From Deseret News archives:
Hospitals honored for organ donations
That was the message two people gave Wednesday at the state Capitol rotunda.
They gave the message to a group assembled at the Capitol to honor six area hospitals for raising organ donation rates in their facilities — Intermountain Healthcare, LDS Hospital, Primary Children's Medical Center, McKay-Dee Hospital Center in Ogden, University Hospital and Utah Valley Regional Medical Center. The national donation rate is 67 percent, while the six hospitals had a 82 percent donation rate.
"This may be unprecedented," said Terry Schmidt, Intermountain Donor Services executive director, noting the six are among 413 large hospitals nationwide.
Gerri Osman and Damon Draheim, spoke about their experiences with organ donation.
Two and a half years ago, Osman's 16-year-old son, Sebastian, was hit by a car in a crosswalk by East High School. Eight days later he died.
Before he was hit, Sebastian had a presentation in his driver education class about organ donation. Gerri Osman and Sebastian had a discussion about the class. He told her he wanted to be a donor.
"He was really excited that when he got his driver license he could put a 'Y' on it," Osman said.
That day never came, however; he was struck two and a half weeks later and soon died. Osman was asked if she wanted to donate his organs and soft tissue.
"I'm glad we had that conversation with Sebastian," Osman said, because she knew what his wishes were about organ donation. She wanted to honor his wishes, so she donated his organs and soft tissue — and Wednesday, met the recipient of that liver.
"I just met his liver transplant recipient," Osman said, a woman from Eden in Weber County. She felt an instant bond with her.
"She's still able to be a wife, mom and sister," Osman said.
Draheim was the 1,000th heart transplant recipient at the Utah Cardiac Transplant Program.
"Due to the transplant, I am here today," Draheim said.
He said his condition was so bad his doctor couldn't believe he was walking, let alone still alive. He was diagnosed at the age of 32 with a heart problem, was on medication and had a pace maker. Still, his condition continued to deteriorate, and eventually was placed on an artificial heart and the heart transplant list. His wife, Teresa, said when the transplant pager went off, "all I could do is look at it."
Now at 42, his condition is better with his new heart. He is still taking a regimen of drugs but said he is happy to be alive. He recently took a trip to see his first granddaughter and enjoys dancing with his wife. He is also happy to be alive.
"Those of us who do survive, every day is a blessing," he said.
E-mail: lwilde@desnews.com
