MEDIA ALERT/PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

CHILDREN’S MEMORIAL HERMANN HOSPITAL

AND LIFEGIFT UNVEIL “TREE OF LIFE”

--Pediatric organ donors remembered for generous gifts--

WHAT:

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and LifeGift will pay tribute to children who gave the ultimate gift – the gift of life through organ and tissue donation. A “Tree of Life,” adorned with the names and photos of 20 child organ donors will be unveiled.

WHEN:

Friday, April 1, 2011, the first day of National Donate Life Month

11:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital

6411 Fannin Street

Houston, Texas 77030

WHO:

Families of children who gave the gift of life through organ and tissue donation

Vanessa Villafane, pediatric liver transplant recipient, and family

Representatives from Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and LifeGift

WHY:

The children honored on the “Tree of Life” saved the lives of perfect strangers through the gifts of organ and tissue donation. This memorial will become a permanent fixture at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital, serving as an inspiration and reminding others about the importance of donation.

QUICK FACTS:

More than 110,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving transplant

Nearly 10,000 Texans are on the waiting list

Every day, 18 people die due to the lack of available organs for transplantation

Thirteen people are added to the waiting list for an organ daily

PARKING:

Media may park at Cullen Pavilion, located at 6411 Fannin and Ross Sterling Drive, and be escorted to the event by media relations representatives.