Run For Life A Success

By Gary Cooper

April 23, 2004

To the editor:

I would like to extend my thanks to a behind the scenes group. On Saturday, 17 April 04, a small group of volunteers 'ran' a very well organized event. The 6th. Annual 'Run for Life' had over 700 entrants (if we count the number of four legged furry entrants). This fun run/walk is held to raise awareness, in Thunder Bay, for organ and tissue donation and kick-off National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Week. The week of 18 to 24 April 04 is set aside to raise awareness to the need for people to sign an organ donor card and talk to their loved ones about this wish. Along with the heartfelt words shared by members of local donor families at this event I truly believe that the message about the gift of live has reached more people than this dedicated group expected. Well done Thunder Bay Organ Donation Committee.

There is also another small group who are didicated to raising community awareness about organ donation. The Northwestern Ontario Liver Transplant Services (NOLTS) consists of six individuals who for various reasons have chosen to make organ donation education apart of their lives.NOLTS was established in July 1996 as 'The Gary Cooper Liver Transplant Fund'.

After a successful liver transplant in October of 1996 at the Toronto General Hospital Gary returned to join the group and continue with it's mission. Over the past several years the members have provided counselling to people who have been listed to receive an organ transplant.

This one on one councelling has helped to provide information about places to stay while away from home awaiting the operation, how the procedure is likely to happen and how family members can prepare to assist the organ receiptant. The group has also participated in health fair displays. As well presentations have been done for various groups regardless of audience size.

Monies that were donated to assist the Cooper's exceeded their requirements and the balance has been used to assist persons who meet the criteria for monetary support. Assistance has been provided to residents from all over Northwestern Ontario.

Recently, I was appointed the Provincial Vice-Chair of the Provincial Volunteer Committee for the Trillium Gift of Life Network. With this appointment I travel to Eastern Ontario and provide Northern input to the government appointed group that directs programs for organ and tissue donation awareness.

Although modern medicine and improved surgical techniques have increased survival rates for recipients, the need for organs and tissues remains greater than ever and this along with the fact that over 1,800 people are waiting for a organ transplant prompts NOLTS to coninue with their mission.

Gary Cooper

Thunder Bay

Copyright © 2004 Thunder Bay's Source.

This article posted May 2, 2004.