Transplant Recipients Remember Their Gift of Life This Holiday Season  

Miami, FL (December 10, 2009) Transplant patients and their families from all over Florida drove down to Signature Grand in Davie on Sunday, December 6th with one thing in mind…remembering their organ donor and the tremendous gift of life during the Tree of Life ceremony at Transplant Foundation’s Annual Holiday Season Party.

That afternoon, transplant patients young and old gathered around a bare Christmas tree in the center of the room glowing in white lights and placed an ornament on the tree in honor of their organ donor.

“This is our community’s favorite time of the 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 the Transplant Foundation. “After the recipients placed an ornament on the tree they stood hand-in-hand, crying, and hugging one another. It’s was a heartwarming experience.”

This was the 18th year Transplant Foundation hosted this Holiday Party. Attendees and their guests were treated to food, music, and caroling courtesy of the Girl Choir of South Florida and the Miami Transplant Institute staff. Also, Elmo and Santa Claus made an appearance and distributed gifts to children.