Thursday, February 4, 2010

Living Donor's Assistance Program






Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues:

Kidney disease is a serious threat to the African-American community. Consider these alarming statistics from the National Kidney Disease Education Program and the Office of Minority Health ...

- African Americans are four times more likely than whites to develop kidney disease which requires dialysis or transplant
- African Americans make up 12 percent of the population, BUT represent 32 percent of kidney disease patients, 12 percent of donors and 23 percent of those on the kidney transplant waiting list
- Each day, about 77 people receive organ transplants. However, 19 people die each day waiting for transplants that can't take place because of the shortage of donated organs -- African Americans are disproportionately represented in this number.

You might be asking yourself, what this has to do with you. I'm glad you asked! Many of us know or know of someone whose life has been impacted by the debilitating effects of kidney disease. Today, I'd like to share the story of one of my dearest friends - Glenda. Glenda is the face of the statistics I shared with you earlier. She suffers from kidney disease and is currently participating in the Living Donor Program sponsored by the University of Washington Medical Center. She needs a kidney transplant and is one of over 83,000 individuals on the transplant waitlist.

What I'd like to share with you about Glenda is that she is a fighter and is using her own situation to help others. Through www.ouiworks.com you can help those in need of organ donations . OUI's mission is to-- provide research and education, donor financial assistance, volunteer opportunities and more.

Check out www.ouiworks.com and donate to a wonderful cause. No amount is too small even if you can only afford $1.00, your contribution will be appreciated. Please share this with your circle of family, friends and colleagues for a great cause. Join me as I help my friend and others in the living donor program. Make a donation, consider becoming a donor, volunteer, educate. Your gift is making a difference in the fight against kidney disease.

Thank you for your support and prayers,

Toya L. Evans
Executive Committee

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