Buckeye GIFT

The Purpose of Buckeye GIFT:

buckeye_gift_logo2.jpgBuckeye GIFT (Giving Inspiration For Transplantation) Network has open meetings providing support, education, awareness, and advocacy for all individuals impacted by organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Members are united in their desire to increase understanding about donation and transplantation and their effort to improve the lives of others affected by the "Gift of Life." Our success will be measured by our positive presence in the lives we touch, as we take comfort in knowing that we have made a difference.

  • Buckeye GIFT aspires to continually grow, not only in numbers, but also in knowledge and services as we work hand in hand with Lifeline of Ohio.
  • Buckeye GIFT strives to empower all members so that the overall mission can be achieved.
  • Buckeye GIFT will support all individuals associated with transplantation including, but not limited to transplant candidates, recipients, donor families, living donors, medical professionals, and families and friends of those touched by the Gift of Life.

Types of People Who Would Want to Attend:

Anyone whose life has been touched by organ or tissue donation and transplantation is invited to attend these monthly meetings. These people can include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Transplant Candidates
  • Transplant Recipients
  • Living donors
  • Donor Family Members (whose loved one was a donor following their death)
  • Families and friends of all of these individuals
  • Professionals who work in the field of transplantation

While these people have diverse backgrounds and come to each meeting with various experiences and needs, everyone has one very important aspect in common and that is the experience of organ or tissue donation and transplantation. It is our hope that this group and the monthly meetings will serve the needs of each individual regardless of their background.

Other Important Information:

  • Buckeye GIFT Central*:
    • Usual Meeting place for Buckeye GIFT Central: Lifeline of Ohio, 760 Kinnear Rd., 2nd Floor, Columbus, OH 43212.
    • Time and Day for Buckeye GIFT Central: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month.
    • Contact Terri Louder at 800-525-5667 ext. 375 or tlouder@lifelineofohio.org for additional information.

*Buckeye GIFT Central visits transplant patients at The Ohio State University Medical Center during the months of February, October and December.  These visits replace the meeting held at Lifeline of Ohio.  Please contact Lifeline of Ohio for further information on these meeting locations and times.

  • Buckeye GIFT East:
    • Meeting place for Buckeye GIFT East: Genesis Health Center Community Room, 61353 Southgate Parkway (State Route 209), Cambridge, OH 43725. (The meeting location will vary so please contact Kathy for specific location.)
    • Time and Day for Buckeye GIFT East: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month.
    • Contact Kathy Warhola at 800-525-5667 ext. 344 or  by cell at 740-680-3190 or by e-mail at kwarhola@lifelineofohio.org.
  • Buckeye GIFT Mid-Ohio:
      • Meeting Place:  OSU Mansfield Campus, Riedl Hall, room #153
      • Call for fall dates
      • Time and Day for Buckeye GIFT Mid Ohio: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month.
      • Please contact Amy Baden at 800-525-5667, ext. 348, or at abaden@lifelineofohio.org  for meeting information.
  • Buckeye GIFT Southern:
    • Chillicothe-
      • Meeting place for Buckeye GIFT Chillicothe: Adena Regional Medical Center Hopewell Room, 272 Hospital Rd., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
      • Time and Day for Buckeye GIFT Chillicothe: 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month.
    • Athens/Meigs-
      • Location for Buckeye GIFT Athens/Meigs alternates between Meigs and Athens counties.  Please call John Bise (740-797-2402) for information.
      • Time and Day for Buckeye GIFT Athens/Meigs: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. on the third Monday of every month.
    • Contact Kim Hardesty for meeting information in Chillicothe & Athens area at 1-800-525-5667 ext. 346 or at khardesty@lifelineofohio.org.

Everyone is welcome to attend the meetings! If you have any questions, concerns, or need directions, please contact the Terri Louder at Lifeline of Ohio, 1-800-525-5667, ext. 375.