MAY 11, 2005

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today honored Spectrum Health physician Jim Hoogeboom with a Shining Star award for his outstanding accomplishments in promoting organ donation.

Land created the Shining Star award to recognize those whose exceptional efforts encourage greater organ donor awareness.

Hoogeboom’s dedication has helped position the Spectrum Health Butterworth campus in Grand Rapids as the largest donor of organs in Michigan for more than 15 years. Furthermore, his efforts have led to Spectrum Health’s recent recognition as having the second-largest organ donation rate in the nation.

"Organ donation is more than just an act of compassion – it is a second chance at life for someone who is critically ill," Land said. "Dr. Hoogeboom’s work is characterized by two words – caring and giving. The exemplary donation rates of Spectrum Health are not a coincidence. The organization is successful in obtaining consistently high organ donation rates because of the tireless commitment of Dr. Hoogeboom and his colleagues."

Known as the "heart and soul" of the organ donation programs, Hoogeboom’s compassion for families facing painful end-of-life challenges have earned him great respect from doctors, nurses and administrators.

"Good communication is vital to the success of any organ donation program," said Richard C. Breon, Spectrum Health president and chief executive officer. "Dr. Hoogeboom’s dedication to organ donation has led to a heightened awareness among hospital staff, patients and families, which has translated into increased organ donation rates. When you consider that one donor can save or enhance the lives of 50 people, Dr. Hoogeboom’s accomplishments are all the more admirable."

Hoogeboom was nominated for a Shining Star award by Dr. Luis A. Tomatis, director of medical affairs for the Richard DeVos family. Hoogeboom is responsible for monitoring patients in the critical care unit. He and his wife live in Grand Rapids.

The Shining Star award is the latest organ donor initiative launched 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 available in branch offices and are mailed with driver’s licenses and state identification cards.

Other organ donor programs supported by the department include Buddy Day, 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 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.