LifeCenter Northwest

We're #hiring a new Hospital Development Program Manager in Missoula, Montana. Apply today or share this post with your network.

“Every day I wake up knowing that I am given the gift of more time with my dad, and my daughter is given the gift of more time with her grandfather and my mom is given more time with her husband,” Franklin said. “Throughout this whole process there is no greatest gift than that of time. And that’s what organ donation does. It gives people time. It gives people their lives back.” https://bit.ly/4dh8MTc

We're #hiring a new Clinical Communications Coordinator in Bellevue, Washington. Apply today or share this post with your network.

Today is Disability Independence Day, a day to celebrate and highlight the rights and independence of people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 has helped people with disabilities navigate life with more independence by ensuring access to public establishments, transportation, communication and freedom from employment discrimination. And today, accessibility standards have also entered the digital space, making website and social media content easier to consume for people of all abilities.

Reco Gunnels Sr. was an advocate for his children, family, friends and community. He was a well-loved man and a hero to his family. In August 2017, Reco was taken from his loved ones and tragically murdered. His family was devastated. But through this loss, they discovered a silver lining. Reco had updated his driver's license and said "yes" to organ, eye and tissue donation just a month before he died. Reco was able to continue his legacy and help others as a cornea and tissue donor. Reco’s family have peace knowing that people are walking this earth and seeing through Reco’s eyes, or without pain while embracing their loved ones with new skin because of his decision to give life. Inspired by her brother’s selfless choice, Kelly also changed her driver’s license to say "yes!" to donation. “Reco, you are never forgotten, my little big brother,” says Kelly. She keeps Reco's memory alive by sharing his story as a source of strength and inspiration to encourage others to register their decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor.

Hunter had big plans to become a doctor, but complications from cystic fibrosis left him chronically ill and in need of a life-saving organ transplant. Cystic fibrosis produces thick and sticky mucus that clogs up anything it can. In Hunter’s case, it was causing liver failure and, at just 13 years old, a new liver was his only hope. Hunter was placed on the national transplant waiting list. As he waited, he experienced a mix of highs (playing baseball, graduating from high school and receiving his undergraduate degree) and lows (extended hospital stays and endless procedures) as he tried not to let his declining health prevent him from making the most of his youth. After a long wait, Hunter’s luck finally changed on St. Patrick’s Day when he received a liver from a generous donor who saved his life. Today, Hunter feels healthier than ever and is back on track pursuing his career dreams. He earned his master’s degree in biomedical sciences, and he is about to begin his third year of medical school. Hunter hopes to become an emergency physician so he can give back. When he isn't studying, he spends time with family, friends, his girlfriend and his miniature dachshund. Hunter thinks about his donor every day and feels tremendous gratitude for making it all possible. “My family’s love and support has meant everything over the years, and my donor’s selfless gift did much more than just help me,” said Hunter. “My donor is helping every patient I will ever see in my lifetime.”

Mary Goodwin, a lung transplant recipient, shows up with family and friends to walk the Bloomsday race each year in Spokane, Wash. Prior to transplant, Mary walked several races with an oxygen tank in tow. She prioritizes this walk each year to honor the gift she received from her donor and as a symbol of self care that she doesn't take for granted. "I am breathing proof in the power of donation," said Mary. "I choose to honor my donor and their family by taking every precaution to maintain my health to the best of my ability."

We're #hiring a new Surgical Organ Recovery Specialist III in Bellevue, Washington. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We honored Eastern Washington's organ, eye and tissue donors, their families, and their generous gifts of life at our Donation Celebration in Spokane, Wash., on Saturday. The event offers donor families the opportunity to share photos and stories about their loved ones, and includes testimonies from grateful recipients. Spokane double-lung transplant recipient Mary Goodwin was a keynote speaker, who shared that she prays for her donor's family every morning. Gratitude and hugs were in abundance, as loved ones were remembered. Register to be an organ donor today. Soon to come are celebrations in Bellevue, Wash., Billings and Missoula, Mont., and Anchorage, Alaska. #donatelife #spokane #organdonation