Lighting the Way for Organ Donation

TLC Gallery, located in the Rice Village, brightened the path for patients waiting for organ transplants by hosting an event benefiting LifeGift Organ Donation Center.

The Thomas Kinkade Touring Museum featured many original oil paintings, plein (French for open) air paintings, and sketches. The showing offered an opportunity to see first-hand the artwork of Thomas Kinkade, American's most collected living artist.

LifeGift received a portion of the proceeds from every purchase made at the TLC Gallery during the event. TLC Gallery also provided information about organ donation to its customers.

"TLC Gallery had the option of donating the proceeds to its charity of choice. While there are many worthy organizations, my wife Maluan and I specifically wanted to help LifeGift," said George Anderson, liver recipient and owner of six TLC Galleries in the greater Houston area.

In May of 1999, Anderson started having liver failure complications. Despite his healthful lifestyle, he suffered from internal bleeding, loss of appetite and lack of energy while waiting for a new liver. Anderson decreased his workload and spent more time in doctors' offices and hospitals. Almost a year later, Anderson received a liver transplant and felt better immediately.

"I learned a lot about the great need for organ donation through my experience. I appreciate everything that LifeGift did and the donor family who helped save my life," said Anderson. "I am gaining my strength and plan on having a full life at work and with my wife, who has been so supportive."

In addition to spearheading the fundraiser, the Andersons help LifeGift by educating their employees and customers about organ donation. They place donor cards on the counters of all TLC Galleries, the TLC Gift Shoppe and Laura's Tea Room.

More than 75,000 people are currently on the national organ transplant waiting list. LifeGift Organ Donation Center is a federally designated, not-for-profit organ procurement organization appointed to serve Harris and 29 other Southeast Texas counties. LifeGift is one of the most productive organ procurement organizations in the country, generating a 51 percent increase in organ donors during the last six years. For more information about becoming an organ donor call LifeGift at (713) 523-GIFT (4438).

---

©2006 Texas Medical Center

---

E-Mail: tmcinfo@texmedctr.tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/05_15_01/page_10.html