Wall of Heroes honors organ, tissue and eye donors

Hennepin Medical
Mosaic and kiosk to be unveiled at HCMC August 22

What: “Wall of Heroes” unveiling at Hennepin County Medical Center
When: Thursday, August 22, 2013, 4-7 p.m.
Where: 2nd Floor, HCMC’s Red Building, 717 S. 7th St. entrance

On Thursday, August 22, from 4-7 p.m. Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) unveils its “Wall of Heroes” to honor those who have given a part of themselves so that someone else could live a healthier life â€" or in many cases, simply live. The display consists of a specially designed mosaic created for HCMC, along with an interactive kiosk containing names, photographs, and stories of HCMC organ, tissue and eye donors submitted by both donors and their families. The kiosk will also contain informational articles about the importance of organ donation, a direct link to sign up as an organ donor, and an opportunity to support the Wall of Heroes.

The mosaic artwork was funded by the Hennepin Health Foundation and created by local artist Michael J. Sweere, whose inspiration came from the themes of “transformation” and “new life.” A special focus group of family members and former patients who have been touched by organ donation suggested the themes, which are represented in the artwork by a garden with insects, birds and flowers.Last year, the hospital, along with the special family focus group, LifeSource, and the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank began meeting to talk about the project that remembers and honors individuals who were organ, tissue or eye donors â€" either living or deceased.

“It was a great experience helping create the Wall of Heroes,” said Tiffany Spears, whose brother, Christopher Spears, was only 18 when he passed away after being severely injured in a car crash in March of 2010. “Working in memory of my brother’s name has become a passion of mine and I enjoy helping in any way I can. I felt very honored to be included in this project.” For both Tiffany and her mom, Luann, working on the Wall of Heroes has given them a way to honor Christopher, and to promote the gift of organ donation that he believed was so important. “Christopher was one who always wanted to help other people in every possible way,” explains Tiffany.
______________________________________________________ 
"You have the power to SAVE lives." 
To register as a donor TODAY
In California: 
www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org | www.doneVIDAcalifornia.org 
Outside California: 
www.organdonor.gov | www.donatelife.net

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