Nationwide Children's Hospital’s Post

February is American Heart Month, a time to reflect on heart health and the incredible gift of organ donation. For me, this month carries an even deeper meaning. In 2021, I received a life-saving heart transplant due to Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C), a rare condition that could lead to sudden cardiac death in an otherwise healthy person. Thankfully, a young man named Nic, who tragically passed away at 21, had registered as an organ donor and expressed his wishes to his family. Honoring his generosity, they gifted eight organs, including the heart that now beats within me. Nic's selfless act gave me a second chance at life, a chance I wouldn't have without countless others like him choosing to be organ donors. Over 2,000 heart transplants are performed each year in the U.S., yet more than 100,000 individuals nationwide wait anxiously for their lifesaving gift. This American Heart Month, I urge you to join me in supporting organ donation. There are two simple ways you can make a difference: 1. Register as an organ donor. It's quick and easy and can happen online or at the DMV. Visit https://lnkd.in/gK3qV9yv to find out how to register online in your state. Remember, one donor can save up to eight lives and improve the lives of many more through tissue donation. 2. Talk to your family and friends about your decision. Open communication makes sure your wishes are respected and empowers them to support your choice. By taking these steps, you can play a vital role in giving hope to those desperately waiting for a second chance. Let's make American Heart Month a turning point for organ donation and honor the heroes who choose to give the ultimate gift. #AmericanHeartMonth #Organdonation #SecondChance #ThankYouNic #hearttransplant #heartmonth2024 #hearttransplantrecipient

As we approach NF2 Awareness Day on May 22, Real people affected by NF2 are sharing their journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face, and inspiring hope for better understanding and treatments. These personal stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience, courage, and the importance of community. By sharing their experiences, these individuals contribute to a collective effort to improve the lives of NF2 patients and their families. We are each affected differently & people with NF2 are affected by Brain Tumours, Spine Tumours, Optical Tumours, Deafness, Blindness, Epilepsy, vocal chord paralysis, mobility problems, chronic pain, cataracts, facial palsy ... & much more! Today we meet Liene who was diagnosed with NF2 at 19 years old and her tumours were big at that time leading to increased pressure in her brain. "I was advised to get Avastin treatments. I was happy to get that help, because first when I was introduced to Avastin, they were a little bit reluctant because of the side effects on a young person like me. But this would mean that I’d get some more years without surgeries ... I moved to Norway, and was asked if I have plans of starting a family some day, and that was the first time they warned me about getting pregnant while on Avastin because it can cause severe damage to the baby" NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition, that weaves itself into the fabric of existence, unyielding and unrelenting. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. There is no cure, no magic wand to erase its presence. Instead, there is resilience, determination, and a shared journey among those who navigate its complexities Please consider donating to research, sharing your story & raising awareness. You can donate here to our research https://lnkd.in/euWUGuTS #endNF2 #NF2awareness #NF2Schwannomatosis #schwannomatosis #NF2support #nf2 #nf2family #nf2warrior #LetstalkNF2 #nf2charity #nf2cure #nf2treatment #nf2gene #nf2chromosome22 #nf2trials #nf2diagnosis #nf2lifeexpectancy #nf2prognosis #nf2research #nf2ismyteam #nf2awarenessday #nf2journey #StrongerTogetherAgainstNF2

**FAQ: Pediatric Heart Transplants** Q: What are the most common heart diseases that require a heart transplant? A: The most common indication for a pediatric heart transplant is cardiomyopathy. The second most common indication for a heart transplant is complex congenital heart disease. At Enduring Hearts, we are the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to funding research to increase the longevity and improve the quality of life for children with a transplanted heart. Together, we will continue to ensure healthier lives for these young warriors. Learn more at [enduringhearts.org] #PediatricHeartTransplants #EnduringHearts #HeartHealth #ChildrensHealth #MedicalResearch #Nonprofit #HeartTransplantAwareness

ICYMI: March is National Kidney Month. More than 90,000 people in the United States are currently waiting for a life-saving kidney transplant. Thanks to his two kidney transplants, COTA Teen Hayden is able to enjoy each and every day with family and friends and will never take for granted the two kidney donors who are allowing him to dream about a future. #NationalKidneyMonth #KidneyMonth #donatelife #transplant #transplantfundraising Read his story:

#NationalKidneyMonth is quickly coming to an end! Please don’t let this critical time pass you by without making your special contribution. YOU have the power to unlock: 🧡 Additional peer support and guidance for patients on dialysis, seeking a transplant or exploring living donation. 🧡 Additional investments in research and clinical trials. 🧡 Large-scale awareness efforts to ensure more loved ones understand their risk and get diagnosed sooner. Our friends at Medtronic will MATCH your special gift – but only if you act fast. Make 4X impact: https://bit.ly/49lXpHy

#NationalKidneyMonth is quickly coming to an end! Please don’t let this critical time pass you by without making your special contribution. YOU have the power to unlock: 🧡 Additional peer support and guidance for patients on dialysis, seeking a transplant or exploring living donation. 🧡 Additional investments in research and clinical trials. 🧡 Large-scale awareness efforts to ensure more loved ones understand their risk and get diagnosed sooner. Our friends at Medtronic will MATCH your special gift – but only if you act fast. Make 4X impact: https://bit.ly/49lXpHy

video#3 in living kidney donor series https://lnkd.in/g75MciB3 8:25 minutes This is on my YouTube channel: Dr. J's Kidney Hope Channel, which includes videos about living kidney donation for those considering it, and videos about kidney transplantation for patients with kidney failure

LinkedIn Network! I normally shy away from posting anything personal on my LinkedIn but please join us in supporting my nephew Leo's fight against dilated cardiomyopathy also known as end stage heart failure. Every donation to his GoFundMe page brings us closer to the hope and the fighting chance he so deserves. Read more about his story below 👇 #HelpLeoHeal #StrengthInCommunity"

February is not just about Valentine's Day—it's also American Heart Month! Since 1963, the American Heart Association has designated February as a time to rally against heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women, claiming the lives of 630,000 Americans annually. In the spirit of American Heart Month, let's shed light on the critical need for organ donation. Presently, over 4,000 individuals in the US anxiously await a new heart. A heart transplant isn't just a medical procedure; it's a lifeline that gives years of life to heart recipients and their families. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, there is an 85% survival rate at one-year post-surgery. This American Heart Month, let's elevate our collective voice for heart health, advocating for awareness, prevention, and the life-changing act of organ donation. #AmericanHeartMonth #OrganDonation #HeartHealth #SaveLives

Go #Red4WED on World Encephalitis Day! Tomorrow is the big day!  Please consider joining us in spreading the word to raise awareness of what encephalitis is.  You can be as creative as you like when it comes to going #Red4WED!  We will be asking everyone to wear something red, share their photos on social media and talk about why it is important to help us raise awareness.  What is encephalitis?  Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain.  It is caused either by an infection invading the brain (infectious encephalitis) or through the immune system attacking the brain in error (post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis). One person is diagnosed with encephalitis every minute.  Anyone at any age can get this, and life for them and their family will never be the same again.  Make a donation today and help build the awareness, save lives globally and support those affected by this. Please join us in spreading the word. Go #Red4WED on World Encephalitis Day! https://lnkd.in/gq9eD3dM