Tree of Life Dedication Tree of Life Dedication

April 1, 2009April 1, 2009

Joel F. Karman, MSW, LSW, MPHJoel F. Karman, MSW, LSW, MPHAssociate Hospital Director Associate Hospital Director

University of Illinois Medical CenterUniversity of Illinois Medical CenterChicago, ILChicago, IL

SuccessesSuccesses

Medal of Honor for Organ Donation Medal of Honor for Organ Donation 2006, 2007, 2008 & 20092006, 2007, 2008 & 2009

Lifesaving Partners AwardLifesaving Partners Award Medical Center and individual awards in 2005, Medical Center and individual awards in 2005,

2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009)2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009)

2009 Transplant Award for achieving a 2009 Transplant Award for achieving a 20% increase in transplantation in 2008 20% increase in transplantation in 2008

Tree of Life Dedication Tree of Life Dedication UIMC’s commitment to promote organ and tissue donor awareness in UIMC’s commitment to promote organ and tissue donor awareness in CY09 began on April 1, 2009 during “National Donate Life Month”.CY09 began on April 1, 2009 during “National Donate Life Month”.

The Honorable Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White launched his The Honorable Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White launched his Donate Life campaign and unveiled the "Tree of Life" memorial in the Donate Life campaign and unveiled the "Tree of Life" memorial in the main lobby at the University of Illinois Medical Center.main lobby at the University of Illinois Medical Center.

The Tree of Life honors individuals and families who made the The Tree of Life honors individuals and families who made the selfless decision to donate organs and tissues so others may live. selfless decision to donate organs and tissues so others may live. The names of 100 organ donors are engraved on individual leaves The names of 100 organ donors are engraved on individual leaves that make up the "Tree of Life." Their brave decisions have saved that make up the "Tree of Life." Their brave decisions have saved more than 300 lives.more than 300 lives.

The public response to the “Tree of Life” has been hugely successful. The public response to the “Tree of Life” has been hugely successful. The increased awareness has triggered further inquires to become an The increased awareness has triggered further inquires to become an organ donor since the unveiling in April 2009 within hospital organ donor since the unveiling in April 2009 within hospital administration (i.e. phone calls, personal visits to HA).administration (i.e. phone calls, personal visits to HA).