases at the July 8 Reno Aces game.

About Donor Network West

Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. The organization was established in 1987 and is an official Donate Life organization accredited by the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO) and the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern Nevada and northern California, Donor Network West has headquarters in northern Nevada and California and partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries. For information, visit DonorNetworkWest.org and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.

*About the Reno Aces
*Since 2009, the Reno Aces, Triple-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, has been a fixture in the Northern Nevada community providing family-friendly entertainment and Minor League Baseball in downtown Reno at Greater Nevada Field. Over the past 14 years, over 4.5 million fans have passed through the turnstiles, and the Aces have contributed to thousands of different non-profit charities throughout the region. For more information about the team or tickets for the entire 2022 season, visit RenoAces.com or Text TIXX to 21003.

National Transplant Games Athlete and Liver Recipient to Run Bases at June 3 Reno Aces Game

 

Pati Hughes-Fudge, a 70-year-old horse trainer from Gardnerville, Nev., received a liver transplant in 2015; but rather than slowly ease into life after the transplant, she competed in the Transplant Games of America just six months after her transplant surgery. The Games gather thousands of transplant recipients, living donors and supporters for a weeklong celebration made up of 20 athletic and recreational competitions.

Hughes-Fudge has brought home many medals from competing against other athletes in 2016 and 2018, and she looks forward to 2022’s Games, which will take place in San Diego this July. She will compete in swimming, and track and field.

Currently, 14,000 people in the U.S. are on the national transplant waitlist for a liver.

Thanks to organ donation, Hughes-Fudge continues her passions for training horses, judging horse shows across the country, swim training and spending time with her family. She will run the bases at the Reno Aces’ Home Run for Life game, presented by Donor Network West, after the second inning, Friday, June 3, at Greater Nevada Field as they take on the Tacoma Rainiers.

“I’ve been an organ donor since I got my driver’s license at 14 years old,” Hughes-Fudge said. “Little did I know then that I would need a transplant. It felt like every fiber of my being was fixed after my transplant – it’s a blessing and a joy to be able to go compete in events like the Transplant Games and participate in the Home Run for Life game.”

Donor Network West, northern Nevada and northern California’s federally designated non-profit organ procurement organization, is proud to support six Home Run for Life baseball games throughout the 2022 season. With more than 600 Nevadans waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, the partnership brings critical awareness about organ donation to the community and its sports fans. This will be the third Home Run for Life game of the 2022 season.

“Pati regained her life after her liver transplantation – her husband, her children and her grandchildren regained their loved one because someone said yes to organ donation,” Janice Whaley, president and CEO of Donor Network West, said. “Donor Network West is honored to partner with the Reno Aces in celebrating recipients like Pati who are now able to enjoy life.“

The 2022 season is the first time Donor Network West and Reno Aces have partnered to showcase the Home Run for Life program. Once a month, a brave individual in the northern Nevada community is honored by taking a ceremonial trip around the bases with each team lining the baselines. Individuals honored have received life-saving transplants or have lost a loved one who saved lives through organ donation.

“Watching the fans at the ballpark and community cheer on these local organ recipients has been incredible to experience,” Eric Edelstein, President, Reno Aces and Greater Nevada Field, said. “We’re excited to continue our partnership in highlighting Donor Network West’s community outreach and educational efforts as they work to share the important message of organ donation.”

Anyone can register to be an organ donor. To learn more and to register as an organ donor, visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

 

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare Encourage Organ Donation with Continued Partnership

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers proudly continue their partnership with LifeShare of Oklahoma to help raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and encourage Oklahomans to register as LifeShare Everlasting Fans.

The start of the OKC Dodgers baseball season April 5 coincides with National Donate Life Month and guests at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark can sign up during any Dodgers’ game to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Those who register during games at the promotions kiosk, located on the concourse behind section 109, will receive a limited-edition T-shirt.

During the previous two baseball seasons combined, more than 2,200 people have registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games and more than 5,000 people have registered to become an organ donor via the partnership since 2016.

“LifeShare is honored to partner with the Oklahoma City Dodgers again to share about the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeShare. “This year, we hope to see more Dodger fans registering to be donors at the promotions table on the concourse, so together we can save more lives.”

LifeShare of Oklahoma is a nonprofit, federally designated and statewide organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare, created in 1986, works closely with three transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation and the organization’s core purpose is save lives, according to its website.

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help raise awareness about donation, encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

The OKC Dodgers open the 2022 baseball season at 7:05 p.m. April 5 against the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Tuesday, featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3. Fireworks are also scheduled to follow the game.

Tickets for all April, May and June OKC Dodgers’ games are available online at okcdodgers.com. Season ticket and group packages are also available for purchase and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is open to host a variety of unique events year-round. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

Indiana Donor Network to Host Free Movie Night at Four Winds Field August 14

 

SOUTH BEND, IN – As summer winds down and kids head back to school, enjoy one more fun-filled family weekend at Four Winds Field with a free movie night, presented by Indiana Donor Network. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. The featured presentation will be the gridiron classic, Remember the Titans, starring Denzel Washington.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR FREE TICKETS

Tickets to this event are free, but must be claimed by Noon on Friday, August 13. To claim your free tickets, visit the South Bend Cubs box office or click here. Tickets will not be available on the day of the event. Seating is general admission and fans will be able to sit in the seating bowl or the outfield grass. Lawn chairs and umbrellas are prohibited but fans are welcome to bring blankets if they plan to sit on the grass.

More than 100,000 men, women and children nationally are waiting right now for an organ transplant. Over 1,000 of those waiting are Hoosiers. Those who are a registered donor, can be the reason a life is saved, a debilitating injury is healed, eyesight is restored.

Representatives from Indiana Donor Network will be on hand to help register donation decisions. Anyone can register as a donor. Don’t rule yourself out due to age or medical conditions. By the end of 2020, over 4 million Hoosiers signed up as organ donors.

In addition to the movie, the South Bend Cubs splash pad and right field playground will be open, and concessions will be available for purchase. The Cubs Den Team Store will also be open.

Per health and safety guidelines, fans who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask, and attendees who are not vaccinated are encouraged to continue wearing a face covering.

About the South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs are the Class A-Advanced minor league affiliate of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Over the past 33 years, the team has won four Midwest League titles, most recently in 2019, and has captured eight division titles. In 2019, the South Bend Cubs hosted the Midwest League All-Star Game. In June 2017, Four Winds Field, home of the South Bend Cubs, was voted Best Class A ballpark in the country by Ballpark Digest. In 2015 the team was named Ballpark Digest’s Team of the Year and received the John H. Johnson President’s Award, the highest award in minor league baseball. The team is owned and operated by Swing-Batter-Swing, LLC whose principal shareholder is Andrew T. Berlin of Chicago, Ill.

Emeralds and Kendall to Host Be a Hero Drive

 

On Wednesday, August 19th the Eugene Emeralds and Kendall Toyota are inviting the Eugene/Springfield community to become superheroes through their Be a Hero Drive. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. community members will be able to donate blood, join the bone marrow registry and learn about organ donation. They will be joined by members from American Red Cross, Be the Match and Donate Life NW at Kendall Toyota of Eugene.

The American Red Cross Blood Mobile will be on site to collect blood donation. Donating blood products is essential to community health and the need for blood products is constant. Additionally, the Red Cross is testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. The Red Cross has added safety precautions to the drive to ensure the health and safety of all who attend. This will include a temperature screening, enhanced disinfecting of areas and social distancing wherever possible. They are also asking donors to sign up for a pre-scheduled appointment at redcrossblood.org/give, instead of walking in, as to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. All blood types are needed, and people who have never donated before are encouraged to donate. Donors must be 17 years old or older, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health.

Seventy percent of blood cancer patients requiring a marrow transplant are waiting for a match through the Bone Marrow Registry. It is normally 1 in 300 of those who register will be matched with those in need. Be the Match, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program, manages the largest and most diverse marrow registry in the world. They will be on site collecting volunteers to be listed as a potential blood stem cell donor, ready to save the life of any patient in need of a transplant through a quick cheek swab.

Another way members can Be a Hero is to register to be an organ donor through Donate Life NW. Of the almost 120,000 Americans waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, more than 3,000 live in the Pacific Northwest.

“This was an event we had planned for one of our games this summer,” said Anne Culhane, Director of Community Relations. “These are three amazing, lifesaving programs that rely on volunteers so we wanted to move forward with this drive.”

Individuals not feeling well or who are exhibiting any symptoms, which include fever, tiredness and dry cough should stay home. Donors will be asked to wear a mask while attending this event.

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma Encourage Organ Donation Through Continued Partnership in 2020

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma are continuing their partnership throughout 2020 to assist LifeShare’s mission of gaining and educating organ donors across the state of Oklahoma.

With the start of April and National Donate Life Month, the first 250 individuals to register to become an organ donor at okcdodgers.com/everlastingfans will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-shirt, plus have a chance to win four Oklahoma Fidelity Bank Club tickets and a VIP experience at a future OKC Dodgers game. Once registered at okcdodgers.com/everlastingfans individuals should screenshot the completed page and email it to [email protected] to secure their T-shirt.

This partnership between the OKC Dodgers and LifeShare will continue throughout 2020, and once baseball season begins, guests to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will be able to sign up during Dodgers home games to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans. Individuals who register in person will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-Shirt by visiting the promotions table located on the concourse behind section 110.

Last season, 1,400 people registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games, and since the partnership between LifeShare of Oklahoma and the OKC Dodgers began in 2015, more than 4,500 people have registered to become organ donors at Dodgers games.

“LifeShare is honored to partner with the Oklahoma City Dodgers again this season to raise awareness about organ donation,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and CEO of LifeShare. “We have had great success in the past with our Everlasting Fan promotion and we look forward to more Oklahomans making a decision to save lives this year as well.”

LifeShare of Oklahoma was created in 1986 and is a nonprofit, federally designed organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare works closely with four transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation. LifeShare of Oklahoma strives “to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation through public education,” according to the organization’s website.

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

To stay current on the latest information regarding the OKC Dodgers’ upcoming season, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

 

Registration open: Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride on Sept. 28

Celebrate the life and passion of one of the ballpark’s and WNY’s great citizens with an amazing event on Saturday, September 28 at Delaware Park, the first annual Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride.

Proudly sponsored by Rich Products and co-chaired by Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Mrs. Michelle Brown, the Marcy Dandes Memorial Family Bike Ride will be a celebration of friends and family and will look to raise funds for two organizations close to Marcy’s heart, ECMC and ConectLife.

The event, only $25 per adult and $10 per child, will be held at Delaware Park and bikes, trikes, non-motorized scooters, strollers and walkers are all welcome. After a ride around Ring Rd. from 9:30-10:30am, there will be music by DJ Milk, food, a kids bike rodeo and much more!

Be one of the first 500 individuals to register for the ride and you will also receive an exclusive cycling cap!

Registration is now open at DandesFamilyRide.com and you can also make donations at the same address.

Marcy was deeply engaged in the WNY community, a dedicated volunteer for ECMC and a passionate advocate of the Donate Life mission through ConnectLife. The Family Bike Ride in her memory will benefit both ECMC and Unyts, and will continue Marcy’s legacy of giving across WNY for years to come.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare of Oklahoma Partner to Encourage Organ Donation

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers proudly continue their partnership with LifeShare of Oklahoma to join the organization’s mission of gaining and educating organ donors in the state of Oklahoma. April is National Donate Life Month, which coincides with the start of the OKC Dodgers baseball season, and guests to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark can sign up during any Dodgers’ 2019 home game to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans.

 

Throughout the 2019 season, fans who sign up to become an organ donor during an OKC Dodgers game will receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-Shirt by visiting the promotions table located on the concourse behind section 110.

Last season, more than 1,400 people registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games.

 

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Oklahoma City Dodgers this season,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and CEO of LifeShare of Oklahoma. “Allowing fans to register their decision to be a donor at Dodgers home games gives hope to nearly 700 Oklahomans waiting on a lifesaving transplant.”

 

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

 

LifeShare of Oklahoma was created in 1986 and is a nonprofit, federally designed organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare works closely with five transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation.

LifeShare of Oklahoma strives “to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation through public education,” according to the organization’s website.

 

The OKC Dodgers open their second homestand of the season Tuesday against the Omaha Storm Chasers at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, followed by a 7:05 p.m. game Wednesday between the teams. The Dodgers wrap up their three-game series against Omaha at 7:05 p.m. on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 Pepsi products, bottled water and select beer.

Oklahoma City remains home and opens a four-game series against the Iowa Cubs at 7:05 p.m. Friday, with fireworks scheduled to follow the game, presented by True Sky Credit Union. In addition to fireworks, the fun, inflatable characters of the ZOOperstars! will dance, perform acrobatics, tricks and comedy on the field between innings.

Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game is 89ers Night and players and coaches will wear jerseys and hats inspired by original Oklahoma City 89ers gear. The game-worn jerseys will then be auctioned off via silent auction to benefit the OKC Dodgers Baseball Foundation. The 89ers played at All Sports Stadium from 1962-97, winning two Pacific Coast League titles in 1963 and 1965, and two American Association titles in 1992 and 1996 before the franchise relocated to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in 1998.

Sunday’s 2:05 p.m. game falls on a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday, featuring pregame player autographs, a mascot meet-and-greet, face painters, inflatables and postgame kids run the bases. The homestand then wraps up with a 7:05 p.m. game Monday, April 22.

OKC Dodgers tickets are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-2182, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

Live radio coverage of each game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

OKC Dodgers Partner with LifeShare of Oklahoma to Encourage Organ Donation

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers are proud to continue their partnership with LifeShare of Oklahoma and join in the organization’s mission to gain and educate organ donors in the state of Oklahoma. April is National Donate Life Month and OKC Dodgers fans can sign up throughout the 2018 baseball season to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans.

During every OKC Dodgers home game at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, guests can sign up to become an organ donor and receive an exclusive LifeShare Everlasting Fans T-Shirt. Guests can visit the promotions table located on the concourse behind section 110 to sign up or learn more.

Last season, more than 1,200 people registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with the Oklahoma City Dodgers this season,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and CEO of LifeShare of Oklahoma. “Allowing fans to register their decision to be a donor at Dodgers home games gives hope to nearly 700 Oklahomans waiting on a lifesaving transplant.”

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to celebrate those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

 

LifeShare of Oklahoma was created in 1986 and is a nonprofit, federally designed organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare works closely with five transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation.

LifeShare of Oklahoma strives “to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation through public education,” according to the organization’s website.

The OKC Dodgers close out their first homestand of the season tonight against the New Orleans Baby Cakes at 7:05 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

OKC Dodgers tickets are available through the OKC Dodgers ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive, by phone at (405) 218-2182, or by visiting okcdodgers.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

Brandi Rutherford to Celebrate “Home Run For Life” Friday

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS continue the 2017 “Home Run for Life” series Friday, May 12 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark by recognizing Brandi Rutherford, who received a life-saving heart transplant at the age of 32.

Rutherford was in dire health in the spring of 2015 and on a waiting list for a heart transplant. Thanks to the generous spirit of a young Oklahoma Army National Guardsman named Teddy Keys, and the care she received at the INTEGRIS Nazih Zuhdi Transplant Institute at Baptist Medical Center, her life was saved.

Now two years later and emboldened with a new heart, Rutherford is healthy and back to work. She volunteers her time to speak about her journey and encourage others to continue the gift of organ donation that gave her a new lease on life.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“We are proud to continue the Home Run For Life Series this season and honor some remarkable individuals in our community who have battled exceptional challenges with their health,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “Their resolve and courage offer great inspiration for us all and we are pleased to join with INTEGRIS to recognize their triumphs.”

Rutherford’s health quickly deteriorated in December 2014 as she was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy, meaning her heart’s pumping chamber was stretched and not able to contract normally to pump blood properly. Her heart was functioning at about 10 percent. She was eventually diagnosed with congestive heart failure at the end of 2014.

“I was being treated for that and eventually they told me I’d never recover and I’d need a heart transplant,” she said. “It was very shocking.”

She was admitted to the intensive care unit at INTEGRIS where she awaited a new heart in March 2015. Complications arose in late April 2015, leading to emergency surgery and having a stent inserted into her artery.

That same night, on April 27, 2015, Teddy Keys died tragically at the age of 21 in a motorcycle accident near Tulsa.

Keys was an organ donor and was able to donate his bones, tissues and other organs, in part, to his excellent physical health that the athlete and active outdoorsman maintained throughout his life.

The following morning, Rutherford learned of a perfect match for a heart. That night she underwent a five-hour transplant surgery, receiving her new heart April 29, 2015.

“I woke up in ICU and the heart was so strong that I remember my doctor saying, ‘Brandi, you got one beast of a heart,'” she recalled. “I remember the heart beat being so strong that I could feel it beat and then I could hear it in my ears all night long. It was a welcoming sound for sure.”

As she recovered from her surgery, Rutherford sought information about her donor. She had heard about Keys’ tragic accident near her hometown and started to match up their timelines. She turned to social media to try to connect the missing dots. She checked her heart rate one night before climbing into bed and it was at 77 beats per minute. Then she started looking at Facebook photos of Keys and his family.

“My heart started beating out of control,” she said. “My fingertips felt like they were on fire and tears were streaming down. I went to go take my heart rate and it had jumped to 114.”

She knew in that moment she had found her donor. It was as if Keys’ heart, now her heart, was reacting to the images of his family on the screen. That was all the confirmation she needed. Later she received a letter from Keys’ step-mother, who said that seven individuals were helped by Keys, including Rutherford. She learned about Keys, his love for the outdoors, his strong faith and all-around good nature, and that he grew up in the same county as her family, about 30 minutes away in the town of Oologah. Their families eventually met to have dinner and celebrate Keys. She remains in touch with his family via social media and they even have shared holidays together.

Now two years after receiving her new heart, Rutherford is healthy and back to work in Texarkana, Texas. She volunteers for LifeShare of Oklahoma, serving as a vibrant example of what is possible through organ donation.

“I think giving is the best thing,” Rutherford said. “So, to give the gift of life, what a way to go out. Of course, I encourage everybody to be an organ donor.”

Watch Brandi Rutherford complete her “Home Run for Life” following the third inning of Friday night’s 7:05 p.m. game against the Fresno Grizzlies. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game, presented by True Sky Credit Union. Interview requests for Rutherford, as well as INTEGRIS or Dodgers personnel can be made through the Dodgers communications department.

The Dodgers open an eight-game homestand at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. The game against Fresno falls on a $2 Thursday, featuring $2 soda (21 ounces), bottled water (20 ounces) and beer (16 ounces) from a line of Pepsi and Budweiser products.

Fans can enjoy Saturday’s 7:05 p.m. game against Fresno with a Braum’s Friends and Family 4 Pack. This special ticket package includes four tickets, as well as four Braum’s combo meal vouchers and four OKC Dodgers hats for as low as $39.99 per package. The first 2,000 fans through the gates Saturday will receive a free hat.

Sunday afternoon’s 2:05 p.m. game against Fresno is a Chaparral Energy Family Sunday filled with family-oriented activities everyone can enjoy. The OKC Dodgers wrap up their homestand at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, May 18 against the Sacramento River Cats on a $2 Thursday.

For tickets or additional information, please call (405) 218-1000, go online to okcdodgers.com or visit the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark ticket office located on South Mickey Mantle Drive. Season ticket packages and group outings are also still available for the OKC Dodgers’ 2017 season. Call (405) 218-1000 to speak to a ticket representative.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

LIFELINK® OF GEORGIA HONORING AUGUSTA GREENJACKETS

AUGUSTA, GA – (April 25, 2017) –    In recognition of the Augusta GreenJacket’s outstanding support of organ, eye and tissue donation, LifeLink of Georgia has partnered with Donate Life America (DLA) to present the team with a Donate Life Champion award. Donate Life Champion awards are given to well-known athletes, teams and other role models within the sports community who have demonstrated remarkable support for donation and inspire others to give the Gift of Life. Previously awarded Donate Life Champions include the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chris Klug, Family of Paco Rodriguez, Washburn University, Ma’ake Kemoeatu, Detroit Tigers, David Eckstein, New Hampshire Fishercats, Michael Jordan, Memphis Redbirds among many others.

Augusta GreenJackets received this award because they continue to support donation through a yearly Donate Life Night to highlight organ donation and put the spotlight on recipients in the CSRA who are able to enjoy a night at the ballpark because of their transplants, as well as organ donors and their families who make renewed life possible.

“Our team is honored to work with LifeLink of Georgia to educate GreenJackets fans on the importance of organ donation. We are humbled to be recognized as a Donate Life Champion for the commitment our team has to this community,” says Tom Denlinger, General Manager Augusta GreenJackets, “One fan can potentially save and improve the lives of seventy-five people by being an organ and tissue donor. Today, the GreenJackets organization encourages everyone to take action to save lives.”

We each have the opportunity to help make a lifesaving difference for critically ill patients, simply by registering as organ and tissue donors online at www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org or during a driver license transaction while at your local driver license office. Contact LifeLink of Georgia for more information on organ and tissue donation at (800) 544-6667 or visit www.LifeLinkFoundation.org.

Join the GreenJackets and LifeLink of Georgia at Lake Olmstead Stadium on Friday, April 28th as the Greenville Drive (Red Sox) come to town for Donate Life Night with a 7:05pm first pitch. The first 1,000 fans will receive a LifeLink of Georgia Car Flag Giveaway. Fans will have the opportunity to register to become organ donors on the concourse as well as learn more about organ donation throughout the game. Post-game kids can run the bases.

The 29th consecutive season of professional baseball in Augusta is underway. All GreenJackets Ticket Packages, including Full, Half, and Weekend Packages, and single game tickets are on sale now for the 2017 Season. For more information, including pricing and benefits on all plans, visit www.GreenJacketsBaseball.com or contact the GreenJackets Front Office at (706) 922-WINS (9467).

LifeLink of Georgia is a non-profit community service organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation. To register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.DonateLifeGeorgia.org.

Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and state teams across the United States committed to increasing the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available for transplant to save and heal lives. Learn more at www.DonateLife.net.

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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.