Congradulations to Those Enjoying Renewed Life

If we missed your anniversary, please e-mail, write or phone
The United Organ Transplant Association
3405 Arlington Avenue, Riverside, CA 92506 (909) 923-7114 dgoss@UOTA.org

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Commonly Asked Questions About Transplantation

United Network for Organ Sharing UNOS

How are patients added to the national organ transplant waiting list?

When a patient’s physician determines that an organ transplant may be necessary, the patient is referred to a transplant center for evaluation. The medical team at the transplant center considers that patient’s past and present medical condition as well as his or her ability to follow prior medical instructions and the emotional support from the patient’s family or friends. If the transplant team determines a patient is a good candidate for transplantation, her or she is then added to the waiting list.

What criteria must patients meet to be placed on the waiting list?

Historically, each transplant center uses its own criteria to evaluate and list patients. To maintain uniform standards, OPTN/UNOS committees, consisting of transplant professionals, recipients and donor family members, have developed uniform guidelines to determine the minimal listing criteria a candidate must meet.

How are donated organs matched to patients awaiting transplant?

When a deceased organ donor is identified, a transplant coordinator from an organ procurement organization enters medical information about the donor into the UNOS computer system.

The system then matches the donor’s medical characteristics with the medical information of candidates awaiting a transplant. The computer generates a ranked list of patients for each organ recovered from the donor. These “matches” are based on many things which may include the level of illness, medical urgency of the transplant candidate, time spent on the waiting list, biological similarities between the donor and the candidate (such as organ size, blood type and genetic makeup) and the candidate’s availability to be transplanted immediately. Generally, donated organs are also distributed in certain geographic order.

Can patients list at more than one transplant center?

Yes. This is called “multiple listing.” It presently permits patients to be considered for organs that become available in other areas. Patients should keep in mind that there is no advantage to listing at more than one transplant center in the same organ procurement organization (OPO) local area. Each center has its own criteria for who it accepts as a candidate and reserves the right to decline patients who are listed at other centers.

Does UNOS oversee donation and transplantation around the world?

No. However, UNOS can provide a list of similar organizations in other countries that may be contacted for transplant information.

To contact UNOS, please visit their website at www.unos.org.

I’ve learned… That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

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Baked Apple & Pear Compote

Granny Smith Says:

This homey, comforting dessert can be put together in minutes. Low in fat, high in nutrition, this compote can be baked hours ahead. Try this instead of pie, the crust (eliminated here) has most of the fat and calories.

	4 tart apples, peeled, cored and cut into sixths.
	3 ripe pears, peeled, and cut into sixths.
	A handful of raisins.
	2 tbs. mild flavored honey.
	¾ tsp. ground cinnamon.
	½ tsp. grated nutmeg, or to taste.
	Juice of one lemon.
	¾ cup apple juice.

Preheat oven to 375. Butter a baking dish. Drizzle the honey on the fruit, sprinkle on the spices. Mix together the lemon juice, and apple juice. Toss with the fruit. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until fruit is very soft. Serve either warm or at room temperature.

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It's Our Eleventh Anniversary

By UOTA Staff Writer

It's time for our second annual Gala Celebration "Variety is the Spice of Life - Organ Donation is the Gift of Life", Thursday, September 22, 2005, 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange Street, Riverside, California 92501. Tickets are $100 per person which includes dinner and entertainment provided by the Tyrone Anthony Group. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds go toward continuing the mission of the United Organ Transplant Association. Contact Debbie Morgan (951) 276-4700 for tickets or to RSVP.

The United Organ Transplant Association continues to educate the public about the need for organ donations. Have you registered at www.donatelifecalifornia.org to become an organ or tissue donor?

All of our volunteer staff continues to do a wonderful job promoting our programs and encourage everyone to become an organ donor, "Make a Miracle", "Give the Gift of Life", "Help another or even several people who are terminally ill, to live on and to enjoy "Renewed Life".

Congratulations to Don Goss, Founder, Debbie Morgan, President and all of the UOTA associates that contribute their time, energy, thoughtfulness, caring and support to help organ transplant patients and organ donor awareness over the past eleven years.

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2006 Donate Life Rose Parade Float

Come and celebrate organ and tissue donation by helping decorate the Donate Life Rose Parade Float entitled "Life Transformed". The float will be featured on New Year's Day 2006 as it makes its appearance in the Tournament of Roses Parade®.

Designed and built by Phoenix Decorating in Pasadena, California, the float will feature 22 riders "Magically Transformed by Organ and Tissue Donation.

If you would like to participate in decorating the float, please contact Debbie Morgan (951) 276-4700) or e-mail dmorgan@uota.org.

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New Vice Presidents Named

Congratulation to our newly appointed UOTA Vice Presidents:

• John Mitas, V.P. of Patient Services
• Patsy Gutierrez, V.P. of Resource Development
• Ralph Saukko, Corporate Secretary

John and Patsy are looking for volunteers to help implement their programs, for further information please call (951) 276-4700.

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Understanding Type II Diabetes

From Diabeteslife.com

Type II diabetes occurs when there is a consistently high level of sugar (glucose) in the blood. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), nearly 16 million Americans have type II diabetes.

Who gets diabetes?

Type II diabetes has a strong genetic link. Diabetes often affects people who are overweight or obese, and over 45 years old, although the rate is increasing in younger people. Some other risk factors include:

• Family history of diabetes
• Lack of regular exercise
• History of gestational diabetes, (diabetes during pregnancy)
• Giving birth to a baby weighing more than nine pounds.
• Ethnicity: African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian and Pacific Islanders.

The role of sugar and insulin in diabetes

Your body converts most of the food you eat into sugar. Sugar supplies the energy your body needs to do what it needs to do. Insulin, a hormone that's made by your pancreas, sends a signal telling your body's cells to let sugar in from the bloodstream. Once in the cells, the sugar provides the energy your body needs to work. With Type II diabetes, your body simply isn't able to use that sugar the way it should.

Type II diabetes develops when either the body can't make enough insulin, or when the cells don't always "listen" to the insulin and won't let enough sugar in. This is called "insulin resistance". Either way, too much sugar is left in the bloodstream. If left unchecked, having too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to diabetes and related complications.

Identifying type I and type II diabetes

For about 1 in 10 people with diabetes, the pancreas has completely stopped making insulin. This is Type 1 diabetes. No insulin means no messages are being sent to the body's cells telling them to let sugar in. Then sugar builds up in the bloodstream instead. The only treatment for Type 1 diabetes is daily insulin. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in children teenagers and young adults.

The other 9 out of 10 people with diabetes have Type II, which can occur for many reasons. One of the most common reasons is insulin resistance. In fact, 90% of people with Type II diabetes are insulin resistant. People with Type II diabetes often continue to make their own natural insulin but their bodies simply don't always "listen" to the messages the insulin sends, telling the cells to let sugar in. This makes it hard for the sugar to enter the cells, which leads to an unhealthy buildup of sugar in the blood.

Treatment Options

The primary goal of treatment for Type II diabetes is to maintain normal blood sugar levels. There are several ways to help accomplish this.

Diet, weight loss, and physical activity

By working with your healthcare professional and/or nutritionist, and staying committed, you may be able to use dietary changes to control your blood sugar. Research has shown that certain types of foods elevate blood sugar levels. By limiting these foods in your diet, you may be able to help keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Unfortunately, many people with Type II diabetes are overweight or obese. Often losing weight can improve blood sugar levels.

Some level of physical activity is a good idea for everyone with Type II diabetes and can contribute to losing weight, and it has been shown to enhance the body's response to its own natural insulin. Regular physical activity can improve the effectiveness of how your body uses its own natural insulin, which is essential in controlling your blood sugar levels. Of course, you should talk with your doctor before beginning or increasing the intensity of any exercise program.

Medication

You may be among those who need medication(s), insulin injections or a combination of the two - in addition to diet and exercise - to control your blood sugar. It's important to remember that diabetes treatments that lower blood sugar never take the place of healthy eating and exercise. Everyone with Type II diabetes needs to practice healthy eating, get some physical activity every day - whether or not he or she is on diabetes medications.

Possible Complications

Without management, Type II diabetes can lead to serious complications, including kidney failure, blindness, cataracts, heart attack, and stroke. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels make it harder for infections to heal which could lead to gangrene and even lower-limb amputation.

There are a few simple, effective strategies to help avoid complications and to improve the chance of leading a healthier life with Type II diabetes:

• Keeping your blood sugar close to normal
• Adopting a diabetes-friendly diet
• Exercising
• Controlling weight
• Testing blood sugar regularly
• Taking doctor-prescribed medications as directed
• Scheduling regular medical visits for tests and follow-up
• Keeping your blood pressure under control
• Keeping your cholesterol in control

Prevention: A life-long commitment

Type II diabetes can't be cured. Once you're diagnosed, you will have this illness for life. Because diabetes is a life long condition, diabetes management must be a life-long commitment. Sticking to a diabetes program and taking medication as prescribed helps control blood sugar and may reduce your chances of serious complications. DiabetesLife.com provides you with important information and tools to help you be stronger than diabetes. Everyone could benefit from suggestions like eating healthier and getting physically active. However, for people with diabetes, these lifestyle changes aren't just suggestions - they're necessary to help improve you health!

An Old Farmer's advice...
Most of the stuff people worry about ain't never gonna happen anyway.

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1905 - One hundred years ago!
What a difference a century makes!

From Our Internet Friends

Here are some of the U.S. statistics for the Year 1905:

• The average life expectancy in the U.S. was 47 years.
• Only 14 percent of the homes in the U.S. had a bathtub.
• Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.
• There were only 8,000 cars in the U.S., and only 144 miles of paved roads.
• The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
• The average wage in the U.S. was 22 cents per hour.
• 95 percent of all births in the U.S. took place at home.
• 90 percent of all U.S. doctors had no college education.
• Sugar cost four cents a pound.
• Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
• Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
• The six leading causes of death in the U.S. were:
  1. Pneumonia
  2. Tuberculosis
  3. Diarrhea
  4. Heart disease
  5. Stroke
  6. Influenza

A special Happy Re-Birthday to:
Jeff Hedrick
Who had a liver transplant August 2004
Sorry we missed printing your name in the Summer Newsletter

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The Story of a Living Organ Donor

UOTA Staff Writer

I am 52 years old and was able to give my brother a kidney. He was dying a little every day before the transplant and now he is living more everyday than he ever did before. I am grateful that God chose me to save him. I am grateful for my loving and supportive family. And for the medical professionals who did such a wonderful job and treated me so well. Would I do it again? Absolutely. My new husband Alan and I got married just two months after the surgery. My brother Mike came to PA from Atlanta and danced at my wedding. What more could I ask for? -- Gloria

Many people consider becoming donors when they hear about relatives and/or friends in desperate need of an organ transplant but have no idea what donation entails or where to go for information. Many in need of a transplant are afraid to approach family and friends about becoming potential donors because of this lack of information.

Recently kidney surgeons have begun to use laproscopic surgery in which a tiny opening is made through which a kidney can be extracted. Donors undergoing this procedure are usually released from the hospital within 48 hours.

For more information about living organ donation please visit www.livingorgandonor.com

You don't stop laughing because you grow old;
You grow old because you stop laughing

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A Rainy Day

From Our Internet Friends

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town. Suddenly, my daughter said, "The rain is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away."

"That's quite a profound revelation for a six-year-old.

"So I asked... "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"

She didn't hesitate one moment with her answer: we keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us. "I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.

People will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget
how you made them feel.

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Organ Swap for Kidneys

From Associated Press

"It's quite a gift," said one man of receiving a kidney from a donor in a reciprocal trade.

Kidney transplant specialists have suggested a national organ swap program that they said could be lifesaving for thousands of ailing patients on waiting lists for kidney transplants.

The swap, done at about 30 U.S. hospitals, would involve patients who need transplants and have relatives or friends willing to donate but whose kidneys aren't a match. Each patient-donor pair would be matched with another pair to allow reciprocal transplants.

"It's quite a gift," said Ron Lazar of North Canton, Ohio, who received a kidney transplant at the Cleveland Clinic after his doctors found a couple in the same predicament.

Lazar's wife, Kathy, had the wrong blood type but her kidney was a match for Debbie Pratt, who like Lazar, had life-threatening kidney disease. And Pratt's husband, Gary turned out to be a match for Ron Lazar.

Creating a national "paired kidney exchange" would allow transplants for about half the 6,000 U.S. patients yearly who have a willing donor with incompatible kidneys because of different blood types.

United Organ Transplant Association
Inland Empire Transplant Support Group

The Inland Empire Transplant Support Group offers free group meetings on the third Sunday of each month. All pre and post transplant patients of any organ and their families and friends are invited to attend. Participants gain increased knowledge from guest speakers, printed materials, video presentations and group discussions. Our group meetings provide a safe environment for patients and families to deal with the impact of organ transplant. Come share your needs and experiences.

Meeting Schedule

4:00 to 5:30 pm
The third Sunday of each month
September 18^th - October 16^th - November 20^st 2005
For directions, call (909) 923-7114 or visit the support group page.

Notice of Disclaimer: The United Organ Transplant Association, and the Inland Empire Transplant support group, their volunteer staff and sponsors do not engage in the practice of medicine and under no circumstances recommends a particular treatment for any illness, what-so-ever, and in all cases recommends that you consult with your physician and health care professionals before pursuing any course of treatment.

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Give Thanks and Make a Difference

Please show your care and concern to transplant patients and their caregivers by sending a gift of Thanksgiving. Our organization provides educational, emotional and financial support, cash grants, donor awareness programs, support group meetings, and this newsletter. Your generosity truly makes a difference to those in need of these valuable services. Any size gift would be greatly appreciated.

All Contributions are Tax Deductible

United Organ Transplant Association
Is a 501(c)3 Public Benefit, Non-Profit, Charitable Corporation
Federal ID#33-0693906
Save this receipt for tax preparation - Amount of contribution $________________

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