Opening
The monthly meeting of the Organ Transplant Recipients of SWFL Inc. was called to order at 11:46 a.m. on November 1, 2018 at The Sanctuary located at 8960 Colonial Center Drive in Ft. Myers by President, Shamie Kelly.
Announcements
- Anniversaries: Mike Terry-Heart (11/2/2002), Tim Elkins-Liver (11/4/1999), Fred Brickley-Kidney (11/23/1998), Marshall Marlin-Heart (11/25/2008), David Weinstein-Kidney (11/26/1997)
- Visitors: Speaker- John L. Hogan III, Nursing Director for GCMC Surgical Progressive Care Unit
- Member Updates: Cheryl Abraham underwent a hip replacement on Tuesday of this week, she is doing well, there is a card going around for her. David Weinstein, Treasurer, is finally out of the hospital and happy to be home. He sends well wishes to everyone and thanks us for our support during his recovery. His wife and caregiver Janet Weinstein is just tired so she is not in attendance today either. The group is discussing if there is anything they can do like bring meals or something to help them. Mike Terry has been struggling with some type of infection that has spread to his head and is in a lot of pain. Shamie will reach out to them as well to discuss if we can be of any help.
Reports
The Secretary’s report was approved and submitted for posting to the website. David Weinstein, Treasurer, is still recovering from back surgery so Treasurers Report is unavailable. Donna Williamson reports that there are no updates for the Fletcher Fund.
Old Business
Comedy for a Cause is all set. There is a Facebook event to RSVP to and remember to share it and tell all of your friends, let’s pack the house! The American Heart Association’s Heart Walk is Saturday, December 8th in Fort Myers at Centennial Park. The festivities begin at 8am and the walk begins a 9am. It is a 5k walk/run at your own pace event. Melissa Tuff has set up a team on the heart walk website under the name “Organ Transplant Recipients of Southwest Florida” and made the first donation to get the team started. Melissa has also been in touch with Savanna at the NKF about the kidney walk and found out that the cost for a table at the kidney walk for a non-profit such as ours will be $500. This will be discussed at the upcoming board meeting when we set a budget for upcoming events. Savanna also stated she could use some help promoting the walk so if any of our members have contacts in media (radio, television, print) please contact them and ask about the potential of them covering the walk. It will take place Sunday March 24th at Lakes Park in Fort Myers. Discussion of a social event will be deferred until Janet and David (event hosts) can be present. Night for Life paperwork will be ready by Monday and they will be available at Comedy for a Cause, and the Holiday meeting they can also be emailed and/or downloaded from the website. Tickets will go on sale beginning at the January meeting so that they are not misplaced before the holidays. We will be doing $35 and $50 tickets per plan and Shamie will confirm to ensure ticket prices will remain the same but as of now that will be our general admission and VIP ticket prices. Please work on getting sponsorships between now and January, and we will work on doing a social event somewhere that our Night for Life band 41 South will be playing as to support them in exchange for supporting us. Details to follow.
New Business
Shamie Kelly’s term as President and David Weinstein’s term as Treasurer are up and there will be a nominations committee for nominations and self-submissions to be given to. Mariann Jefferson will oversee this committee. Nominations will be officially announced at the Holiday Meeting, and voting will take place in January with the new President leading the February meeting. Carlene Brennan and Joyce Rudder will assist Mariann. Gulf Coast Transplant Center was at 34 transplants completed at the time of its temporary closure. Dr. Jeac-Frank Gitue is officially gone, Dr. Biondi is still on maternity leave however it is still expected to reopen in December. Flyer is being passed around for the Holiday Party on December 6th, we have 2 rooms instead of 4 this year which will still be plenty. Group will do a potluck style for sides and desserts and the group funds will provide the meat. We will set up an online event where food items that are being brought can be listed. Bring an ornament for exchange. Room is reserved for 10:30 – 2:00pm so if you can come early to help set up, please do and bring guests! Board meeting will take place between today and the Holiday party to discuss a budget for marketing materials. Amazon Smile is still up and available, don’t forget to use it and recommend it to friends for their holiday shopping. We will also have a “Donate” button on Facebook so that we can have fundraisers using social media. We have a speaker today from Gulf Coast Medical Center, John L. Hogan III, Nursing Director for Surgical Progressive Care. He was a medic in the army where he got most of his credentials. He has been in nursing for over 30 years and has experience in many different areas and he discussed how to be a good advocate/caregiver without overstepping boundaries. He also discussed his experience in the many fields in which he has worked and their relation to transplant.
LifeLink
Service of Remembrance and Appreciation November 4th at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Fort Myers near the Bell Tower Shoppes. The service runs 11am to 3pm and set-up begins at 10:30am. The Holiday luncheon and volunteer appreciation to take place on December 14th at the Edison from 12pm to 2pm.
Announcements
Melissa Tuff will be speaking on an upcoming AAKP Webinar on Secondary Hyperparathyroidism on Tuesday November 20th, if you’re interested in tuning in please contact Melissa after the meeting. Leftover food is being taken to David and Janet Weinstein to alleviate at least one meal for them while David is recovering.
50/50
$45 total group gets $22 winner gets $23
Adjournment
Meeting was adjourned at 1:50 p.m. by President, Shamie Kelly.. The next general meeting will also be our Holiday meeting on December 6, 2018, at the Fort Myers Library (downtown) Meeting Rooms A & B from 11 a.m. until about 2 p.m.
Minutes submitted by: Melissa Tuff, Secretary