Published by Kirby Winn on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in News Releases
Representatives of ImpactLife and Iowa Donor Network came together for a flag raising event for April's Organ Donation Awareness Month on Monday, April 14. See below for news coverage of the event from WQAD's Jenna Webster.
![Iowa Donor Network group photo]()
Featured speakers: Tom Hughes, representing organ donor families; Kirby Winn, ImpactLife; Melissa Nelson, organ transplant recipient, and Morganne Reinbolt of Iowa Donor Network.
Blood Transfusions and Organ Transplant Surgery
During organ transplant surgery, blood transfusions are often required to ensure a successful outcome. Blood components from volunteer donors, such as red blood cells, platelets, and plasma, are vital for the body's proper functioning. Without an adequate supply of blood, the risks associated with organ transplant surgery significantly increase, potentially jeopardizing the patient's chances of survival. The need for blood transfusions in organ transplant surgery highlights the importance of regular blood donations. By donating blood, individuals can directly impact the lives of patients awaiting organ transplants.
Celebrate Life Walk (Sat., April 19)
Melissa Nelson, who received a pancreas transplant and nine units of blood in 2019, is coordinating the?Celebrate Life Walk, scheduled for 9 a.m. next Saturday, April 19at Bettendorf’s Veterans Park (along the Duck Creek Trail). The walk is being organized to recognize organ donors and their families, while honoring the lives impacted by organ donation, and raise awareness about the power of organ, eye, and tissue donation. All funds raised from the event will be donated to Iowa Donor Network to support their mission.
ImpactLife "Celebrate Life" Blood Drive
ImpactLife invites donors to give blood to support organ transplant patients and in memory of those who in death have provided lifesaving organs for others. To schedule an appointment for donation, use group code 1374 when calling (800) 747-5401, online at?www.bloodcenter.org, or via the ImpactLife mobile app (www.bloodcenter.org/app).
Iowa Donor Network
Throughout the month of April, Donate Life Month, Iowa Donor Network celebrates transplant recipients who have been given a new life, shine light on the many more who are still waiting, and honors organ donors and their families. Every year since 2002, April has been filled with stories to spread the lifesaving message of donation in order to inspire people to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. Registering your decision to become an organ, eye, and tissue donor is the most effective way to ensure you can transform lives through donation and serves as a sign of hope for those who continue to wait. You can register to transform lives and learn more at?IowaDonorNetwork.org.
ABOUT IMPACTLIFE
ImpactLife’s mission is to save lives by engaging donors, supporting partners, and advancing medicine. Founded in 1974, ImpactLife supplies blood products and services to hundreds of hospitals, emergency services organizations, clinical researchers, and other blood centers throughout Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The nonprofit blood provider is ranked among the leading 12 blood suppliers in the United States. For more information on current blood inventory levels, our donor promotions, and more, see www.bloodcenter.org and find us @impactlifeblood on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
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