News

Holiday Party Recap

TRANSPLANT FOUNDATION CELEBRATES
THE GIFT OF LIFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

MIAMI, FL (Dec. 9, 2008)---While most Florida companies have canceled their annual holiday party, the Transplant Foundation, a non-profit affiliate with the University of Miami hosted a great Holiday celebration at the Signature Grand in Davie. With an attendance of over 400 individuals from all across South Florida, which included transplant recipients, doctors, donors, and family members many were happy to be reunited for the holiday season.

While more than 100,000 individuals are included on the national waiting list; this Holiday season commerates the perfect opportunity to remember the individual organ donors and the tremendous gift of life many were granted. “This is our community’s favorite time of year because recipients are so grateful for their gift, and this is one way to recognize their heroes, their organ donors,” said Eli Compton, Executive Director of Transplant Foundation.

During the past 17 years the Transplant Foundation has hosted this special Holiday Party.

“The Foundation has been quite fortunate this year and our achievement is partly due to hard-working staff, committee members, dedicated volunteers, and supportive friends and families," explained Melissa Chediak-Wetzel, Special Events Manager. "During the difficult time it remains important to show your gratitude toward all those individuals who helped you reach your goals. Our Holiday party brings everyone together and strengthens our bond with the community.”

Party attendees and their guests were treated to food, live music and caroling courtesy of the UM Transplant Program staff. Santa Claus made an appearance and distributed gifts to children. During the afternoon’s touching moment, the Tree of Life Ceremony gathered all recipients to place an ornament on the tree in honor of their organ donor. Many stood hand-in-hand, crying, and hugging one another.