After learning that New York State had one of the worst organ donor registration rates in the nation, Tom Jasinski – a double transplant recipient – decided that he needed to change the narrative.
In 2010, both of Jasinski’s kidneys shut down and he was diagnosed with life-threatening, end-stage renal failure. It was at that point that he learned the sorry state of affairs in NYS, when it came to organ donor registration rates.
Upon realizing that it could take up to ten years to find a kidney match, while undergoing dialysis treatment all the while (read the story), Jasinski decided that he wasn’t just going to just sit around and wait. Instead, he and his wife, Ginny Wallace, set out to figure out a way to raise awareness pertaining to the glaring problem at hand.
There are over 10,000 New York State residents waiting for life saving organs.
Jasinski’s impressive challenge is to “take New York State from the bottom five (it’s currently last on the list) in the number of registered organ donors, to the top five, in five years.” The plan is being referred to as the “5.5.5. Initiative” for New York State. To that end, a non-profit has been established, called ONE8FIFTY. The name was chosen because “One person can provide eight people with lifesaving organs, and greatly impact at least fifty others through tissue donation.”
But if people don’t register at organ donors, then nothing’s going to change. And that can’t happen.
22 people die each day while waiting for organs.
As part of the ONE8FIFTY initiative, twelve local restaurants are lending their support, by selling specialty cocktails during Donate Life Month, with a portion of proceeds going to the ONE8FIFTY effort. Each of the restaurants has its own distinct reason for participating.
“My reason for participating is very personal. My sister Wendy has fought kidney disease 30+ years. She had one failed kidney transplant in the 90s and was part of a successful kidney swap in 2013. I am blessed to have her still with us and it is gift to watch her enjoy life with a healthy kidney,” said Lisa Riniolo of the Garage Bar and Restaurant.
“Last year I lost a dear friend. It was a year this week. When we worked together and enjoyed a shot, it was usually Crown Royal. While he fought, in a moment of clarity, he had the forethought to go online and sign up to be an organ donor. Immediately after he passed, at least one of his organs saved a life,” said James Manno of Frankie Primos & Soho.
90% of Americans support organ donation, yet only 30% know the steps to become registered.
The goal of the ONE8FIFTY campaign is to increase the number of registered organ donors in NYS, plain and simple. Jasinski turned out to be one of the lucky ones, but that doesn’t help the 22 people that die each day while waiting for organs. Currently, there are over 10,000 NYS residents waiting for life saving organs. For anyone looking for information on how to register to become a donor, click here.
Throughout the month of April, 12 local restaurants will donate a portion of sales from a specialty cocktail to the awareness cause. Participating restaurants involved with the ‘call to action’ include:
- The Irishman Pub & Eatery: The Giving Punch
- Glen Park Tavern: Donors Opt In Daquari / Intent to Consent Mango
- Juicy Burger Bar: Brew It! Eat the Donut! Boozy Shake
- Carte Blanche: Chocolate Cherry Old Fashioned
- Garage Bar & Restaurant: Blackberry Bourbon Mule
- Neat: Bourbon Smash
- VICE: Bourbon Smash
- Anchor Bar in Amherst: Blue & Green Donor Machine
- D’Avolio: Cosmopolitan
- SOHO: Double R Crown Royal Manhattan
- Frankie Primos: Double R Crown Royal Manhattan
- Parkside Meadow: Lavender Martini
For more information on ONE8FIFTY, visit www.one8fifty.org.