story on Alliance for Paired Donation to air on ABC news TONIGHT 10/20

[xtrememoosetrax]

I went to Toledo this weekend to attend the first-ever reunion for donors and recipients who have participated in a paired kidney exchange through the Alliance for Paired Donation.  I had the honor of meeting Dr. Michael Rees, the founder of the program -- a real visionary and also an incredibly nice and caring man.  I also met Laurie Reece, the executive director of the organization and another extremely impressive and hard-working individual.  On top of that, I had the opportunity to meet a whole slew of kidney donors and recipients who have been helped by the Alliance.  Wow: It was a really great group of people and a heart-warming and inspiring occasion.  ABC World News Tonight was there to cover the event, and the story is supposed to be airing TONIGHT, October 20, 2008.  I hope I everyone who can will watch tonight to learn more about this wonderful program and the amazing people involved in it. 

[paris]

Thqnks, Martha.   ABC did a great job reporting.  I had tears watching the families--but then, I cry a lot when it come to heros donating!   I hope many were touched by the report and will look into this amazing program.    It must have been a wonderful experience to be there. 

[xtrememoosetrax]

For those who are interested but did not get to see the broadcast, here's the link to see it on line. 

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6075941

[pelagia]

Great piece.  I got home too late to watch the news, but I just watched it now.  Must have been an amazing thing to attend that gathering 

[okarol]

Thanks XMT - I watched the show and hope it helps others find their way to either giving or getting a kidney.
I also wanted to mention how much I loved meeting you in person. You donated your kidney to a stranger in a chain, having faith that your friend would get a kidney too. You made the effort that many people wouldn't consider, you stayed with it, the ups and downs and the delays, you never gave up. I admire you immensely. Meeting you in person was even better than I imagined. You really are just one hell of a nice person, and I am so happy to call you a friend!
 

[monrein]

Thanks for the link EMT.  Very touching and all of you donors are admirable, selflessly generous and heroic in my book. 

[peleroja]

What a great show.  I also teared up at the reunion.  Or maybe it was cuz I have a secret crush on Charlie Gibson.  There's something about ole Charle telling me he hopes I had a good day that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

[xtrememoosetrax]

Meeting you in person was even better than I imagined. You really are just one hell of a nice person, and I am so happy to call you a friend!
 

Back at ya, Karol! The feeling is mutual!

[willieandwinnie]

That story brought tears to my eyes. This world needs more folks like this.