Date posted: 5-17-01

Editors: You are encouraged to use this story in your publication. Please credit the author and DeKalb News Service as shown. And, please send TWO tearsheets to: Jim Killam, Department of Communication, Watson Hall, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL 60115.

By Meghan O'Brien

DeKalb News Service

DeKALB -- Bill Wennington, former Chicago Bulls center, has realized the value of life.

His sister, Christine Hartnett, was a juvenile diabetic. By age 21, she had begun to go blind and her arteries had started calcifying. She underwent four bypass surgeries before the loss of another person's life saved her own, through a kidney and pancreas transplant.

"It was an accident victim who made the decision to be an organ donor," Wennington said. "Because of this decision, my sister is now doing very well."

Wennington has become a strong promoter of organ donation. His presence April 20 at Northern Illinois University's Office of Campus Recreation helped kick off the Organ Donor Awareness Bash that night at Amnesia the Nightclub.

Wennington was there signing organ donor cards as the witness. He, along with former Chicago White Sox outfielder Minnie Minoso and former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kurt Becker, helped gain 250 signatures.

"I don't think we could've done it without them," said Katie Lundberg, NIU corporate communications and journalism major and coordinator of the event. "When students saw that professional sports players were promoting the cause, they were more willing to participate."

Five thousand Illinois residents currently await organ transplants. Although the Illinois' organ donor registry is the largest in the nation, there is still a shortage of donors. The waiting list in Illinois increases about 20 percent each year.

So, why are so many people unwilling to be an organ donor?

"I've heard the doctor 'pulls the plug' too soon if he sees that you are an organ donor," said Melissa Meyers, NIU marketing major. "Because of the necessity for organs, he may not do all he can to save your life."

"This is an urban myth," said Dave Druker, Illinois press secretary for Secretary of State Jesse White. "Organ donation becomes a question only when there is no chance for survival. One doctor presides in the final moments of life, while another doctor presides in the organ transplant.

"The final decision is up to your family," Druker added. " If you do decide to be an organ donor, you must express your wishes to your next of kin."

Others believe the process desecrates or deforms the body and that it is an undignified procedure.

"Donation is a gift that no words could explain," said Kim McCullough, communications director for the Regional Organ Bank of Illinois. "It is a respectful surgery that many doctors are aware of."

McCullough said the family is fully aware of the procedure and a traditional service with an open casket is still possible.

"Doctors are extremely respectful of this gift that can save another's life," McCullough said.

Although the medical field has made strides in improving the success rates of organ transplants, Americans are still not convinced of the importance of becoming an organ donor.

Wennington had to find out the hard way.

"I would not be here at NIU supporting this cause if it weren't for my sister," Wennington said.
Although Wennington agrees with organ donation, there are some things he does not agree with.
"The waiting list is long," Wennington said. "Many times known people will get pushed up in front of Joe Citizen. That is why I admire and respect Walter Payton (who remained at the bottom of the donor list despite his fame)."

White, whose sister, Doris Ivy, received a life-saving kidney transplant after a 3½-year wait, is a strong promoter of organ donation. He suggests that all residents check their driver's license to make sure they are registered as potential donors and to discuss their feelings with their family.

If you are not a donor but would like to be, call (800) 210-2106.

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Sources:
* Bill Wennington, former Chicago Bulls center whose sister had an organ transplant

* Dave Druker, Illinois press secretary for secretary of state Jesse White (312) 814-1506
* Kim McCullough, communications director for the Regional Organ Bank of Illinois
(312) 431-3600
* Katie Lundberg, NIU corporate communications/journalism double major and Coordinator for the Organ Donor Awareness Bash (815) 758-4790
* Melissa Meyers, NIU marketing major
* Dr. Henry Davison of the Medical Center at Princeton in his article "Misconceptions
Keep Many From Signing Organ Donor Cards" www.pacpub.com
* Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State in the press release "Secretary White Announces Organ Donor Week Activities" www.sos.state.il.us/press/release/010412d1.html