Media Advisory - A Firefighter's new heart will glow on Olympic Torch Relay
Ten years ago, Dale Shippam got a new heart. It's taken him around the world, and, in the New Year, will take him on a part of the Olympic journey across
WHAT: In 1999, Dale Shippam's own heart was ravaged by a virus. But an organ donation through the Trillium Gift of Life Network (TGLN) gave him a fresh start and propelled him on expeditions around the world, including mountain journeys through Antarctica, Nepal, Spain and British Columbia (and an upcoming 2010 trip to the North Pole). On January 3, he'll be carrying the 2010 Olympic torch for 300 metres through the streets of Thunder Bay, Ontario, thanks to that donation. His self-defined mission as torchbearer: to light the fire amongst Ontarians about the revitalizing power of organ and tissue donation. And to get them all to REGISTER YES! WHO: Professional firefighter, Dale Shippam, 58, Olympic Torch bearer, explorer/trekker/outdoor sports enthusiast, active Trillium Gift of Life Network volunteer and heart transplant recipient WHEN: Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 6:48 p.m. WHERE: From John Street to Honda on Algoma Street Thunder Bay, ON (on Day 66 of the Olympic Torch Run) HOW: Register your consent to donate your organs and tissue by visiting your local Service Ontario Health Card Services - OHIP office or outreach centre where you renew your health card. You can also register by downloading and filling out a Gift of Life Consent form from www.giftoflife.on.ca and mailing it to the address on the form. Even if you've already signed your donor card, please also register your decision so that this information is accessible at the time of your death and talk to your family about your decision.
Please note: The Trillium Gift of Life Network offices will be closed during the holiday season from January 1-3, 2010.
For further information: For further information: Madelyn Herschorn, Trillium Gift of Life Network, (p) (416) 619-2350, (m) (416) 526-8035, (e) [email protected], (w) http://www.giftoflife.on.ca
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