JULY 21, 2006

Roses highlight ceremony that honors donors, heightens awareness

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today recognized Vanderbilt resident Beverly Cherwinski with a Shining Star award for establishing the rosebush-planting ceremony to honor organ donors, their families and recipients.

Land made the surprise presentation as a part of her remarks during a rosebush-planting ceremony organized by Cherwinski at the Alpena Regional Medical Center, 1501 W. Chisholm St.

Land created the Shining Star award to recognize those whose exceptional efforts encourage greater organ donor awareness. Cherwinski organized the first rosebush-planting ceremony in Gaylord five years ago.

"A rose is a beautiful symbol of love and hope," said Land, who nominated Cherwinski for the award. "The decision to be an organ donor is a gift of love and hope. The rosebush-planting ceremony serves as a poignant tribute to donors and a celebration of the lives that were saved. Bev's efforts in organizing these ceremonies have helped grieving families heal and brought a heightened awareness of the miracle of organ donation."

Cherwinski also has organized rosebush ceremonies in Cheboygan, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Traverse City and Grayling. Cherwinski uses a special variety of rose known as the "Gift of Life." A popular hybrid tea variety developed in England, the Gift of Life rose is noted for its exceptionally soft golden-yellow petals tinged with pink. It is used by organ donor organizations worldwide to help promote greater awareness.

The recipient of a single-lung transplant in May 1999, Cherwinski understands the concerns faced by patients and families in similar situations. She was diagnosed at age 35 with a disease that would slowly cripple her ability to breathe. When ultimately placed on a donation waiting list, Cherwinski started a support group - the Northern Michigan Transplant Group in Gaylord.

Cherwinski's passion for helping others is evident through her many organ donation-related volunteer activities. In addition to her work with the support group, she is active in the Otsego Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and the American Red Cross. She takes advantage of every opportunity to promote organ and tissue donation and has drawn strong media attention, which has increased awareness.

A mother and grandmother, Cherwinski and her husband, Dick, still live on the family farm on Cherwinski Road in Vanderbilt.

The Shining Star award is the latest organ donor initiative undertaken by the Department of State. The department also has a primary role in collecting names for Michigan's organ, tissue and eye donor registry through its online enrollment program at www.Michigan.gov/sos. Donor cards are also mailed with driver's licenses and state identification cards.

Other organ donor programs supported by the department include Buddy Week, an event held each April in which Gift of Life Michigan and Michigan Eye-Bank volunteers meet with the public at Secretary of State branch offices to discuss organ and tissue donation. Land also encourages continued organ donor awareness through her Organ and Tissue Donor Advisory Committee and by fostering active partnerships with organ donor advocates statewide.

For more information about the Shining Star award and other Department of State organ donor programs, please visit www.Michigan.gov/sos.