Allegheny Health Network Honors Organ Donor Families with Ceremonial Honor Walk

Link to video of honor walk: https://tinyurl.com/58vx47he

Link to photos of honor walk: https://tinyurl.com/5zfd9a4e

PITTSBURGH - Clinicians and caregivers at AHN's Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) welcomed organ donor families today, April 30^th at 11:00 a.m. for a ceremonial honor walk. The event, which marks the conclusion of AHN's 'Donate Life Month' campaign, paid tribute to those who have given the ultimate lifesaving gift of organ donation.

Following brief remarks from AGH and Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) leaders, a 2x liver transplant recipient shared her story of undergoing two transplants within a year after being diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of bile duct cancer.

Families then made their way to the hospital's donor recognition memorial located in the main lobby. AGH staff members lined the hallway in support of those who are walking in honor of their loved ones.

Held as part of 'National Donate Life Month,' honor walks provide caregivers a chance to honor the heroism of patients, while giving families of deceased donors a powerful opportunity to recognize the legacies that their loved ones leave behind.

WHO:

· Kathy Sikora, Director of Emergency Services, AGH

· Christie Ryan, Director of Professional Services, CORE

· Bonnie Schiavone, 2x liver transplant recipient

· Families and friends of organ donors

WHEN: TODAY, Thursday, April 30 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:

Allegheny General Hospital

320 East North Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

WHY: According to the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE), more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a transplant to save their lives. In Pennsylvania alone, more than 7,000 people are on the waiting list. National Donate Life Month, celebrated every April, encourages more Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and recognizes those who have saved lives through donation.

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