American Association of Tissue Banks

Time is running out! Don't miss your chance to validate your expertise and advance your career in tissue banking. https://bit.ly/4bWMEwl #CTBS #TissueBanking #Education #ExamPrep

Navigate the complexities of FDA's 510(k) pathway for allograft-based bone void fillers in this comprehensive webinar on October 16. We'll guide you through the entire process, from product concept to marketing authorization, detailing when these fillers are classified as devices, permissible marketing claims, and the necessary testing protocols. Gain insights on identifying a predicate and learn best practices for interacting with the FDA to ensure a smooth approval process. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your regulatory knowledge—register now! https://bit.ly/3Z7tbqb #WebinarWednesday Target Audience: This webinar is designed for tissue bank professionals with expertise in QA/QC, regulatory, research, processing, and distribution.

#AATB Affiliate Member Instant Systems provides sterilized, cryogenic, freezing and ambient-temperature compatible supplies, including bags, tubing, syringes, and kits, with sterilization and kitting services for the Human Cells and Tissues market. To learn more about Instant Systems and AATB Affiliate Membership, visit https://bit.ly/3Aj8yZu

In 2016, Francisco’s life took an unexpected turn that would change him forever. Toward the end of his workday, Francisco, originally from Hidalgo, Mexico, suddenly lost the ability to speak. His face became so swollen it appeared as if he had been stung by dozens of bees. Alarmed, his coworkers called an ambulance, and he was rushed to the hospital. After a series of examinations, doctors revealed it wasn’t an allergic reaction. Both of Francisco’s kidneys were failing. Despite living a healthy lifestyle, a bacterium he had been born with had silently damaged his kidneys and body without his knowledge. The doctors informed him that his only chance of survival was a kidney transplant. Francisco was placed on the national transplant waiting list, hoping a deceased organ donor hero would one day give him a second chance at life. After being discharged from the hospital, Francisco began dialysis treatment to remove toxins and excess water from his blood. Dialysis would keep him alive until a kidney became available. Initially, he received treatment three times a week, with each session lasting three-and-a-half hours. Determined not to let this condition take over his life, Francisco continued working to support his family. To make this possible, he switched to overnight dialysis, enduring six-and-a-half-hour sessions. After five-and-a-half years of patience, perseverance, and resilience, Francisco finally received the life-changing call: a heroic organ donor was a match. In 2021, he underwent the transplant at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Today, Francisco enjoys his favorite foods again, from beans to tacos, and can travel to Mexico to visit his wife and children. He now shares his story to inspire and help others. Throughout the five years he waited for a kidney, Francisco never gave up. He says, “The best thing anyone can do is accept what’s happening, never lose faith and always keep moving forward." Francisco is currently a landscaping supervisor and is deeply grateful for the support his employers and family provided him throughout that time. He encourages everyone in our community to get the facts about organ donation and register to be an organ donor. Thank you, Infinite Legacy, for sharing this story. #PioneersOfChange #HispanicHeritageMonth #AMAT #DonateLife #ShapingTheFuture #TransplantCommunity #CelebrateHeritage #InspireAction

Charles White has dedicated over 20 years to the field of organ and tissue donation, never imagining how personal the journey would become. In 2002, his mother faced a severe health crisis. As a tissue donation professional, Charles knew exactly what to do when the time came to make the decision—his mother became a tissue and cornea donor, leaving behind a legacy of generosity. Years later, tissue donation came full circle for Charles. He found himself in need of donor bone for a dental procedure. The same selfless act of donation that he had spent decades advocating for had now directly impacted his own health. Receiving the donor bone not only restored his smile but deepened his appreciation for the life-saving and healing benefits of tissue donation. On World Smile Day, we celebrate stories like Charles’s—a reminder that the gift of donation can bring healing in unexpected ways. Tissue donation has the power to transform lives, restore health, and, in Charles’s case, help someone smile again. #WorldSmileDay #TissueDonation #Gratitude

What a wonderful journey these past few days have been! From the powerful closing plenary featuring two inspiring donor family stories to the connections and insights gained at this year's Annual Meeting, it has been unforgettable. As we wrap up in Aurora, we're already looking ahead to next year—see you in Atlanta for the 2025 Annual Meeting! Thank you all for being part of this amazing experience. #AATB2024 #ScalingNewHeights #TissueBanking #AATB2025

What an incredible night at our "Reach the Peak" party! With both indoor and outdoor spaces, cozy fire pits, and the high-energy performance by Pulse Nation, the atmosphere was electric. From great conversations to unforgettable music, this evening truly took our Annual Meeting to new heights! #AATB2024 #ScalingNewHeights

We're recharging this afternoon in the Exhibit Hall after an exciting day of connecting with incredible individuals, exchanging innovative ideas, and sharing some great laughs. What's been the highlight of your experience at the annual meeting so far? #AATB2024 #ScalingNewHeights #TissueBanking

Another successful Annual Business Meeting is in the books! Our AATB community united once again to gain valuable insights into the state of the association, with remarks from Marc Pearce, AATB President and CEO. The day continued with an inspiring plenary session by Dr. Joseph Turek, highlighting groundbreaking advancements in Partial Heart Transplantation—a new paradigm in congenital heart surgery. We're proud to be part of such innovative work in transplantation medicine. #AATB2024 #ScalingNewHeights #CongenitalHeartSurgery #Innovation #AATBBusinessMeeting

Day 1 of the AATB Annual Meeting started with an insightful opening session led by AATB Board Chair Jeff Cox, who showcased key accomplishments and provided important updates. Ronda Horstman, Immediate Past Chair, then presented the AATB Achievement Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to our field. The morning continued with a powerful keynote from Gregg Garfield, 'Patient Zero,' whose incredible journey as the first severe COVID-19 survivor inspired us all. Together, we're unlocking the full range of possibilities! #AATB2024 #ScalingNewHeights #TissueBanking