Marion Shuck

Donate Life - Gift of Hope

 

Good morning, everyone. I am Marion Shuck, and I am the Vice President of Governmental Affairs and External Relations at Gift of Hope.

Gift of Hope is the organ procurement organization, and we helped coordinate the two transplants that Colleen had. But more importantly than my work at Gift of Hope, I'm also a donor family. I lost my husband two years ago, so I understand where this family is. I want to send my sincere condolences to the Gleason family and also thank Sydney and Bridgett for calling and asking us to come here and to support this family.

I’m actually responsible for the group that supports all donor families in their time of grief, and we follow up. This is just one of the things that we do. I want to say to all of you gathered here today that this is amazing--the support that you have shown this family and continue to show. Because oftentimes, when tragedy happens, everyone goes to the services, and they're there for couple weeks, and then everybody gets back to their lives. But at Gift of Hope, and I can see here today from all of you. that you stand with us in helping his family through their circumstances in celebrating Colleen’s life.

I won't belabor the point, but I just want you to know that as we coordinate the organ and tissue donation process, we strive to save and enhance as many lives as possible through organ transplantation. More importantly, we strive to give all families the opportunity for donations so that their loved one’s life does not end. It continues like this beautiful legacy you guys have attributed to Colleen today.

I want to thank all of you on behalf of Gift to Hope. Everyone who stopped back by our table, please put on a purple wristband to honor and support Colleen’s two heart transplants. And also support that we don't have enough folks who are registered to be donors. And to support so that we don't lose another amazing woman like Colleen because a heart didn't arrive in time. I know that her transplant surgeons are here, and hopefully you'll hear from them in their talk about the collaboration in the circle of life for donation that we all work so hard to participate in to make sure that Colleen and people like her don't have to die waiting for an organ that doesn't arrive in time. Please know through all of you here today--this support that you show--I know that Colleen’s legacy will go on for many years. You all will continue, as will Gift of Hope, to be here to support the family and do everything we can to honor her legacy. I thank you so much for allowing me to be here today to support the family and support all of you. 

Please don't hesitate to call Gift of Hope if you have questions about donation. I left business cards back there and if you just need support, we support everyone through this process. We have a team of seven people that will lend support. I want to thank you for allowing me to be here today and hope we all have a lovely afternoon. Thank you.