The 50 - Year Medalist Study Organ Donation Program

 Purpose

The purpose of the 50-Year Medalist Study Organ Donation Program is to determine whether the pancreases of individuals with type 1 diabetes of extreme disease duration are still able to produce insulin. The Medalist Organ Donation Program also is seeking to document the long-term effects of type 1 diabetes on the eyes, and kidneys. 

Donation Process

If you are interested in donating your organs to the Medalist Study please let us know either by returning one of the interest mailings or calling us directly at 617-309-4532 and we can get you started with the process. Our organ donation program coordinator will work with you to ensure all necessary preparations are made, including the notification of your wishes to both your next-of-kin as well as your doctors. Once this process is complete your next-of-kin will only need to make one phone call upon your passing. Please note that the full cost of donating your organs to the 50-Year Medalist Study will be paid for by the study. Neither you nor your family will be charged for donating your organs to us.

Results

Studies of tissues already donated have lead to the exciting findings that some individuals with 50 or more years of Type 1 Diabetes have insulin producing cells.  This demonstrates that some cells survive the destructive processes which cause this type of diabetes.  We are in the process of identifying these factors using the donated tissue samples.

If you are interested in participating in the 50-Year Medalist Study Organ Donation Program or have any questions, please contact Stephanie Hastings for information on how to sign up for the program.