Former resident encourages gift of life for wedding registry

by Emily Canning-Dean

When former Hinckley resident Tania Markarian-Skowronski recently got married, she chose not to register at traditional stores, such as Target or Kohl’s, but decided instead that what she wanted were gifts with a deeper meaning.

Markarian-Skowronski and her husband, Dan, asked that instead of gifting them traditional household goods, their wedding guests donate to Lifebanc, a northeast Ohio nonprofit organization that procures organ and tissue donations for those in need.

“We were able to raise $21,000 and it meant so much to us,” she said. “The funds go to community outreach programs, as well as educational programs. It also helps fund grief counseling by licensed professionals to donor families at no cost to those families.”

According to representatives from Lifebanc, Markarian-Skowronski has worked countless hours promoting their organization and has raised more than $300,000 to help Lifebanc expand its programs and services, earning her the prestigious Lifebanc Challenge Coin, which celebrates those who positively impact organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation.

“I found I was meeting a lot of people who were really impacted by organ donations,” Markarian-Skowronski  said. “I had one colleague who was desperately waiting for a liver transplant and another colleague who was the first person in the world to receive a donor heart and liver after having an artificial heart.

“Then a dear friend of mine who had a son who was on an artificial heart died while waiting for a transplant,” she continued. “I saw how many people were being affected and needed donations and I thought the best thing I can do is use my voice to raise awareness.”

Markarian-Skowronski said that when polled, 90% of individuals look at organ donation as a positive act, while only 60% of people register to be an organ donor.

“We live in an area with two fantastic hospital systems – University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic,” she said. “But even though we have the science, patients die waiting for a donor. One donor can save as many as eight lives.”

While organ donation offers relief to recipients, Markarian-Skowronski pointed out that it can also offer some comfort and hope to the families of the donors.

“It transforms heartbreak into hope, and tragedy into triumph,” she said. “The donor family can begin healing by realizing that losing their loved one wasn’t the end because a part of their loved one lives on in another human being. It’s the gift that costs you nothing.”

Markarian-Skowronski said she realizes some of her own loved ones could someday be in need of an organ donation. Her son was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2012 and a pancreas or kidney transplant might be necessary in the future.

Additionally, her husband suffers from kidney disease and while he is currently holding steady, the day could arise when he, too, needs a new kidney.

Markarian-Skowronski there are currently 100,000 people on the national waiting list in need of an organ transplant. She said anyone wishing to become an organ donor can visit lifebanc.org to register and to get more information. ∞

Photo: Former Hinckley resident Tania Markarian-Skowronski has raised more than $300,000 for Lifebanc. Photo submitted.