When our editor, Tammy Pearson, talked with me about writing a column on organ transplants for our Iowa Living magazines, I told her how I once moved a piano. She didn’t laugh but instead told me how this was a serious and important subject. She was right about that, and I was insensitive with my reply.

Like most of you reading this, I have not had to deal with organ failure or the need for organ transplants. I am quite thankful for that.

Like many of you reading this, I agreed to be an organ donor when I renewed my driver’s license several years ago. I had to pull my license out of my wallet and check it to be sure. You should do so right now, too.

I know people who have put great thought into how their organs can help others live longer lives. I know others who are also organ donors but have not thought about it much, having the attitude that they will be dead and don’t really care. Regardless of how you feel, those who benefit from your organ donations will be forever grateful, as will their family members and friends.

Mothers will be able to bear children. Fathers will be able to walk their daughters down the wedding aisle. Grandparents will be able to hug their grandkids. And young children can learn to smile, knowing their lives won’t likely end anytime soon.

In our 14 Iowa Living magazines, we cover a variety of subjects and themes in our cover stories. In the past few months alone, we have written about the benefits of hiring senior employees, dream vacations, ongoing educational opportunities, Christmas card traditions, early risers and more. Some topics have been light-hearted while others have had more serious tones.

Our April magazines feature the stories of local residents and the positive impact of organ donations, each titled “The Gift of a Future.” I got choked up while reading them, as I found the stories to be incredibly touching. I think you will, too. Three are posted so far (Adel Living, Johnston Living and Winterset Living), and others will be as the month continues.

If you are not an organ donor, my hope is that these stories may change your mind and have you consider doing so. We share details on how you can do so, along with the heart-warming stories of central Iowans who are deeply grateful for those who already have. Be sure to read the stories, but grab some tissues first.

Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman                                                                                  President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

The gift of a future
Residents share their stories of organ transplants.

By Ashley Rullestad

Gene Lesch was well known in the Johnston community in the 1980s. He served on the school board and was president when the town passed the bond to tear down the original middle school and build the new middle school (now Wallace Elementary). It was then he went on a ski trip to Colorado over Christmas and New Year in 1986.

“I couldn’t breathe at the high altitude, and we came back after three days,” Lesch says. “I went to the doctor and was diagnosed with a bad heart — cardiomyopathy. My heart function at that time was in the 17% range.”

In the 1980s, transplants were uncommon, as rejection drugs had been discovered just a few years earlier.

Happy Birthday Randy Clarkson and Gary Ross!

These celebrities were born on this date: Dean Norris, Donita Sparks, Emma Caulfield, Ezra Koenig, John Madden, John Schneider, Julian Lennon, Skai Jackson, Matty Healy, Eliana Girard, Keira Walsh, Robin Wright

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What happened at the impromptu party at the Chinese zoo? PANDA-MONIUM! This one was funny enough it was worth repeating!

Today's riddle

How does a short cow in tall grass feel?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or Indianola, Urbandale or Clive Living magazines, contact:

Gina Chandler
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 323
Mobile: 641-750-6485
gina@iowalivingmagazines.com

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