In August, the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s each hosted
an event bringing players, fans, patients, and caregivers together to raise
awareness for organ transplantation.
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Twin sisters Anabel Stenzel Wallace and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes with Giants bullpen coach Mark Gardner. Born with cystic fibrosis, both women received double lung transplants at Stanford and have dedicated their lives to advocating for organ donation.
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The Giants held their 13th Annual Organ Donor Awareness Day
at their August 11 game against the Chicago Cubs. Transplant patients and staff
from Packard Children’s were treated as VIPs—with complimentary tickets, and
their names listed on the scoreboard during the game.
On August 21, the Oakland A’s, in partnership with Donate
Life California, donated a percentage of ticket sales from that evening’s game
against the Tampa Bay Rays, raising $12,000 for transplant services at Packard
Children’s.
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Packard patient Cole Combi, age 12, threw out the first pitch at the A’s game. Cole received a new kidney as an infant, and underwent a second
transplant at age 11. His family’s positive experience at Packard inspired
them to help raise awareness for other children who face the physical and
emotional challenges of organ transplants.
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“It was truly a special evening that honored patients and
donors alike,” says Packard kidney transplant coordinator Gerri James, RN,
CCTC. “Many of our young patients were able to attend thanks to the gift of a
new organ.”
Transplant services at Packard support the development,
health, and well-being of children who undergo organ transplantation, and
strive to reduce stress and anxiety associated with the experience.
The San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A’s share an interest in promoting
health awareness and improving the quality of life for Bay Area residents.
Packard Children’s is deeply grateful for their continued partnership and
generosity.