UW Health’s Post

RION recently hosted a blood drive in Rochester, MN, where our team, families, and community members donated blood. We recognize the importance of supporting our community through blood donations which indirectly supports our regenerative medicine applications that rely on platelets. Platelets are crucial for our regenerative medicine technology, as we biomanufacture regenerative exosomes vital for our tissue repair initiatives to help those in need “heal from within.” We've developed a proprietary process to isolate these exosomes from donated platelets, enabling mass production and scalability. Notably, RION utilizes platelets from blood donations nearing expiration, preventing waste and not drawing from the active blood supply.   Donating blood saves lives by providing essential transfusions for those in need, from accident victims to patients undergoing surgery or battling illness. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, emphasizing its essential role in community health. We extend our thanks to all blood donors for their support and encourage others who are considering donating blood to contact their local blood bank.    #RIONBloodDrive #RION #Exosomes #RegenerativeMedicine #Platelets

As we approach NF2 Awareness Day on May 22, it’s heartwarming to see the efforts to raise awareness and support research for this condition. Real people affected by NF2 are sharing their journeys, shedding light on the challenges they face, and inspiring hope for better understanding and treatments. These personal stories serve as powerful reminders of resilience, courage, and the importance of community. By sharing their experiences, these individuals contribute to a collective effort to improve the lives of NF2 patients and their families. We are each affected differently & people with NF2 are affected by Brain Tumours, Spine Tumours, Optical Tumours, Deafness, Blindness, Epilepsy, vocal chord paralysis, mobility problems, chronic pain, cataracts, facial palsy ... & much more! Today we meet Ashlynn, her NF2 journey started aged 11. but she is determined to raise more awareness of the condition. "Even the challenges I face with NF2, I will never let it stop me doing what I love with my horses and dogs and raising awareness through writing my music" NF2, is a lifelong genetic condition, that weaves itself into the fabric of existence, unyielding and unrelenting. There is no middle or ending to any of our stories. Surgery, radiosurgery, and chemotherapy—are the only options we have. Yet, they come at a cost. Their impact reverberates through the delicate pathways of nerves, often leaving behind scars of lost function. NF2 is for life, an unwavering companion. There is no cure, no magic wand to erase its presence. Instead, there is resilience, determination, and a shared journey among those who navigate its complexities Please consider donating to research, sharing your story & raising awareness. You can donate here to our research https://lnkd.in/euWUGuTS #endNF2 #NF2awareness #NF2Schwannomatosis #schwannomatosis #NF2support #nf2 #nf2family #nf2warrior #LetstalkNF2 #nf2charity #nf2cure #nf2treatment #nf2gene #nf2chromosome22 #nf2trials #nf2diagnosis #nf2lifeexpectancy #nf2prognosis #nf2research #nf2ismyteam #nf2awarenessday #nf2journey #StrongerTogetherAgainstNF2

Today, as a medical laboratory scientist and public health professional, I find myself once again at the hospital, donating blood to save lives. This is not my first time, nor is it my fifth, I have donated blood countless times, and I will continue to do so, over and over again, because every donation can be the difference between life and death for someone in need. Blood donation is more than just a noble act; it is a lifeline. Each donation has the potential to save up to three lives. It supports patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, childbirth, and emergency care. In many hospitals, blood is often in short supply, and your generosity could be the reason a child survives surgery, a mother makes it through childbirth, or a victim of an accident has a chance to recover. The need for blood is constant, and the gratitude of those who receive it is endless. When you donate blood, you are not just giving a part of yourself, you are giving hope, strength, and a second chance at life to those in dire need. This selfless act is a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on our community and beyond. I urge everyone, whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it many times before, to join me in this life saving mission. We can make a difference together. Donate blood, save lives, and be the hero someone desperately needs today. Your simple act of kindness can create ripples of hope that will last a lifetime.

Delivered a talk on workshop - organ donation and transplantation, focusing on the importance of compassionate communication and breaking bad news strategies. Communication plays a key role in developing trust between patients and doctors, particularly when conveying challenging news or requesting donations. In today's era, it's essential to train our professionals in delivering bad news effectively. Let's prioritize empathy and understanding in every interaction for better patient care. #CompassionateCommunication #HealthcareCommunication #EmpathyInMedicine#drneerajh

**FAQ: Pediatric Heart Transplants** Q: What are the most common heart diseases that require a heart transplant? A: The most common indication for a pediatric heart transplant is cardiomyopathy. The second most common indication for a heart transplant is complex congenital heart disease. At Enduring Hearts, we are the only national nonprofit solely dedicated to funding research to increase the longevity and improve the quality of life for children with a transplanted heart. Together, we will continue to ensure healthier lives for these young warriors. Learn more at [enduringhearts.org] #PediatricHeartTransplants #EnduringHearts #HeartHealth #ChildrensHealth #MedicalResearch #Nonprofit #HeartTransplantAwareness

👀 Did you know: 💡 Optometrists can detect early signs of chronic diseases through eye exams, like diabetes and hypertension. World Council Of Optometry Help us support our Optometrists in preserving and enhancing patients vision by donating here: https://bit.ly/3Z6uCC7 #WorldOptometryWeek #WCO #WorldOptometryDay #optometry

A Heartbreaking Reality: 20% of Donated Organs Go Unused. This statistic is a stark reminder of the urgent need for organ donation awareness and improved allocation systems. Let's work together to make a difference. Every life matters. #OrganDonation #Healthcare #MedicalInnovation #Humanity #LifeSaving #OrganTransplant #Awareness

Don’t Take my Organs Bro! A patient in the United States recently regained consciousness just before doctors were about to begin an organ harvesting procedure.  https://lnkd.in/e72W2fJk  The unexpected recovery brought attention to the sensitive and critical nature of organ donation, sparking conversations about the safeguards in place to confirm brain death. Some are revoking their organ donor status. While such rare occurrences can raise concerns, remember that organ donation remains a vital and life-saving practice. Thousands of lives are saved thanks to the selfless acts of organ donors. Medical teams across the nation are trained to follow strict guidelines to determine brain death with certainty, helping to ensure that no premature steps are taken. Importantly, organ donors can be the last hope for some with critical illness. Continuing to support and register as an organ donor is an invaluable contribution—one that can turn personal tragedy into a gift of life for others. If you would like to discuss your organ donor status, contact Bendel Law.

May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month. Many of you know my mother was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in 2021, and with that diagnosis came a connection to an entirely new community. Doctors and nurses and caregivers and social workers and phlebotomists. Hospital administrators, transporters, cooks, custodians, researchers, palliative care teams and hospice nurses. Physical and occupational therapists. As many of you know, the list goes on and on. Here in the US, it’s estimated over 1 million people are living with Brain Tumors. Care protocols have not changed in over 40 years. We don’t have enough caregivers to go around. My mom was only 69 when we lost her to this disease. She is missed so deeply, by so many, and it doesn’t have to be like this. We can find new treatments and create hope for the newly diagnosed. Below are links to support the National Brain Tumor Society and Be a Hero Foundation. If you are considering a charitable donation in May, please consider them. https://lnkd.in/eFmdky7U https://beaherofund.com Atlantic Health System Yaron A. Moshel, MD, PhD, FAANS #glioblastoma #cancer #caregiver #braintumor #healthcare #beahero National Brain Tumor Society

The Myocarditis Foundation needs your help. Nonprofits are funded by individual donations, corporate grants, fees for service and fundraising events by organizations and individuals. Donations are down, corporate grants are scarce, and nonprofits are hosting fewer fundraisers. Candace describes why you should donate and how the Foundation uses your donations wisely. #myocarditis #pericarditis #nonprofit #giving #education #research https://lnkd.in/gvZEYSrd