On February 27th The Heart Exchange hosted its 12th annual Organ Donor Night at the Houston Aero’s.  Charlotte Judd was honored with the “Face off Puck Drop” during the Pre-Game Ceremonies.  Since Charlotte’s transplant 7 years ago, she has earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and is currently working full time as a Child and Rehabilitation Specialist and is experiencing a full life thanks to organ donation.

During the intermission, Katheryn Gentry who received a new heart a little under a year ago and Kirk Schultz who has a (LVAD) left ventricular assist device in place, witnessed Aeros Defenseman Brandon Rogers signing a Symbolized Donor Card. Over 108,000 are awaiting organ transplants and due to a scarcity of donors, as estimated 1/3 of those waiting will die before receiving a transplant.

Special thanks to  Carrie Arnold, Jim & Violet Brabham, Phyllis Evetts, Katheryn Gentry, Tom Griggs, Russ & Donna Hinman, Wayne Holder, Charles Liszcz, and Leon Storemski who took time from game to share their personal experiences encouraging 31 potential organ donors to sign the donor registry….kudos to you all!

*During ticket sales the Heart Exchange raffled (4) Center Ice tickets to an Aeros game, the lucky winner was Martin Johnson who works for Texas Childrens Hospital in the Bio-Med department.  Congratulations Martin!

For information on Heart Exchange activities including the upcoming June 19th baseball event and September 13, 2010 Golf Tournament; please visit our website @ www.heartexchang.org or e-mail Rebecca or Wayne @ heartlung99@att.net

To sign up to become an organ donor visit www.donatelifetexas.org

Article written by Rebecca Butler Holder