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Ingrid Vega 
Email: transplantfoundation@yahoo.com
Phone: (305) 817-5645

TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION’S SECOND ANNUAL “BACK TO SCHOOL BASH” PROVIDES 75 BACKPACKS TO PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANT COMMUNITY

Miami-Based Organization Brings Smiles and Entertainment to South Florida Families  

On Sunday, April 20th from noon-2 PM the school bell rang for many parents across South Florida as transplant families lined up at Jungle Island to partake in the 2nd Annual Back to School Bash. The Transplant Foundation-- a Miami-based organization whose mission is to assist transplant patients in need, educate the community on the importance of organ donation and fund transplant research join forces with with Walgreen Co. and Walgreens-OptionCare to make this day a reality.

More than 75 children walked away with a new backpack stocked with the essential school supplies to kick off their year to a great start. “At the Foundation, we aim to find new ways to bring smiles to our patients,” said Melissa Chediak-Wetzel, Special Events Manager for the Transplant Foundation. “We are pleased to take part in this valuable project and assist parents with offsetting the cost for basic school supplies, this year. “
Parents and children enjoyed a full day of fun as the event granted access to Jungle Island, a barbeque picnic and live music. On-site volunteers set up lines for boys and girls as each child had an opportunity to pick their backpack of choice.  Sophie Caceres, a seven-yr-old heart transplant recipient could not hold her enthusiasm as she exclaimed, “A Tinkerbell backpack just for me! I can’t wait for the school year to begin.”
“We are pleased to be part of this event. Walgreens-OptionCare provides care to children and their families following transplant to help the youngsters regain their health and independence,” said Denise Cipolla, Account Manager for Walgreens-OptionCare.  “It’s great to finally meet many of the families and children that our program has assisted.”

Sponsors included: Walgreens/Optioncare, Jungle Island, SHAPE Club at Michael Krop Sr. High School, and PMO Pharmacy.   

Pictures of the event