According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, dopamine can improve the outcome of kidney transplants from deceased, heart-beating donors.  The majority of kidneys transplanted are retrieved from deceased, heart-beating donors.  These kidneys are often exposed to injuries that can lead to impaired function after transplantation.  By pre-treating the donor with dopamine, researchers found the need for dialysis in the transplant recipient in the first week following the transplant was significantly reduced.  The study also notes multiple dialysis treatments increases the chances of transplant failure in the long-term.

In the American Journal of Transplantation, Dutch researchers report alternative living donation programs have expanded the pool of usable living donor kidneys.  Many patients in need of a kidney transplant have family or friends willing to donate, but they are often not a good match.  According to Dr. J. Roodnat, direct donation is possible for only 44 percent of potential donor-recipient couples.  Alternative donor programs such as the ABO-incompatible (transplants from an incompatible blood type), anonymous donation, kidney-exchange, and domino-paired donation led to 55 percent of donors being matched with recipients.  Dr. Roodnat expects a further increase in the percentage of successful donations over time. 

Most Americans say they support the idea of donating some or all of their organs after death.  In reality, just 38 percent of licensed drivers are registered as organ donors.  Organ donor organizations have stepped up efforts to raise awareness and increase the number of donors, but they still have a long way to go.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, one person's organs can save eight lives and the decision to donate tissue can help fifty people.

 

Many people say not having enough time or not knowing how to are reasons they have not registered.  Each state has a different organ procurement organization.  To find out more about your state's procedures, visit OrganDonor.gov, a federal Web site offering state-by-state guidance.  If you have decided to become an organ donor, tell your family about your wishes.

AAKP is joining Macy's for its Shop For A Cause event on Saturday, October 17, 2009.  By purchasing a $5 Shopping Pass*, you can help AAKP and also have access to exclusive savings and special offers in all Macy's stores.  As a participating charity we keep 100 percent of the proceeds from the sale of each pass.

 

Come together with Macy's and AAKP while you enjoy a day of shopping and great savings.  You'll be helping the nation's kidney patients at the same time.

 

*Some exclusions apply.  Shopping passes are available for purchase through October 8th.  For more information or to order a shopping pass, call (800) 749-2257 or visit the AAKP Web site.

Donating to AAKP has never been easier!  GoodShop will donate up to 37 percent of your purchases from over 1,300 online stores to the charity of your choice.  It takes just a few seconds to go to www.goodshop.com, select your charity, and then click through to your favorite store and shop as usual.  You pay the same price you normally would, but a donation goes to help AAKP!

 

Please keep AAKP in mind if you plan to do your holiday shopping online!