Scholarship Award Winner Describes Conference Impressions....

My experience at the 2008 TRIO Conference in St. Louis
Written by Lacey Wood, TRIO 2008 Scholarship Awardee

I am a heart and kidney recipient and enjoyed so many things about the TRIO symposium that it’s hard to know where to start. Being a part of such an event was informative, exciting, and contemplative. There were so many different aspects that are worth mentioning. The idea of financial compensation for organ donation presented by Richard Darling was very interesting. It sounded worthy until we had the debate with another doctor and living donor Thomas Falsey. It was an exciting debate that demonstrated each side’s passionate argument. It left me feeling fascinated with what the future may hold in regard to organ donation.

Another very informative session was when the dermatologist Summer Youker gave a presentation on how much at risk transplant recipients are to skin cancer. She provided images and what to look for. I knew about the high risk of skin cancer, but I didn’t know that depending on your skin tone and hair color that you were even more at risk. This made me understand how important it was for me to be seen by a dermatologist frequently and to always wear sunscreen. For recipients who are not aware of the risk this presentation is extremely important! I recommend that any and all recipients attend this symposium because it is a great opportunity to learn very important information that may very well increase the success of your transplant.

Each event was uniquely subsequent to my future and the success of my organ transplants. Tenaya Wallace’s presentation on what Donate Life Hollywood is doing to try and correct the way the media portrays organ donation was motivating. It made me want to go out there and help clarify the rumors created from television in any way I can. Another session surrounding this topic was given by Dr. Morgan from Purdue University who has studied the way these fiction television episodes have proved to be the cause of many people’s decision in saying no to donation. It was also very interesting to see her research about how she has studied why and how television media can affect us in the long run.

Another presentation that had a great effect on me was the group collaborative talking about the aftercare of patients and their psychological means. Talking about different aspects of ourselves and how we all have had difficulty, really made me reflect on how my experience has possibly changed my family and friends. I know that it has made a positive impact in their lives but it’s not the same case in all situations. It made me realize what amazing people I have in my life and how blessed I am to have them. 

The most uplifting presentation I thought was Bryan Stewart’s presentation on what we are doing for the increasing number of people waiting (and in many cases dying) on the waiting list. He explained how awareness and the number of registered donors  within One Legacy’s service area has been increasing tremendously and that the Rose Parade could be a huge part in that success. He explained how many stories have been shared and broadcast as a direct result of this international event and how they are making a difference not only in the US but in other countries as well. I believe this is a huge step for increasing the awareness of organ donation.

In conclusion, the whole event was sensational in every way. The combination of TRIO and the ITNS was perfect. The organizers did a fabulous job and even the food was good!

Call to Action: I encourage anyone who has been touched by organ donation to join TRIO and attend their next Conference. I know I am not going to miss it!  Also, check out the forming of a TRIO Teen Chapter that is underway - see contact information under Developing Chapters in the Community Section linked above...

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