USA: Every eight minutes, another name is added to the national transplant waiting list, highlighting a crisis where 13 lives are lost daily due to the dire shortage of organ donors. Earl Haywood, a heart transplant recipient, is a living testament to the life-saving power of organ transplantation. At 77 years old, after months of enduring a heart pump, Earl’s life was transformed when he received a new heart from the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha just 12 days after being placed on the waiting list. He now shares his story, emphasizing the critical importance of organ donation.
Participating in the Transplant Games of America, an event akin to the Olympics for organ recipients and living donors, Earl also spearheaded Team Nebraska’s fundraising efforts through an ice cream social and bake sale. This initiative not only covers participants’ costs but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about organ donation, significantly impacting the lives of others in need of transplants.
Chu Ven Chiser, a courageous living kidney donor, mirrors this dedication. In 2017, her selfless act initiated a kidney chain that ultimately saved nine lives. Despite personal setbacks, her determination to help strangers illustrates the profound impact of organ donation in the community.
The tales of Earl, Chu, and 90-year-old Shirley Kramer, who received her heart 34 years ago, serve as powerful reminders of the critical need for more donors. Together, they embody the mission of Live on Nebraska and the upcoming Transplant Games in Denver in 2026, where they strive not just for medals, but for a future where no one suffers from a lack of available organs. Their stories champion the cause: organ donation can indeed save lives.
