Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, May 31, 2024 /press release/ — Gene, Rick and Paul, three incredible individuals who have made a huge impact with their unwavering commitment to health and boundless generosity. On Point Nutrition And at Project Donor, we’re seeing more and more people eagerly waiting for the opportunity to give the gift of life.
## Jean's journey: From personal health to life-saving donations
A combination of personal realization and a moving encounter with a friend in need sparked Jean's calling to donate organs. “I was aware of the need for donors…I had seen the media and been exposed to this need,” Jean recalls. While having breakfast with a close friend, Jean learned that her friend's husband was in urgent need of a kidney transplant. Moved by her friend's emotional turmoil, Jean instinctively volunteered to be a donor. “It just occurred to me…she said, 'Hold on a second, think about this.' But after I said that, I was committed. I was all in.”
The process was challenging, but with the guidance of a nutritionist, Jean successfully achieved her goal. The successful transplant dramatically improved the recipient's quality of life, relieved the pain of dialysis, and marked a new beginning for the recipient and his or her family.
Reflecting on his decision and the journey so far, Jean expressed humility and gratitude as he said, “I'm happy to report that the recipients are in great shape. It's scary, you know, you're really hoping for the same results that we got.”
## Rick's Story: Brotherly love during a pandemic
Rick's motivation to donate a kidney to his brother, who suffered kidney failure due to complications from COVID-19, speaks to the deep family bond and deep gratitude for life.
“My brother developed complications after contracting COVID-19. In the end, his kidney died,” Rick said. Although Rick was within the weight range to be a kidney donor, he was recommended to lose more weight to optimize the outcome of the surgery and improve his long-term health.
Rick's journey hasn't been without challenges, but it's been rewarding, especially as he explores new foods and nutritional habits. “I've never been afraid to try new foods. The flavors and combinations are a little different, but it's always been an adventure to try new things,” he said.
Reflecting on his overall experience and lessons learned, Rick humorously stated, “I realized that I was past the peak of losing weight no matter what I ate,” an acknowledgement of the changes that occur with age and strategies to effectively manage weight.
Although Rick was not a direct match for his brother, it set off a chain reaction that resulted in his brother receiving a kidney from another donor. Rick and his family felt great joy and relief when his brother's transplant was successful. “We got to see him thrive, thrive, and have his energy back. He was 20 years old again,” Rick said humorously, highlighting the transformative impact of the donor.
Rick's message to people considering weight loss and organ donation is, “The unknowns ahead of the process can be daunting, but it's definitely worth it.”
## Paul's Transformation: Health, Giving, and Community Support
His journey began with a personal realization of the need for organ donation: “My journey began when my daughter's roommate donated a kidney to a sorority mate, which raised my awareness of the whole kidney donation process,” Paul recalls, sparking his surprising decision.
Inspired by the need of his close family and the experiences of others, Paul decided to donate his organs, but he faced the challenge of meeting certain health criteria, including lowering his BMI, to be eligible for organ donation.
“I had hit a plateau and wasn't making any progress and then they came to me and said, 'Hey, we have a program called Project Donor,' and I thought, 'OK, let's try OnPoint Nutrition,'” he said, revealing a key turning point in his journey.
Paul soon began to notice the impact a completely balanced diet had on his health: “I started losing weight really quickly… I've achieved my goal, that's it! My nutritionist said, 'You've just started, haven't you?' And I said, 'Yes, but it's worked. Great, you're done!'” Paul says with a mixture of amazement and satisfaction.
From adding more vegetables to his diet to rediscovering the deliciousness of dairy, Paul has found new ways to incorporate healthy habits into his life.
“I should be a donor, right? But I've gained so much from this that I think it's been good for me in the long run,” he reflects, acknowledging the mutual benefit that came from his journey to giving.
## About project donors
Project Donor is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing organ donation by helping prospective donors overcome barriers to organ donation. Through comprehensive support services and partnerships, Project Donor aims to expand the pool of eligible donors, making more life-saving transplants possible.
By connecting potential donors with the appropriate resources and support, Project Donor aims to increase the pool of eligible organ donors and ultimately save more lives through successful transplants. The organization's work is made possible by the generous support of individual donors, corporate sponsors and philanthropic organizations who share a common commitment to increasing organ donation and improving access to this life-saving opportunity.
If you can help, please contact us here: University of Chicago Donation Portal.
Individuals or organizations interested in making a larger donation to Project Donor can contact us at [email protected] for more information.
About OnPoint Nutrition
OnPoint Nutrition is a group of registered dietitians. Nutritionist Providing virtual personalized guidance and support.
“Overall, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome is combating myths and misconceptions about food and nutrition,” Kennedy says. “Diet culture obscures the facts. We bring evidence-based strategies and work with you where you are to help you reach your goals.”
Visit our website today for more information.
### contact address
Gabrielle Aikens, Content Manager, OnPoint Nutrition
Gabriel Aikens
On Point Nutrition
+1 215-867-9424
[email protected]
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
X
LinkedIn
Instagram
Youtube
Tick tock
