/R E P E A T -- Media Advisory - New lungs carry the Olympic torch through
Woodstock/

Seven years ago, a double-lung transplant donation saved Kurt Penner's life.

Now he's using his second wind to carry the Olympic torch.

TORONTO , Dec. 23 /CNW/ -

    
    WHAT:  Kurt Penner, who in 2002, was days away from dying of emphysema
           received a life-saving double-lung transplant through the Trillium
           Gift of Life Network (TGLN). On December 27, he'll be carrying the
           2010 Olympic torch for 300 metres through the streets of
           Woodstock, Ontario, thanks to that donation. His self-defined
           mission as torchbearer: to light the fire amongst Ontarians about
           the revitalizing power of organ and tissue donation. And to get
           them all to REGISTER YES!

    WHO:   Dorchester-resident Kurt Penner, 60, Olympic torch bearer, London,
           Ontario World Transplant Games veteran and double-lung transplant
           recipient

    WHEN:  Sunday, December 27, 2009 at 10 a.m.

    WHERE: Parkinson Drive
           Woodstock, ON (on the Kitchener-London route of the Olympic Torch
           Run)

    HOW:   Register your consent to donate your organs and tissue by visiting
           your local Service Ontario Health Card Services - OHIP office or
           outreach centre where you renew your health card. You can also
           register by downloading and filling out a Gift of Life Consent
           form from www.giftoflife.on.ca and mailing it to the address on
           the form. Even if you've already signed your donor card, please
           also register your decision so that this information is accessible
           at the time of your death and talk to your family about your
           decision.
    

Please note: The Trillium Gift of Life Network offices will be closed during the holiday season from December 25-28, 2009 and from January 1-3, 2010.

For further information: Madelyn Herschorn, Trillium Gift of Life Network, (p) [phone], (m) [phone], (e) [email protected], (w) http://www.giftoflife.on.ca