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 Canada

TORONTO , Dec. 29 /CNW/ -

    
    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: Madelyn Herschorn, Trillium Gift of Life Network, (p) [phone], (m) [phone], (e) [email protected], (w) http://www.giftoflife.on.ca