Flag-raising ceremonies honor lifesaving organ donation
Penn State Health and Gift of Life Donor Program team up to raise awareness for National Donate Life Month
Penn State Health honored organ donors and recipients and raised awareness about organ donation during flag-raising ceremonies April 9 at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Holy Spirit Medical Center. Health system leaders joined representatives from the Gift of Life Donor Program, as well as individuals personally affected by the life-changing power of organ donation.
Speakers at the Hershey ceremony included Roberta Malinak, who shared the story of her 16-year-old nephew from Steelton. After his death, Malinak said, he went on to save six lives through organ donation and helped hundreds more as a tissue donor.
“Out of tragedy, there is hope,” Malinak said. “Every aspect of organ donation is important.”
Randy Merklinger, a 64-year-old Lancaster County resident, received the gift of life as the 596th patient to undergo a heart transplant at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Merklinger told the crowd his message to his donor’s family would be one of profound gratitude.
“You lost a loved one, but you gave a heart to another person to live their life […] with their family and their children,” Merklinger said. “Without that donor, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Meanwhile, attendees at Holy Spirit Medical Center heard from Priscilla Glusko, whose 23-year-old son Anthony died in a traumatic accident. His selfless decision to become an organ donor saved six lives.
Glusko shared a powerful story of meeting the man who received Anthony’s heart.
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To register as an organ donor, visit the Penn State Health Donate Life website.
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