A Mission to Build Awareness of Organ Donation Around The World We are a Minnesota non-profit organization of organ transplant recipients who have had successful organ transplants. On a local scale, we have been working to increase awareness of the need for organ donation by speaking at fraternal organizations, schools and local fairs. Our past activities have been appreciated and we believe we have made a difference. We are now taking our efforts around the world. On May 7, 2005, at 10:30 am (PST), Ardell Lien, a 2003 heart and kidney recipient fom the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota set sail from San Diego, California. Ardell's goal is to sail around the world solo on his 27 foot sailboat "Catalyst" to help bring national awareness to the importance of organ donation. And to prove that organ transplant works to save lives, and, is not possible without organ donation. This website is designed to inform the public on Ardell's progress, give information on organ donations, and accept donation for Ardell's dedicated endevour in the "Gift of Life" voyage. GOALS OF THIS ORGANIZATION MISSION: Increase awareness of the critical need for organ donations. Unfortunately, the number of organs donated for transplantation during the past 15 years has remained approximately the same. Our goal is to educate the public on the critical need for organs, explain the process of transplantation and dispel the myths and misrepresentations of many people. We believe that when people are more familiar with the process, they will be far more receptive to become part of this program. For example, many believe that heart transplants have become routine. The truth is that transplantation of heart and other organs is very rare. The Mayo Clinic, a very large and respected medical facility, conducted only 13 heart transplants during 2003 because of lack of donors. We would like to emphasize that an individual who receives a new heart, kidney, pancreas, liver or lungs, can return to a normal life, pursue a career, enjoy family activities and even participate in most sports. HOW TO ACCOMPLISH OUR MISSION We believe that to help create more awareness of this giant need for organ donation, we could start by showing how one life was changed for the better, and, how a life's dream hopefully can create a small amount of awareness, that if only one life is saved by this endevour our mission will be accomplished. Click on the icon below to hear a radio interview with Captain Ardell Lien.