Chi Beta Omega Celebrates National Donate Life Month!

FALLS CHURCH, Va. - April 28, 2013 - PRLog -- Attendees of the event learned the facts about organ, eye, and tissue donation and heard compelling stories from a transplant recipient, living liver donor, and a donor family member. Teri Reaves, member of CBO and Hospital Services Specialist for WRTC, shared the startling statistics—more than 117,000 people are awaiting a life-saving organ transplant in the United States! Sadly, 18 people die every day because they did not receive their life-saving organ transplant. Teri dispelled many of the myths surrounding organ donation which put the attendees’ minds at ease.

Vicki Lambert, a living liver donor, shared her story on how she was able to save her mother, Pearl’s, life by donating a portion of her liver. While, it was a risky procedure, Vicki did not hesitate at the chance to save her mother’s life. Vicki’s health is normal, and she was able to give birth to a healthy baby girl, Joy, who is now 4 years old. Pearl’s health improved dramatically after her liver transplant nearly 10 years ago. Unfortunately, Pearl’s kidneys have failed due to the negative effects of many of the anti-rejection medications she has to take for her liver transplant. As a result, she is currently on the kidney transplant waiting list and remains optimistic that a match will be found soon.

Tiarnna Hamilton-Sanchez’s story of finding hope in the midst of tragedy brought tears to our eyes. Tiarnna lost her mother to a sudden massive heart attack just a few years ago. Tiarnna was comforted in knowing that the doctors had done everything to save her mother’s life and that her mother had made the brave decision to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor prior to her death. Tiarnna’s mother’s gift of tissue donation has enhanced and saved the lives of more than 40 people!

The ladies of Chi Beta Omega traded in their PINK and GREEN for BLUE and GREEN and sported Donate Life t-shirts for the event. The photograph was submitted to the “National Donate Life Blue & Green Day 2013” contest and garnered several votes and was shared by several other organizations via social media!

Chi Beta Omega is the Falls Church chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Since April 18, 2002, Chi Beta Omega, has undertaken a meaningful program of service to the City of Falls Church, the Greater Washington region, and the international community. Its membership is comprised of distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and are involved in the global community through advocacy and service. For more information on Chi Beta Omega, please visit http://www.chibetaomega-aka.com/