Celebrate The Gift Of Life At Winthrop

Winthrop-University Hospital, with the support of the New York Organ Donor Network and Long Island Transplant Recipient International Organization (TRIO), will host a Gift of Life Rebirthday program on Sunday, September 16, 2007 from

10:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. in the Hospital's New Life Center. This free educational seminar, open to healthcare professionals and members of the public, will discuss the importance of organ and tissue donation and provide attendees with a unique opportunity to meet donor families and celebrate the gift of life with recipients.

The program will feature a keynote presentation by Norman J. Fried, PhD, Director of Psychosocial Services for the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Winthrop, whose extensive experience working with children facing life-threatening illnesses has been instrumental in helping others cope. Dr. Fried is the author of "The Angel Letters: Lessons that Dying Can Teach Us About Living," a collection of letters to children whose last days and months he shared intimately, each one providing a poignant life lesson in love, family, friendship or courage.

The program will also include presentations from other leading experts in the field and entertainment by Bobby Seaback and the Transplant Band. In addition, healthcare professionals will be eligible for continuing medical education and continuing education units.

According to the New York Organ Donor Network, a single organ donor can save up to eight lives; one tissue donor can save or improve the quality of life for up to 50 people.

For more information or to register for the Gift of Life Rebirthday program, call Joy A. Oppedisano, MPA, Hospital Services Specialist, The New York Organ Donor Network at (646) 291- 4400 ext. 2514. For more information about Winthrop-University Hospital, call 1-866-WINTHROP.