Lisa Crigger-Hudson, RN Organ Donation Literacy Project

09/17/2026

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If someone walked into a room where they knew no one, Nick would seek them out and start a conversation. His family said Nick “cared for everyone around him no matter if it put him down in the process.” He was very smart, always wanting to share his knowledge with those around him.

Nick was able to excel quickly at anything he focused on. He enjoyed showing off magic tricks, playing video games, building his own computers, and performing as a musician. He was a lifelong learner and enjoyed studying any new topic or interest.

Nick will heal 237 people through the donation of his tissue and was able to give the gift of sight through eye donation. If you want us to highlight your donor hero, you can nominate them at LifeShareCarolinas.org/Donor-Families/Honoring-Donors/

09/17/2026

Finishing the LVAD evaluation doesn’t guarantee approval.
The team considers your heart, kidneys, home support, and ability to manage the equipment. The question is simple: do potential benefits outweigh the risk?
Next: How an LVAD can improve heart failure, symptoms, and quality of life.

09/16/2026

Your dental clearance can hold up a VAD approval faster than your heart function can. 🦷🫀
Imaging, labs, a full team of consults — same process whether you're an urgent inpatient or a stable outpatient.
Next: what the decision-making team actually weighs. 👀

09/15/2026

Did you just start your LVAD evaluation? It’s a lot! Education, consults, real lifestyle changes, recovery!❤️‍🩹. Save this. More on VAD life is coming!🤎🤍

09/14/2026

Not every organ donor is declared dead by neurologic criteria.

With DCD—donation after circulatory death—the decision to withdraw life support is made first, based on the patient’s condition and goals of care. That decision is completely separate from donation.

Only afterward can donation be discussed.

Donation does not cause life support to be withdrawn. It creates the possibility of saving lives after that decision has already been made.

Have questions? Put them in the comments. It’s kind of my whole thing.💙🤍🤎

09/13/2026

You’ve got this! We are so proud of you!!♥️🫘🫀🫁

09/11/2026

An LVAD can give someone more time –and more life.

But it also comes with batteries, backup equipment, driveline, care, medications, labs, alarms, and a whole lot of planning.

LVAD patients and caregivers manage life support equipment every single day often while making it look completely ordinary.♥️💙

09/10/2026

Joshua’s laugh was contagious. His mother, Susan, told us how giving and loving her son was and how he just wanted the same in return. She said Joshua had an old, but very caring, soul.

He was a hard worker, eager to provide for himself and those close to him. In his spare time, Joshua loved skateboarding, listening to music, watching movies, and playing video games.

Joshua saved 5 lives through organ donation. If you want us to highlight your donor hero, you can nominate them at LifeShareCarolinas.org/Donor-Families/Honoring-Donors/

09/09/2026

Warfarin works – but it does not appreciate surprises.

Warfarin is effective – but it also is a little dramatic about sudden changes.

Keep your vitamin K intake, consistent, check before starting new medication’s or supplements, and get your INR drawn when it’s scheduled

You do not have to break up with broccoli🥦😬