Carle BroMenn hosts organ transplant awareness ceremony

NORMAL, Ill. – Carle BroMenn Medical Center hosted an organ donation awareness event on Tuesday. 

The first to speak at the event was John Wieland, the Chief Medical officer of BroMenn Medical Center.  Wieland spoke on the importance of organ donations, and the impact he has seen organ transplants make firsthand. 

Wieland encouraged all eligible people to become organ donors.  At the event were family members of a recent BroMenn Transplant recipient, alongside Adam Lovell, a transplant recipient.

After Wieland spoke, Bromenn Director of  Spiritual Care, Mollie Ward, led the event with an opening litany.

Following the litany were keynote remarks from Lovell. Lovell told the story of his experience with needing and receiving an organ transplant. Lovell attained an injury when he was 23 that caused him to be placed on intravenous antibiotics.  The antibiotics, combined with type 1 diabetes, wore down his kidneys’ ability to function.

Before his transplant, Lovell was placed on dialysis to assist his kidney function.  He had little energy and was having difficulty completing everyday tasks. After 3 years on a waiting list, Lovell received his transplant in 2009.  He made a quick recovery from the surgery and felt rejuvenated after. He found a renewed sense of purpose and decided to start training for endurance running and cycling. Lovell went on to complete a half marathon and cycle a century ride.  

After Lovell presented his story, Harry Wilkins and Jill Young presented the Gift of Hope flag. Gift of Hope is an Organ Procurement organization that evaluates and procures donor organs for organ transplantation.

Finally, the Gift of Hope flag was raised, with a response of applause from the audience.