“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.

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.

Remember to bookmark the link, because we only raise money when you go through the Donate Life link below.
www.givingcurve.com/charity/donatelife

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

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.

– “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.