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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 22, 2020)
Rodeo announcer donates platelets in honor of wife Longtime rodeo announcer, rancher, and team rop- ing heeler Kevin “Kedo” Olson, who has a ranch in the Culver/Terrebonne area, knows all too well the impor- tance of blood donations. His wife of 45 years, Marilee, was diagnosed in December 2015 with stage-two ovarian cancer, which was removed and treated with chemotherapy. In October 2016, cancer reappeared in her intestines, requiring more chemo. That was the 2016-17 winter of the big snow. It took Olson seven hours to clear the ranch driveway so he could get Marilee to her chemo treatments. During that time, she required multiple blood transfusions, and it was always available. The Red Cross made sure it got to Redmond, icy roads or not. Marilee lost her battle with cancer in January 2017. As a way of honoring her memory and giving back the gift of life, after seeing how his wife needed the help of platelets during her chemo treatments, Olson has donated platelets every two weeks since her passing and also whole blood on occasion. He said that platelet donation takes about two-plus hours, much longer than whole blood donation. Now that he’s retired from rodeo announcing and his son-in-law runs the ranch, he has the time to give. Olson’s example has inspired others to get involved. His church family in Powell Butte, Shiloh Ranch Church, holds blood drives. Last May, his daughter’s school did a blood drive in memory of her mother and plans to again this year. Scott Johnson, of Central Oregon Rancher magazine contacted Olson about doing a cover story on the blood drive next May, which would have been the Olsons’ 48th wedding anniversary. In November 2018, the American Red Cross honored Olson for his efforts by inducting him into the Donation Hall of Fame, which recognizes people all over the country who have shown extraordinary commitment to giving blood. deceased donation only. If you are interested in being a living donor, it¾s important to educate yourself about the donation process, required test- ing, financial considerations, risks and recovery. Kidneys are the most com- mon organs donated by living donors, and most transplant centers in Oregon and southwest Washington focus on this type of living transplant. Contact a local transplant center to learn more. The three regional organ transplant centers in Oregon include Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, Oregon Wednesday, January 22, 2020 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Health and Sciences University, and them about donation ensures they can the VA Portland Health Care System, advocate for the donor¾s final wishes. all in Portland. Currently, other living The Donate Life Northwest website donor procedures are not performed provides answers to potential donors¾ in Oregon or SW Washington. Bone questions and fully explains the differ- marrow donations are handled through ent options available. the National Marrow Donor Program, which can be found online. There are no age limitations on who can donate. Both new- borns and senior citizens have been donors. The circumstances of death and medical condition at the time of death determine what organs, eyes and tissue can be donated. There are three ways to reg- ister as a donor. The Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles has a box on the application form • Those who are over age 16, weigh at least for a learner¾s permit, license, or 110 pounds, and are in generally good state ID. When checked, legal health may be eligible to donate blood. consent is given for organ, eye and/or tissue donation upon death. • Make an appointment online at A small heart will appear on the www.RedCrossBlood.org, or call license. Registration can also be done online at www.donateli- 1-800-REDCROSS (733-2767) fenw.org, or with a paper form. Joining the Oregon Donor Registry via the Oregon DMV has proved phenomenally suc- cessful, ensuring that nearly • Join the Oregon Donor Registry 75 percent of Oregon drivers online at www.donatelifenw.org have registered their decision to donate. or via the Oregon DMV It is critical that registered donors tell their family or health- • Tell your family or healthcare power of care power of attorney about their attorney your wish to be a donor so they wish to be a donor, regardless of can advocate for your final wishes how they register. Talking with HOW TO GIVE BLOOD HOW TO BECOME AN ORGAN, EYE, AND TISSUE DONOR The Center Sisters’ active lifestyle is healthful and exciting — but it can sometimes lead to injury. The goal of The Center’s Dr. Timothy Bollom is to take care of those injuries efficiently and effectively so you can get back on the trail or on the skis or on the pickleball court as soon as possible. Dr. Bollom is available in Sisters at the St. Charles Family Health Clinic one Wednesday per month in winter and every three weeks in other seasons. He sees patients from a variety of primary care doctors and can refer patients directly to Sisters-based physical therapists. In-office procedures like injections, brac- ing and X-rays can be handled right here, with- out requiring a drive into Bend. In fact, 90 per- cent of a patient’s needs can be met in Sisters. The Sisters clinic also serves to screen patients so that they can most efficiently take their next steps in care. 17 “You’re in the right hands” For all your Physical Therapy and Massage needs 541-549-3534 325 N. Locust St., Sisters greenridgept.com