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Jenn Bruno has a scar the size of a hockey stick that runs all the way down the middle of her abdomen. “But … big deal” she says. “I have a good story to tell.”
The scar is leftover from a 2015 transplant operation that removed 75 per cent of her liver. Bruno’s donated organ saved the life of Tony Germano, the father of her best friend, Filomena. After doctors said a transplant was Germano’s best chance at survival, Bruno immediately volunteered. She ended up being a perfect match.
“She stepped up right away, which is an incredible thing,” says Filomena Germano.
Both women saw firsthand the toll the transplant took on Tony and his family. Aside from the physical aspects, financial costs created extra strain. Taking time off work was one thing, but frequent travel and accommodations in Toronto – where the transplant was done – added up to steep expenses that there was no coverage for, Germano says.
This inspired the pair, who together founded the organization Ottawa Donors, to plan the ‘Give Gala’ in 2016. The event raised money for the Transplant Patient and Family Support Fund at the Toronto General Hospital, which helps cover expenses for patients like Tony. Now, the second annual gala will take place this Saturday.
During her stay at Toronto General, Bruno met other transplant recipients affected by similar financial issues. One story in particular stood out: the woman who had to wait weeks for her liver transplant alone, because her family couldn’t afford an extended stay in Toronto.
More than $12,000 was raised last year, and Bruno says if that can be surpassed, she’ll be happy. But she says raising awareness about organ donation, and encouraging people to register as donors is equally important. Ultimately, Bruno says it’s about getting people to consider the question: “Why wouldn’t you try to save someone’s life?”
The Give Gala will take place at the Sala San Marco banquet hall this Saturday, Apr. 22, at 6 p.m. For tickets and other information, contact ottawadonors@gmail.com.
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The scar is leftover from a 2015 transplant operation that removed 75 per cent of her liver. Bruno’s donated organ saved the life of Tony Germano, the father of her best friend, Filomena. After doctors said a transplant was Germano’s best chance at survival, Bruno immediately volunteered. She ended up being a perfect match.
“She stepped up right away, which is an incredible thing,” says Filomena Germano.
Both women saw firsthand the toll the transplant took on Tony and his family. Aside from the physical aspects, financial costs created extra strain. Taking time off work was one thing, but frequent travel and accommodations in Toronto – where the transplant was done – added up to steep expenses that there was no coverage for, Germano says.
This inspired the pair, who together founded the organization Ottawa Donors, to plan the ‘Give Gala’ in 2016. The event raised money for the Transplant Patient and Family Support Fund at the Toronto General Hospital, which helps cover expenses for patients like Tony. Now, the second annual gala will take place this Saturday.
During her stay at Toronto General, Bruno met other transplant recipients affected by similar financial issues. One story in particular stood out: the woman who had to wait weeks for her liver transplant alone, because her family couldn’t afford an extended stay in Toronto.
More than $12,000 was raised last year, and Bruno says if that can be surpassed, she’ll be happy. But she says raising awareness about organ donation, and encouraging people to register as donors is equally important. Ultimately, Bruno says it’s about getting people to consider the question: “Why wouldn’t you try to save someone’s life?”
The Give Gala will take place at the Sala San Marco banquet hall this Saturday, Apr. 22, at 6 p.m. For tickets and other information, contact ottawadonors@gmail.com.
查看原文...
