Each spring, Stuart B. Sacks, M.D., takes one week off to drive. And drive. And drive some more.
Since 1998, Sacks has raised more than $20,000 for the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network, the organ procurement organization associated with the University of Rochester that serves the Finger Lakes Region and Central and Northern New York. Donations are used for organ donor family after-care support and community education. Additionally, more than 200 bike helmets have been given out at safety fairs and the organization is developing a cancer screening component for its public education initiative.
During the one-week event, participants do up to four time-trial races each day at designated tracks such as Watkins Glen and Michigan International Speedway, then travel on average 800 miles each night in their cars to the next site in anticipation of the following day’s competition. Drivers hail from across the United States, Canada and even Switzerland.

“We are very fortunate to have this organization to communicate with and comfort people in their most difficult times, and to give many a second chance at life,” Sacks says.
He was the first person to raise funds for an organ procurement organization through the One Lap of America competition. About 20 percent of participants drive for charity. Sacks is sponsored by numerous local businesses, including John Holtz BMW, Soundworks, Infinite Audio, Mundo Grill, Eksten Autoworks, and McAllister Sign and Imprint.
Sacks’ efforts are truly appreciated by the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network.
“Stu’s contributions have a significant impact on the work we do,” says executive director Robyn Kaufman. “His generosity is valued. He is an incredible friend to our organization.”
Sacks is an anesthesiologist at Park Ridge Hospital.

Thanks to the Donor Recovery Racing team, for our brand new poster to promote organ donation awareness. The poster features the circle of organ donation. Austin is a three year old child who's family donated his organs; Danielle who recieved a liver transplant as baby and Ricky who is waiting for his liver transplant miracle.
The posters are being used in our service area to promote organ donation and transplantation. If you would like one, please send an email to request one!

Central New York Hosts National Memorial “Virtual Wall”

On September 17, 2004 Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network and the transplant center at Strong Memorial Hospital hosted a focus group for the “virtual wall” of the National Donor Memorial. Fred Geiger, executive director for the memorial, presented the wall and received input on format and content from a group of donor family members, recipients, transplant coordinators, surgeon and guests. Suggestions will be incorporated in the final version of the wall. The virtual wall is the traveling component of the National Donor Memorial and will be displayed around the country.

New York State Legislative Update
New York Alliance for Donation, Inc.

The following is a brief description of some of the bills as of September 2004, that saw Legislative action this year. It is not an exhaustive list of all bills introduced related to organ and tissue donation.

A.11301a/S.7058a: This bill establishes the Registry in state law. This is the first step toward assuring that the Registry remains an effective tool for people to identify their intent to donate and is critically important to public education and awareness initiatives.
(Assembly Sponsor: Robin Schimminger; Senate Sponsor: Kemp Hannon)
Status: Passed Both Houses, Delivered to Governor for Signature 9-02-04

A.11208/S.7110: This bill amends the Anatomical Gift Act to conform to the revisions made in 1987 to the Uniform Anatomical Gift Act eliminating the requirement for two witnesses on a document of gift.
(Assembly Sponsor: Richard Gottfried; Senate Sponsor: Kemp Hannon)
Status: Remains in Assembly Rules and Senate Health Committee

A.11262/S.5739: This bill creates a check off box on the NYS income tax form to allow for donations to the Life Pass It on Trust Fund.
(Assembly Sponsor: Michele Titus; Senate Sponsor: Ada Smith)
Status: Passed the Assembly, remains in Committee in the Senate – this bill will not become law without Senate approval

A.9770/S.6110: This bill repeals the $1 donation option on the drivers’ and non-driver ID application for the Life Pass It on Trust Fund. This bill was requested by the Governor’s office due to objections by the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Division of the Budget.
(Assembly Sponsor: Sam Hoyt; Senate Sponsor: Kemp Hannon)
Status: Passed both Houses, has not been sent to Governor for signature at this time

A.10431/s.7050: This bill re-establishes the $1 donation option eliminated in a previous bill. This bill was introduced to address the stated concerns of DMV related to implementation of the $1 donation (additional time and administrative funding).
(Senate Sponsor: Kemp Hannon; Assembly Sponsor: Sam Hoyt)
Status: Passed in the Assembly, remains in Senate Transportation Committee

A.9634/S. 6592: Creates a tax credit for living donor expenses
(Assembly Sponsor: Sam Hoyt; Senate Sponsor: Kemp Hannon)
Status: Remains in Committee in both Houses.