Title: Local Educator Honored for Raising Organ Donation Awareness
Aurora, CO – Niki Kigerl, a dedicated science teacher at Eaglecrest High School in the Cherry Creek School District, is set to receive the prestigious 2024 Community of Excellence Award from the Donor Alliance for her significant contributions to organ and tissue donation awareness. Kigerl’s personal connection to the cause runs deep, as her son was born with a rare liver disease and will ultimately require a transplant.
For over ten years, Kigerl has educated nearly 20,000 students through Donor Alliance’s Transplantation Science Program—a free initiative aimed at students from 6th to 12th grade. The program focuses on teaching young people about the vital science behind organ and tissue donation and highlights the importance of registering as donors.
“Niki’s efforts have inspired countless students to recognize the life-saving potential of organ donation, encouraging many to consider the little heart symbol on their driver’s licenses,” said a spokesperson from Donor Alliance.
The Donor Alliance, a nonprofit organization designated for organ procurement in Colorado and Wyoming, collaborates with over 100 hospitals in the region. The organization highlights the critical need for donors, as more than 100,000 Americans are currently on the national transplant list, with many requiring kidney transplants.
Kigerl’s recognition by Donor Alliance underscores the importance of education in promoting awareness about organ donation, a subject that impacts thousands of families every year. Her award ceremony will take place on Monday, celebrating her commitment to saving lives through education and advocacy.
This event reflects a growing awareness of organ donation in communities, vital for assisting patients in need and ultimately saving lives across the nation.