By Richard F. Denno
Note: Have you ever thought you knew a person and their organization, only to discover that you had only ‘scratched the surface?’ Such is the case with Jim Gleason and TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization?) In researching this month’s column, I came to appreciate TRIO’s contribution to transplant support and Jim Gleason’s dedication and leadership in this endeavor. Your Masonic Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness Program first became aware or Jim and his group almost 10 years ago. Since then, Jim and TRIO have been a valuable resource in our efforts to create awareness of the need for organ donors to and assist in registering donors by directing them to the website www.registrme.org.
On October 19, 1994, Jim Gleason received a heart transplant at the Hospital of the University of PA in Philadelphia. In most cases, that would make for a very happy ending to the story. However as radio personality Paul Harvey used to say, ”And now, the REST of the story.”
Following his transplant surgery, Jim, realizing the need for support to the transplant recipients, donors and their families, was involved in co-founding a new chapter of TRIO in Philadelphia in 1996. Jim has been TRIO’s National President since 2010. Its mission is dedicated to increase awareness by promoting organ, tissue and bone donation as an important social responsibility, providing support to transplant recipients, donors and their families and help alleviate the stress and challenges associated with the transplant process. Donor and recipient families are provided with current information and education about organ, tissue and bone marrow donation, As well as medications and finances.
Finally, TRIO provides advocacy by making known to federal, state and local governing bodies the needs that affect the welfare of transplant candidates, recipients and their families around the world.
The TRIO website, https://TRIOweb.org is one of the most informative and interesting websites on organ donation; “Everything you ever wanted to know about transplantation”, while being very user friendly. Check it out.