IOPO®: Indiana Organ Procurement Organization, Inc.

Cheryl Weaver, Newburgh, IN

Creating Hope

Too often those on the waiting list for a new organ don’t get a match in time to save their lives. Cheryl Weaver, Newburgh, Indiana, knows that only too well. Several doctors and diagnostic tests were never able to put a label on the fast acting disease that attacked her sister’s liver and ran its course, taking her life, in only four weeks.

Dawn Bauer, 37, was a vibrant and active wife, mother, volunteer and businesswoman. Cheryl’s resolve to not let Dawn’s death be in vain, has given IOPO one of its most dedicated volunteers. A regular visitor to her local Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Cheryl keeps the branch stocked with IOPO brochures, talks to persons waiting in line about organ donation and reminds employees of the importance of asking drivers if they want the organ donor heart icon on their new license. Cheryl is a frequent speaker to various groups including the women in the county extension and at career fairs for teens who want to be doctors.

Seven years after Dawn’s death, Cheryl’s daughter-in-law experienced the pain of losing her 18-year-old sister in a traffic accident. Shocked and grieving, her parents elected to donate her organs. Cheryl believes Dawn’s story had a great influence on their decision.

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• What Organs/Tissues Can Be Donated?
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