VGK Pledges 5 Year Commitment to Nevada Donor Network
Nevada Donor Network Foundation (NDNF) is pleased to announce it has received a 5-year commitment of $50,000 per year from the VGK Foundation.
The Vegas Golden Knights and Henderson Silver Knights partnered with Nevada Donor Network Foundation to launch the “End the Wait” campaign, an effort to raise $35 million for a virtual transplant institute for Nevada.
This virtual transplant institute will recruit surgeons and transplant teams to bolster Nevada’s kidney transplant needs and save more lives. Over the next few years, the vision is for the virtual transplant institute to have an infrastructure for Nevadans to have liver, pancreas, heart and lung transplants done right here in our community.
The financial commitment will help expand the current kidney transplant program in Nevada and create a new liver transplant program for its initial two years.
NDNF, in partnership with Nevada Donor Network (NDN), will recruit qualified physicians, nurses, and support staff to Nevada to implement a successful transplant program. It is estimated that within 12 months, this program would be fully operational, and self-sustaining by month 25. The number of Nevadans currently waiting for a kidney transplant is 521.
“58 percent of kidney transplant services are ‘exported’ to surrounding transplant programs in different states,” said Steven Peralta, President of the Nevada Donor Network Foundation.
“Of the 233 kidneys available for transplant out of southern Nevada in 2019, only 33 were transplanted locally, and all other organs were sent out of state. We are very honored and grateful to the entire VGK family and organization for this tremendous philanthropic gift.
This commitment will help launch our $35 million “End the Wait” campaign to bring more life-saving transplants to Nevada. This is a historical moment for NDN as we continue to lead the way in helping to serve our community’s needs.”
Nevada Donor Network President and CEO Joe Ferreira shared, “Most Nevadans waiting on a life-saving organ must relocate for months to receive their transplant. People typically go to neighboring California, Utah, or Arizona for care. Many never return to Nevada, instead opting to live where they can get continued care. Bringing a more robust transplant program to our state will provide greater access to those waiting on a life-saving transplant, as well as elevate the level of healthcare available in Nevada.”
President of the Vegas Golden Knights, Kerry Bubolz, will strengthen the partnership between the teams and NDNF by joining its founding board.
“The VGK Foundation and both teams are honored to partner with NDN and NDNF in their effort to bring awareness to organ donation and expand services available to all Nevadans in need. I joined the Foundation board because I believe in their mission to maximize the gift of life and health through organ, eye and tissue donation. I believe it is critical to the health of our community,” said Bubolz.
In appreciation for the Vegas Golden Knights’ support, NDN will be remodeling their C-Suite conference room with an all Knights look and host a special ribbon cutting ceremony in the coming weeks.
Additionally, NDN launched a new advertising campaign featuring VGK’s very own Alex Tuch #89. As a registered organ donor, he proudly supports NDNF and is excited for the opportunity to bring awareness to the mission. “I am a huge fan of the work NDN does to save lives,” said Tuch.
“They are real heroes. I was honored when they asked me to be part of this ad campaign to spread awareness about the importance of registering as an organ donor and giving hope to those waiting for a transplant.”
The Golden Knights Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the primary charitable link between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Las Vegas community.
The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation supports the Las Vegas community and local non-profits that make a difference every day via partnerships, community programming and direct grants. These initiatives are funded through financial donations and various programming throughout the year.
As Las Vegas’ first major professional sports team, the Vegas Golden Knights recognize and embrace our duty to strengthen and inspire our community.
Our players, coaches, staff, and fans enthusiastically work each day to inspire the Las Vegas community and become agents of growth and change.
For more information, please visit www.nvdonor.org/
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