Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant Applauds Georgia Transplant Foundation "Trends" Program

Atlanta, Georgia – Atlanta legal nurse consultant Liz Buddenhagen, registered nurse and certified legal nurse consultant attended “Trends in Transplant Agenda” at Saint Mary’s Hospital March 6, 2010 in Athens, Georgia. Buddenhagen says: “The program was fabulous, heartwarming and chock full of helpful information for transplant candidates in every phase of their process: before, after and during their surgery.”

Sandy McMath, MSW, Director of Patient Services, GTF, opened the program with an encouraging discussion of how to get started with the GTF services.

“The Georgia Transplant Foundation (GTF) is unique in the national transplant community. Founded in August 1992 by Tommy Smith, a kidney transplant recipient, GTF is focused on providing both financial and educational assistance during a time that is often overwhelming for those undergoing or waiting for a transplant. Today, Georgia Transplant Foundation is the primary source for transplant patient assistance and support for all solid organ transplantation in the entire state of Georgia,” notes GTF at www.gatransplant.org.

Christine Bruno, MD, specialist in hepatology (liver disease doctor) at Piedmont Hospital, talked about wellness factors, optimizing health while undergoing transplantation and returning to work afterward.

Bobby Howard, Manager of Multicultural Donation Education Program of LifeLink and former NFL football player, discussed his personal story of receiving a kidney transplant at age 30. He subsequently dedicated his life to helping other people get the opportunity he had.

After a wonderful lunch catered by Five Star Day in Athens, Georgia those attending broke up into three afternoon sessions:
• Yancy Gulley, M.Ed., Director of the Green County Campus of Athens Technical College addressed resources available for career re-training post transplant.
• Deborah Vickery, MSW, Patient Services Assistant of GTF provided an interactive workshop for individuals who want to learn life skills that will improve mental wellness.
• Sandy McMath led a seminar for candidates to learn how to conduct fund raising for their transplant needs. The GTF will match dollar for dollar what candidates raise for their post transplant medications up to $10,000.00.

Registered nurses from Emory, Piedmont and Medical College of Georgia (MCG) were on hand.

Tom Glavine, baseball player and Tommy Malone, Atlanta attorney are two supporters among many of the GTF. The Foundation has been generously funded by the Carlos and Marguerite Mason Trust.

About Liz Buddenhagen:
Atlanta Legal Nurse Consultant Liz Buddenhagen, RN, CLNC assists Atlanta attorneys with their medically-related cases and owns Buddenhagen & Associates. For more information view website www.Legal-Nurse-Consultant-LNC.com, email Liz@BuddenhagenLNC.com or call 770-725-2997.

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Liz Buddenhagen, RN, CLNC

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Buddenhagen & Associates

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