NEPATSG Press Release
For Immediate Release

East Stroudsburg, PA. May 12 --- A patchwork of love is touring our city -- it's the National Kidney Foundation's (NKF) National Donor Family QUilt. This testament to the selflessness of the many Americans whose organ and tissue donations allow others to lead healthy, active lives was created by NKF's National Donor Family Council. As part of its national tour, the quilt will be on display at Pocono Medical Center in the Stroud Room at 7:30 PM at the meeting of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Transplant Support Group (NEPATSG).

The handmade Quilt is composed of eight inch squares of fabric, individually designed by family members of organ/tissue donors and stiched together by National Donor Family Council Chair Margaret Coolican. The quilt is an emotional reminder of the donors who have saved or enhanced thousands of lives through organ and tissue transplants.

Heartfelt Responses

The concept has evoked a heartfelt response from donor families nationwide. "Families embrace the idea of recognizing and making a tribute to their family members who gave such a great gift," says Coolican. "Each square is devoted to their loved one's memory. Families have included pieces of their loved one's clothing and special quotes, stiched in their favorite colors. Through the quilt, we can express the love that we feel."

Nearly 1100 people are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list in N.E. PA. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Transplant Support Group Inc. is dedicated to ensuring that every Pennsylvanian who needs a life-saving organ transplant receives one.

The National Donor Family Council is committed to making its resources available to every donor family throughout the country. Formed in 1992, the National Donor Family Council is a 12-member committee comprised of donor family representatives and experts in the field of death education and counseling, organ/tissue procurement and support services. For more information on NKF donor family support services, including quarterly newsletters, or to receive a free organ donor card, call the National Kidney Foundation at 800/622-9010. To get in touch with the Northeastern Pennsylvania Transplant Support Group Inc. (NEPATSG) call 570-223-2833.