Young Heart Recipient Educates Educators

--Heart recipients share their unique stories about organ donation--

WHAT:

10th grade student and principal share similar titles in that they are both heart recipients.

WHEN:

Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2011 @ 6:30 p.m.

WHERE:

Kingwood Park High School

4015 Woodland Hills Drive

Kingwood, Texas

77339

WHO:

Michael Leon, student heart recipient and waiting list patient for 2nd heart transplant

Bob Atteberry, Principal of Kingwood Middle School and heart recipient

SPECIFICS:

Michael Leon was only 2 years old when he received his first heart transplant. Today, a sophomore at Kingwood Park High School, he needs a second heart transplant to survive. An avid student, he plays in the student band, is a member of student council, volunteer and a former Boy Scout. Michael wants to educate his school and community about the importnat need for organ and tissue donation. He won't be doing this alone as Kingwood Middle School principal and heart recipient, will help him educate Humble ISD about donation.

News media will have the opportunity to learn the following:

--How Michael Leon's family/Mr. Bob Atteberry felt when they received the news that the would have a second chance.

--How the Leon family feels about their son's current status of waiting for someone else's generousity

--Why Michael Leon/Mr. Bob Atteberry needed an organ transplant and what they have been able to do since the transplant and why Michael Leon needs another transplant.

--Facts and figures about organ donation in the state of Texas