Rivalry Aside, UK And U Of L Stand Together To Support Organ And Tissue Donation

RIVALRY ASIDE, UK AND U OF L STAND TOGETHER TO SUPPORT ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION

"Currently there are more than 550 Kentuckians and more than 77,000 people waiting for an organ as their only hope for life-saving treatment. One name is added to that list every 20 minutes."

-- Janie Morrison,
deputy director,
UK Transplant Center

Nov. 30, 2001 (Lexington, Ky.) -- The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville may be the state's most famous rivals in the sports arena, but the schools are standing together in a friendly competition supporting organ and tissue donation. When the renowned basketball rivalry between the Wildcats and Cardinals peaks on Dec. 29 at Rupp Arena, the two schools will have been battling for nearly a month to see who can get the most fans to make a decision about organ and tissue donation by signing driver's licenses or organ donor cards during the Gift of Life Challenge.

"Currently there are more than 550 Kentuckians and more than 77,000 people waiting for an organ as their only hope for life-saving treatment," Janie Morrison, deputy director of the UK Transplant Center, said. "One name is added to that list every 20 minutes. We want to assist the faculty, staff and students in becoming informed about organ donation.

"Whether you will be cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats or the Louisville Cardinals, I think everyone will agree that increased education about organ and tissue donation is a great reason for the two universities to join forces," Morrison added.

To become a donor go to a designated booth on campus or at the UK Chandler Medical Center, show your signed driver's license or donor card, sign the fan roster, then tell your family about your decision to become an organ and tissue donor.

The challenge began on Nov. 26 and will continue until the start of the UK vs. U of L basketball game. The winning school will be announced during halftime.

Look for a Gift of Life Challenge booth on the following dates:

Nov. 26- Dec. 7 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: UK Campus Patterson Office Tower Student Center William T. Young Library Agricultural Science Center North White Hall Classroom Building UK Chandler Medical Center Library College of Allied Health Professions Kelly Service Building College of Pharmacy Building

Dec. 10 - Dec. 21 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.: UK Chandler Medical Center UK Hospital Kentucky Clinic Kentucky Clinic South Kentucky Clinic North

Dec. 29: Rupp Arena until game time