AGH Heart Transplant Recipient Celebrates National Donor Day by Rounding on Hospital Floors with “Pumper” Mascot, Delivering Gift Bags and Cheer to Transplant Patients
Craig Smith, a recipient of a life-saving heart transplant at Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) Allegheny General Hospital (AGH), will celebrate National Donor Day, February 14, by delivering gift bags and spending time with recent transplant recipients and those hospitalized at AGH with other cardiovascular health issues. National Donor Day is the national holiday that recognizes organ, tissue and cornea donors.
Smith will be joined by “Pumper,” a heart-shaped mascot whose mission is to raise awareness about the importance of registering to become an organ donor. A fierce advocate within the organ donation community, Smith works closely with the AHN Cardiovascular Institute and the Center for Organ Recovery & Education (CORE) to reach communities throughout western Pennsylvania.
Smith says that registering as an organ donor is the most heartfelt gift for Valentine’s Day. He encourages everyone to honor his donor, and all donors, by signing up to become a donor at RegisterMe.org/AHN.
WHEN: Tuesday, February 14 at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Allegheny General Hospital
320 East North Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
WHO:
- Craig Smith, AGH heart transplant recipient
- Physicians and nursing staff comprising the AGH heart transplant team
- Patients hospitalized for transplant-related procedures and/or cardiovascular complications
- Team members of CORE
CRAIG’S STORY:
After experiencing shortness of breath and extreme fatigue after graduating from Penn State University, Craig Smith of Johnstown was later diagnosed with viral cardiomyopathy at AHN Cardiovascular Institute. In 2015, while in his early 20s, Smith underwent a successful heart transplant procedure, performed by Stephen Bailey, MD, heart transplant surgeon at AGH and chair of the AHN Cardiovascular Institute. Today, Smith is the founder and executive director of “Second Chance Fundraising,” a non-profit dedicated to increasing awareness around organ and tissue donation, and raising financial support for those who need a “second chance” at life through organ donation.
WHY:
National Donor Day is observed across the United States as a day to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation, and to celebrate those who have given the gift of life. According to CORE, more than 100,000 people in the United States are waiting for a transplant that will save their lives. In Pennsylvania alone, there are more than 7,000 people on the waiting list. AGH, the Network’s flagship academic medical center, is routinely ranked among the state’s top medical centers for three-year survival rates among heart transplant patients.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Media should plan to arrive by 10:15 a.m. Parking is available at the Emergency Department lot off Sandusky Avenue. Upon arrival, please contact Alana Wenk (412-527-0020) to be escorted to the appropriate floor.
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