STORY SUMMARY
On Living Donor Day at Great American Ballpark, a liver transplant recipient had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the Cincinnati Reds’ second annual Living Donor Awareness Game. This significant event aimed to raise awareness about living organ donation and honored Shannon Black, who donated a portion of her liver to save three-year-old Curtis Binkley. Curtis, whose liver was severely scarred by cancer, spent nine months on the transplant list before receiving the lifesaving call. Shannon’s altruism exemplifies the profound impact of living organ donations, heralded as the top act of kindness in a study by kindness.org. Cincinnati children‘s Hospital played a crucial role in Curtis’s surgery and recovery, highlighting the collaborative effort in saving lives. This event not only underscores the importance of living donors but also celebrates the medical professionals who facilitate these second chances.
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Great American Ballpark hosted its second annual Living Donor Awareness game, with a standout moment as a liver transplant recipient threw the ceremonial first pitch. The event aims to highlight the impact of living organ donation, a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of medical generosity. This year’s spotlight was on Shannon Black, who heroically donated part of her liver to Curtis Binkley, a three-year-old whose liver was severely scarred due to cancer.
Nine months on the waiting list preceded Curtis receiving the life-altering phone call about his much-needed transplant. Shannon described the surgery, which took place on Halloween, and her recovery journey. The altruistic link between her and Curtis, initially anonymous, was solidified when they met in person on Valentine’s Day. This act of kindness not only saved Curtis but also freed up a liver from the deceased donor registry for another life-saving operation.
The Living Liver Foundation, in conjunction with the Cincinnati Reds and medical professionals like those at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, celebrated these profound acts at the ballpark. The foundation’s efforts emphasize creating awareness and honoring both donors and medical staff. For Curtis, Shannon’s donation represented a new lease on life, illustrating the profound community and life-saving impact of living organ donations.
