Equestrian Eventer Jordán Linstedt Partners with Donate Life America to Raise Organ Donation Awareness

REDMOND, Wash. — May 16, 2013 — Donate Life America and equestrian eventer Jordán Linstedt of Redmond, Wash. today announced a partnership to support and encourage lifesaving organ donation registration. Linstedt’s father Gary William Linstedt received a liver transplant toward the end of his 23 year battle with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). The transplant gave Mr. Linstedt three additional healthy years with his family to celebrate his daughters’ successes and watch Ms. Linstedt’s riding career flourish. Ms. Linstedt and Donate Life America both believe passionately that passing on the gift of life through organ, eye and tissue donation is everyone’s responsibility.

“My dad always was and forever will be the source of my courage, determination and strength,” said Ms. Linstedt. “His gentle spirit guides my character while his resolve to fight for life pushes me toward my life-long dreams. I will forever be grateful to the donor whose liver gave my father new life for three years before he passed. Everyone has the power to give life by signing up as a donor today. It’s an important decision that may bring treasured time and immeasurable joy to another family.”

Ms. Linstedt set a goal to encourage 500 new members to register as an organ donor during the 2013 competitive season and join #TeamLinsted efforts to increase organ donation. To call attention to this cause, Ms. Linstedt will be riding with the Donate Life logo on her saddle pad at The Event at Rebecca Farm in Kalispell, Mont. July 25-28, 2013. Ms. Linstedt will be riding her 10 year old Hanoverian named RevitaVet Capato at this year’s The Event. In the 2012, the pair had a beautiful fourth place finish in RevitaVet Capato’s first CIC2* event at this competition. The Event is a premier three-day equestian competion in the United States with over 450 of the world’s best horses and riders compete in eventing, an equestrian triathelon which includes dressage, show jumping and cross-country. With thousands of spectators excitely watching the competiton, horses and riders feel energy and pressure as they progress through The Event.

Currently nearly 120,000 men, women and children are awaiting lifesaving organ transplants (source: Donate Life America). Thousands more are in need of tissue and cornea transplants to restore their mobility and sight.

Eventer Jordán Linstedt tackles a difficult ditch wall for a fourth place finish in C1C2 at The Event in Montana on July 13, 2012. at

“With her father’s spirit driving her gracious personality and fierce determination, Jordán’s support will inspire equestrian riders, fans and more to sign up today to save lives,” said David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America. “Recently, after tireless work on behalf of Donate Life America and our partners, we surpassed 100 Million registered organ, eye and tissue donors. But there is still work to be done. Jordán, along with every other person who signs up, is invaluable in the efforts to save lives.”

Visit the Donate Life America website at www.DonateLife.net and register. After registration, please return to www.JordanLinstedtEventing.com and select new donor. Existing donors will have an opportunity to show their support through a link on Ms. Linstedt’s page as well. Every donor, along with Ms. Linstedt, will make a difference and bring new life to families waiting for organ donations.

About Gary William Linstedt

Ms. Linstedt’s father and biggest fan, Gary William Linstedt, was the second born of Kenneth and Grace Linstedt on May 1, 1950 in Seattle, Wash. A graduate of Shorecrest High School in 1968 where he was a standout basketball player and honors student, Mr. Linstedt attended the University of Washington where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business and played basketball for the Huskies. Mr. Linstedt’s passion for the sport led him into the arms of his wife of 23 years, Barbara Linstedt. Mrs. Linstedt met Gary at a pick-up basketball game on a summer afternoon in Kirkland, Wash. Mr. Linstedt’s passion and drive on the court transitioned to his life off the court where he excelled as a father and raised two beautiful daughters, Ms. Linstedt and Markelle Linstedt. Mr. Linstedt was often referred to as a gentle giant, standing at 6’6” with a calming disposition. His greatest joys were his family and watching his daughters ride.

In 1987, only a few months after his first daughter Ms. Linstedt was born, Mr. Linstedt learned he had a chronic liver disease called Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC). For 23 years, Mr. Linstedt fought a long, hard and painful battle with PSC that led him to the University of Washington Medical Center where he received a liver transplant in 2007 followed by years of excellent medical care. Mr. Linstedt’s courage, determination and gentle spirit left lasting impressions on his doctors, nurses, friends and family.

In 2007, Mr. Linstedt’s liver transplant brought new life to the Linstedt family and gave them three additional years together. Ms. Linstedt remembers, “Dad was present at holiday gatherings, attended my sister’s high school graduation and traveled to my horse shows. He was always my biggest fan.” On Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at his home in Redmond, Wash., Mr. Linstedt passed away at the young age of 60 years old. That day the community lost a gentle giant but his heart, strength and courage lives on and is visible every time Ms. Linstedt rides.

About Organ Donation and Transplantation

There are nearly 120,000 patients who are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. [i],[ii]An average of 18 people die every day while waiting for a transplant; this is due to a shortage of available organs.[iii] Approximately 90 percent of Americans say they support organ donation, but only 30 percent know the essential steps that need to be taken in order to become a donor.[iv]

About Jordan Linstedt

Jordán Linstedt, 25, of Redmond, Wash. is top-level CCI**** equestrian event rider. She is currently training with the US Olympic Eventing Team Coach David O’Conner and the USEA Developing Riders in preparation for the prestigious 2013 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event in Lexington, Ky. on April 25-28. The Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event is the only CCI**** international level event in the United States, and Ms. Linstedt along with her 12 year old 17.3 hand Irish Sport Horse named Tullibards Hawkwind debuted last year with a brilliant top 30 finish. Ms. Linstedt is currently in California actively training and competing with Tullibards Hawkwind and RevitaVet Capato, her second mount and a nine year old Hanoverian. RevitaVet Capato moved up to the USEA Intermediate level in April 2012 and successfully competes at the CCI** level.

To see photos and videos of Jordán Linstedt, RevitaVet Capato and Tullibards Hawkwind, join #TeamLinstedt on Twitter or go to www.facebook.com/jordanlinstedteventing to catch the latest videos and interviews. More information on Linstedt and Jordàn Linstedt Eventing can also be found at www.jordanlinstedteventing.com.

Jordán Linstedt, 25, of Redmond, Washington is a rising star in the eventing community. In March of 2010, Linstedt competed in the International CIC*** at Galway Downs finishing seventh overall with her mount Tullibards Hawkwind and in July 2010, competed in the CIC*** at Rebecca farms finishing 12th. In November 2011, she returned to the CCI*** at Galway Downs finishing with a qualifying score to assure her and Tullibards Hawkwind a spot at the 2012 Rolex Kentucky Three Day Event. She has ridden and trained with many top riders including Todd Trewin, John Camlin, Tamra Smith, Greg Best, Melissa Beardsley, and most recently Leslie Law who have all contributed a great deal to her success. Linstedt could not have made it to the top of the sport without the support of her many sponsors; Tom Neuman with RevitaVet, Purina Feeds, Grand Meadows, Revere Saddlery, YS Nutrition’s Equine-D, Redmond Equine, Pegasus Training and Equine Rehabilitation Center, hit-air, Soless, Voltaire Design, Kerrits Preformance Equestrian Apparel, and Ford of Augusta who donated labor and materials on Linstedt’s Ford 450 that required repairs on the cross-country drive from Washington State to Florida to 2012. Linstedt started eventing only nine years ago and has rapidly emerged as a promising Eventer. Linstedt has a bright future ahead with aspirations of representing the United States in the Olympic Games. For additional information on Linstedt’s aspirations for the Olympics and her eventing services, please visit www.jordanlinstedteventing.com.

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Athletes Receive the Donate Life Champion Award for Their Support of Organ Donation

RICMOND, VA – November 6 – As part of the “20 Million in 2012” campaign to register 20 million new people to state organ, eye and tissue donor registries this year, Donate Life America worked with state affiliates to present more than 50 Donate Life Champion awards to well-known athletes, teams and other role models within the sports community who have demonstrated remarkable support for organ, eye and tissue donation.

In its inaugural year, the Donate Life Champion awards are being given to select members of the athletic community from across the country who have inspired others to give the gifts of life, sight and mobility. National Donate Life Champions include pro-golfer Erik Compton; NFL analyst and retired quarterback Boomer Esiason; Wake Forest University’s head baseball coach, Tom Walter; the Arizona Diamondbacks; and San Francisco Giants coach Mark Gardner.

More than 115,000 Americans are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. By working with sports figures and their loyal fans, Donate Life America hopes to radically increase the number of registered donors.

Fans of sports figures are encouraged to join their state donor registry in their honor, to be known as a FanForLife.  Each FanForLife has the potential to save up to 8 lives through organ donation and improve the quality of life for up to 50 people through eye and tissue donation.  To join your state registry visit www.donatelifeamerica.org.

Complete Award Recipient List.

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Donate Life America’s 2012 Annual Update Now Available

Donate Life America is happy to provide to you its 2012 Annual Update.

2012 National Donor Designation Report Card Released

Number of Registered Organ, Eye and Tissue Donors Continues to Rise

RICHMOND, June 28 – Donate Life America unveiled its fifth annual National Donor Designation Report Card during the organization’s twentieth anniversary annual meeting in Chicago, IL. The document reports 101.4 million people had enrolled in state donor registries by the end of 2011. The public can add to that number and help save the lives of the more than 114,000 men, women and children awaiting organ transplants by designating a donation decision at www.donatelife.net.

Nationwide, 42.7 percent of individuals age 18 and older have registered to be organ, eye and tissue donors. Alaska and Montana top the list with 79 percent each, followed by Washington with 75 percent and Oregon with 73 percent.

The document also reports that of all recovered donors in the United Sates in 2011, 36.2 percent of organ, 44.7 percent of eye and 41.8 percent of tissue, were in their state donor registry at the time of death.  These numbers have continued to rise since Donate Life America began collecting this data in 2007.

With thousands still awaiting lifesaving or healing transplants the need for donor designations remains a priority.  To address the continued shortage, Donate Life America has undertaken a bold campaign to register an additional 20 million donors by the conclusion of 2012.

“With nearly 7,000 people dying each year due to a lack of available organs for transplant, the need is great,” said David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America. “We hope this campaign will energize the public to do what is necessary to save the lives of thousands – register as donors today.”

View full report card

Wolf and Quiet Giant Award Recipients Announced

Donate Life America Bestows Prestigious National Awards

RICHMOND, June 26 — Donate Life America (DLA) recognized Steve Ferkau and George Bergstrom for their unselfish actions and broad-based efforts to increase organ donation and transplantation during the organization’s 2012 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.

The James S. Wolf, MD Courage Award is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution towards increasing organ, eye and tissue donation on a regional or national level. The recipient must exhibit a personal commitment and enthusiasm for educating the public about the need for increased donation and an attitude of “service above self” in their mission.

The 2012 Wolf award was presented to Steve Ferkau, a double-lung and kidney recipient, who tirelessly spreads the word about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation. In addition to daily discussions about donation with people on the elevator, in corner cafes or with co-workers and friends, Mr. Ferkau shares his powerful story regularly.  He has spoken on the national stage at transplant meetings, at community and hospital education awareness and fundraising events in a number of states, and to hospital and organ recovery professionals.  His desire and willingness to encourage people to register as donors is remarkable, and his energy is infectious.  Mr. Ferkau’s tirelcommitment includes his annual climb of the Hancock Center with his team, named “Kari’s Climbers” in honor of his lung donor.

Also awarded was the “Quiet Giant” award, which the DLA Board presents to an individual who works, often behind-the-scenes and without public recognition, to help increase donation and transplantation. The “Quiet Giant” award reads, “Looking for opportunities to serve, not for praise.”

This year, the “Quiet Giant” award was presented to George Bergstrom, Vice President of Member Relations for the American Hospital Association (AHA). In the past year, Mr. Bergstrom has humbly secured involvement from hospital partners across the country and ensured that the need for registered donors remained top of mind within the hospital community. Mr. Bergstrom also assisted in supporting Workplace Partnership for Life programs, a national initiative that unites U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the donation and transplant community and businesses, associations and organizations to spread the word about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.  He also secured participation in Donate Life America’s Flag Across America initiative, which involves a vivid and unified national message by the simple raising of a Donate Life flag in honor of patients waiting, organ, eye and tissue donors and their families.

DONATE LIFE AMERICA TEAMS UP WITH PGA TOUR GOLFER

Donate Life America Teams Up with PGA Tour Golfer and Two-Time Heart Transplant Recipient Erik Compton to Raise Organ Donation Awareness

– “Play Through with Erik Compton” – a Program to Educate Americans and Support Donate Life’s “20 Million in 2012” Campaign –

RICHMOND, Va., May 15 –Donate Life America (DLA) announced today that it has partnered with PGA TOUR golfer and two-time heart transplant recipient Erik Compton on a new educational campaign, “Play Through with Erik Compton,” which is supported by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.  “Play Through” aims to raise public awareness of organ donation and urge Americans to consider becoming organ donors.

“Last year, Donate Life America achieved a significant milestone when the 100 millionth American registered to become an organ donor,” said David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America. “One of our goals in 2012 is to build on that success and register an additional 20 million donors. In his rookie year on the PGA TOUR, Erik’s incredible story will reach golf fans, sports enthusiasts and beyond, and we hope to inspire them to sign up today to save lives.”

“Off the golf course, organ donation is a topic that is very personal to me, which is why I am so excited to be partnering with Donate Life America,” said Compton. “I hope that by sharing my experience with others, Americans can see for themselves how important it is to learn the facts about organ donation and consider taking the next step of registering to become an organ donor.”

“Play Through” will travel to five cities in the United States in 2012, highlighting the importance of organ donation and educating the public on how to register to become a donor.

For more information on organ donation, transplantation and to learn how to become an organ donor, please visit Donate Life America’s website at www.donatelife.net.

About Organ Donation and Transplantation

There are more than 114,000 patients who are currently waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant and every 10 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. [i],[ii]An average of 18 people die every day while waiting for a transplant; this is due to a shortage of available organs.[iii] Approximately 90 percent of Americans say they support organ donation, but only 30 percent know the essential steps that need to be taken in order to become a donor.[iv]

About Erik Compton

PGA TOUR rookie Erik Compton holds the distinction of being the only professional golfer in the world to compete with a transplanted heart. The 2011 season was momentous for Compton as he enjoyed three top-5 finishes on the Nationwide Tour, including a win in the Mexican Open. During any given tournament week, Compton can be found volunteering his time for special events and hospital visitations to meet transplant recipients and their families in support of organ donation and transplant awareness.

Compton was diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy, a disease that inflames the heart muscle and limits its ability to pump blood, at the age of 9. After his first heart transplant in 1992 at age 12, Compton gave up contact sports and began playing golf. His second transplant came in 2008 and marked a turning point in his professional golf career.

Facebook Partners with Donate Life America

Facebook Partners with Donate Life America to Dramatically Increase Number of Registered Organ Donors

RICHMOND, May 1 – Donate Life America, the national organization dedicated to increasing the number of registered organ, eye and tissue donors that save and heal lives, today announced a major initiative with Facebook.

Today, Facebook launched an upgrade to its timeline structure, which asks users to check their organ donor status and directs them to Donate Life America’s National Registration Page — allowing them to designate a donation decision if they have not done so already.  In an exclusive interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts on “Good Morning America” this morning, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg announced the new initiative and became one of the first Facebook users to sign up to donate on the social network. Tonight Facebook’s COO and one of America’s most powerful businesswomen Sheryl Sandberg will sit down exclusively with Diane Sawyer.  ABC News affiliates, ABC News Radio, Yahoo! and ABCNews.com will also feature coverage of the exciting new initiative.  ESPN will be running two powerful organ donation stories throughout the day on SportsCenter that encourage organ and tissue donation.

“We can’t thank Facebook enough for the organization’s commitment to helping save lives by encouraging Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors. We are also grateful to ABC and ESPN for their dedication to this cause and for sharing this opportunity with their viewers.  Thousands of lives will be saved or healed as a result of this initiative,” said David Fleming, President and CEO of Donate Life America. “We want to encourage every Facebook user to take a moment and update their timeline, register to be a donor, and share their decision with family and friends.  It is a simple way to provide hope for those in need.”

The partnership signifies a giant step for the organ, eye and tissue donation community, bringing major exposure to the need for more registered donors and leading the public to officially designate themselves as donors, providing hope to the over 114,000 men, women and children currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant.  Thousands more await needed tissue or corneal transplants to resume normal lives or restore sight.

To find out more about Donate Life America or to register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit www.facebook.com/DonateLife.

Twelve Women of 2012’ Inspire Americans to Be Organ & Tissue Donors

Set the Stage for Going Green…and Blue on April 20^th

RICHMOND, Va. – Feb. 27, 2012  – Twelve beautiful women whose lives were transformed by organ donation are helping Donate Life America (“DLA”) inspire 20 million people to sign up to be organ and tissue donors this year.

The 12 Inspiring Women of “20 Million in 2012” hail from across the United States and were selected because of their commitment to increasing the number of lives saved through organ and tissue donation.

“A key goal of this campaign is to reach out to young women who didn’t check yes at the DMV when they got their licenses at 16; to ask them to be role models for their friends by signing up today to save lives at DonateLifeAmerica.org,” said Tenaya Wallace, national campaign director of “20 Million in 2012”.

To reach this active and socially connected audience, DLA is highlighting the need for donors through National Donate Life Blue and Green Day on April 20^th,when celebrities, stylists, teens, fashionistas, talk show hosts, politicians, and others will be asked to wear blue and green. This is a new element of April’s National Donate Life Month, which brings attention to organ, eye and tissue donation annually.

“The Donate Life colors of sky blue and lime green are stunning together and every spring you see fashions and accessories, even make-up, in these colors,” says Valen Keefer (29, Sacramento), who will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of her kidney transplant in August. Valen is a spokesperson for University Kidney Research Organization (UKRO), along with Natalie Cole and Deana Carter, and one of the 12 Inspiring Women of 2012. “During National Donate Life Month, I will be presenting Joan deRyk Jones, the Mayor of Truckee whose DMV office has the highest donor registration rates in California, with a Donate Life scarf and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson with a Donate Life tie so that these mayors can show off their blue and green on April 20th!”  Donate Life scarves and ties are available for order at store.donatelife.net.

Amy Tippins (36, Atlanta) celebrated the 19^th anniversary of her liver transplant on February 20th. The owner of RockScar Love Designs created a blue and green t-shirt especially for the “20 Million in 2012” campaign that says ‘Real Men are Organ Donors.’ 15-20% of all sales from the clothing line will benefit transplant/organ donation based charities.

“I’ll be sending shirts to some of the biggest heart throbs in Hollywood and asking them to wear the shirts with pride and share photos with their fans to show off their Donate Life Blue and Green on April 20^th” Amy announced.  “Justin Bieber’s simple tweet led to a huge increase in online registrations in Canada, especially amongst Bieber’s female fans, and Tom Brady’s vocal support for his mentor, Tom Martinez, who died waiting for a kidney transplant, has gotten people talking about organ donation.”

Because of the way information about drivers is collected by state motor vehicle departments it is impossible to obtain national data about the percentage of first time drivers who do check yes but Donate Life America has identified this group as critical to increasing donor registration.

Holly Werlein (27, Grand Rapids), a liver recipient, entrepreneur, planning board member for the Transplant Games of America and one of the 12 Women of 2012, knows firsthand the importance of bringing donor awareness to first-time drivers.

“I have done dozens of high school presentations and I see the light go on for the teens when I am telling them my story about how a liver transplant saved my life,” says Werlein. “Young people want to do something important with their lives and they want to help, so being organ donors just makes sense to them. They just need information, inspiration and to know they can go online to sign up today!”  Werlein has created a line of blue and green clothing through her Holdol Wear brand with a portion of proceeds going to Donate Life America.

You can show off your Donate Life Blue and Green by putting together a blue and green look and posting a photo on the Donate Life America Facebook page and your personal page on April 20^th. The top 10 looks will win a $100 gift card from Donate Life America. The 12 Inspiring Women of 2012 are all planning unique ways to bring blue and green to life around the nation.

“I am hosting a blue and green party at Manny’s Steakhouse at the W Hotel  Minneapolis – The Forshay,” says Nina Astor (42, Minneapolis), the mother of a 16-month-old organ donor who has gone on to create a blog called www.TheSparkleTheory.com that helps women find joy every day. She and her teenage daughter Morgan are part of the 12 Inspiring Women of 2012. “UV Vodka is creating blue and green drinks for the event.  The blue drink will be a Q-tini named for my son Quentin who had incredible blue eyes.”

Jessica Melore’s new heart lets her work for her cause and help save lives as the Senior Education and Programs Manager for the NJ Sharing Network, the organ recovery agency serving northern New Jersey. Jessica (30, New York City), says “We’re integrating blue and green at every level of our outreach partnerships. Motor Vehicle employees are hosting blue and green events for customers at their agencies —a critical point of contact where 98% of people say “Yes” to donation. We’re planning campaigns in our hospitals, high schools, and colleges, and many companies and legislators are planning to get involved as well. It’s so exciting and moving to see this much enthusiasm to promote this life-saving message that will help save more lives like mine.”

Meet the other 12 Inspiring Women of “20 Million in 2012”:

Ann Lopez, living kidney donor to actor and comedian George Lopez, and their daughter Mayan join the 12 Inspiring Women of 20 Million in 2012.  Mayan turns 16 this year and will be receiving her driver’s license in the fall.  Ann and Mayan will be working together to share the importance of signing up as an organ donor with mothers and their teenage children.

Leiauna Anderson (38, Los Angeles), was a special education teacher pregnant with her first child when her liver ruptured. Two liver transplants within the following week – one non-compatible but buying precious time – saved her life. Thanks to the gifts she received from strangers and a surrogate carrier, Leiauna and her husband were able to realize their dream of becoming parents with the arrival of son Rex in 2008.

The recipient of two liver transplants since age two, Vicky Nguyen (27) is thankful to live an active Southern California lifestyle that includes giving back as a Family Pal and Cabin Counselor at The Painted Turtle, a camp for seriously ill children. She also serves  as a Donate Life Rose Parade Float decorating supervisor, a mentor to 2 liver transplant teenagers, and is a member of both the Transplant Recipients International Organization and the American Liver Foundation.

Wendy Rodgers (39, Los Angeles) is a 12-year lupus survivor and received a kidney transplant on the 12th day of May in 2009, which was Mother’s Day. Wendy is an advocate for the Lupus Foundation and featured in the Ad Council’s lupus awareness campaign ads and lives in Los Angeles.

Shari Kurzrok Schnall (New York City) was in the fight of her life after her liver failed unexpectedly from a rare genetic condition called Wilson’s Disease.  While she waited for a liver to become available, she made a promise to use her personal experience to raise awareness and educate others about organ donation so that people can make informed decisions about becoming organ donors.  Now she volunteers for the New York Organ Donor Network and raises funds for donor education through the Shari Kurzrok Second Chance for Life Foundation.

For more information about the “20 Million in 2012” campaign, a complete list of the 12 Inspiring Women of 12 and to register to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, visit www.DonateLifeAmerica.org.