Families lose trust after transplant foundation closure
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — It's been nearly a year since the National Foundation for Transplants closed. The organization helped patients come up with the necessary funds needed to get on a transplant list.
Almost a year later, some Integris Health patients feel like they can't trust another organization after the closure.
'We just don't have the trust to do that all over again,' said Pamela O'Brien, whose husband needs a kidney transplant.
'He is going to die': Oklahoma family impacted by transplant foundation closure
For nearly two years, Eric O'Brien has been waiting for a kidney transplant.
The family had almost $5,000 in their account with the National Foundation for Transplants, but that funding disappeared when the foundation suddenly closed last year.
'Nobody got their money back and everybody was just out that money,' said O'Brien.
The closure left the O'Brien's feeling uneasy about raising money with a different organization.
'We don't trust anymore. The hospital wants you to… have an organization. But we've said we'll raise some money ourselves one way or another. If he can get on the list, I will have the money…. I'll figure it out,' said O'Brien.
'It's a big shock': More Oklahomans impacted by transplant foundation closure
News 4 reached out to Integris for a comment on how the year has been without the NFT.
We continue to work closely with our patients during their transplant process. Since the closure of the National Foundation for Transplants in May 2024, we have added 207 patients to the national transplant waiting list. There are multiple mechanisms for patients who need additional funds to support a successful transplant. The specific avenue may be different depending upon the patient's unique needs. We are here for each individual patient, providing guidance and support throughout their transplant journey.
Integris Health
The O'Brien's are now raising money on their own, but are still scarred from the sudden loss less than a year ago.
'To have that money ripped away was just horrible. Not just from us, but from everybody. Like, there's so many emotions that go into that,' said Pamela O'Brien.
O'Brien said the family has a donation account set up for 'Eric O'Brien' at City National Bank, if you'd like to help the family.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Measles potential exposure at OKC Will Rogers International Airport, OSDH says
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) on Friday confirmed a case of measles at OKC Will Rogers International Airport, creating a potential risk to the public. According to OSDH officials, an investigation into the potential measles exposure resulted in an individual located in a public setting while contagious. President Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill' raising concerns about future of SNAP benefits and food insecurity Potential airport measles exposure information is as follows: Location: OKC Will Rogers International Airport Address: 710 Terminal Drive, Oklahoma City, OK 73159 Date/Time: 11:15 p.m., May 27, 2025, to 1:30 a.m., May 28, 2025 On Friday, the OSDH posted an updated count of case numbers on their website, with the total count rising to 20 in Oklahoma. Of these, 17 are confirmed, while three are probable. All 17 confirmed cases are listed as unvaccinated, with two listed as unknown and one listed as vaccinated and having two or more doses. OSDH says that if an individual visited the location within the date and timeframe and is unvaccinated, unsure of vaccine or immune status, or has concerns, they are encouraged to provide their name and contact information here confidentially. If additional public setting exposures are identified, they will be immediately posted here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Indianapolis Star
13-06-2025
- Indianapolis Star
Oklahoma lottery officials planning 'digital experience' for players
Oklahomans vying to be lottery jackpot winners may no longer have to drive to their nearest gas stations soon. The Oklahoma Lottery Commission confirmed to USA TODAY that it filed a request to create a digital platform for players. The commission said the decision is meant to enhance player engagement, improve services and protect both efficiency and data security. "This is a transformational step for the Oklahoma Lottery," Abby Morgan, the commission's director of marketing and product development, said in a statement. "We're focused on creating a best-in-class digital experience that benefits our players today while preparing for the possibilities of tomorrow." Morgan added that the "investment is about so much more than one product — it's about modernizing how we connect with our players and operate as a business." The commission said the initiative will allow the future development of an iLottery platform, but emphasized that it was not the primary focus. The launch of an "iLottery business model" would require legislative approval, the commission added. In the short term, the vendor will be tasked with improving the Oklahoma Lottery's loyalty program, including ways players can check their tickets and scratchers. There are currently 16 states with an official digital lottery service, according to Lottery USA. Oklahoma responsible gambling advocates told KFOR that they want the app developed with problem gamblers in mind. The Oklahoma Association of Problem Gambling and Gaming reports that 6.3% of Oklahomans meet criteria for gambling disorder, and 23.5% of Oklahomans are at-risk for problem gambling. 'Those are huge numbers. And that's one of the highest prevalence rates in the United States, is what we have here in Oklahoma,' Wiley Harwell, the executive director of the association, told KFOR. Harwell also told the TV station that he hopes to see features that will help with gambling addiction, including ads for the state's responsible gambling hotline and the Evive App, a "positive mobile health tool to reduce gambling harm." 'We want people to reach out for help to recognize that this is potentially addictive and to, you know, play safely,' Harwell said.
Indianapolis Star
13-06-2025
- Indianapolis Star
Oklahoma lottery officials planning 'digital experience' for players
Oklahomans vying to be lottery jackpot winners may no longer have to drive to their nearest gas stations soon. The Oklahoma Lottery Commission confirmed to USA TODAY that it filed a request to create a digital platform for players. The commission said the decision is meant to enhance player engagement, improve services and protect both efficiency and data security. "This is a transformational step for the Oklahoma Lottery," Abby Morgan, the commission's director of marketing and product development, said in a statement. "We're focused on creating a best-in-class digital experience that benefits our players today while preparing for the possibilities of tomorrow." Morgan added that the "investment is about so much more than one product — it's about modernizing how we connect with our players and operate as a business." The commission said the initiative will allow the future development of an iLottery platform, but emphasized that it was not the primary focus. The launch of an "iLottery business model" would require legislative approval, the commission added. In the short term, the vendor will be tasked with improving the Oklahoma Lottery's loyalty program, including ways players can check their tickets and scratchers. There are currently 16 states with an official digital lottery service, according to Lottery USA. Oklahoma responsible gambling advocates told KFOR that they want the app developed with problem gamblers in mind. The Oklahoma Association of Problem Gambling and Gaming reports that 6.3% of Oklahomans meet criteria for gambling disorder, and 23.5% of Oklahomans are at-risk for problem gambling. 'Those are huge numbers. And that's one of the highest prevalence rates in the United States, is what we have here in Oklahoma,' Wiley Harwell, the executive director of the association, told KFOR. Harwell also told the TV station that he hopes to see features that will help with gambling addiction, including ads for the state's responsible gambling hotline and the Evive App, a "positive mobile health tool to reduce gambling harm." 'We want people to reach out for help to recognize that this is potentially addictive and to, you know, play safely,' Harwell said.
