Memphis, Tenn. – The Transplant Resource Center at Methodist University Hospital’s Transplant Institute will hold a reception on June 14 at the Memphis Botanic Gardens, featuring Olympic snowboarder, bronze medalist and liver transplant recipient, Chris Klug.

In 1993 Klug was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare liver disease whose causes are unknown and that has no cure. On July 28, 2000 Klug received a liver transplant at the University of Colorado Hospital in Denver. Klug learned later that his new liver came from a 13-year-old gun shot victim whose parents decided to donate his organs - saving Klug’s life. Four months after his surgery, Klug was back on the World Cup Circuit. In 2002, a year and a half after his transplant, Klug won a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics in Park City, Utah.

“We’re all looking forward to this event,” said Daniel Stanton, Administrator of the Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute. “Chris Klug’s story is a wonderful testament to the quality of life transplant recipients can enjoy and also draws attention to the importance of organ donation.”

The Transplant Resource Center is the fundraising arm of the Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute. Formed in 2004, the center’s purpose is to assist transplant recipients with expenses related to their transplant should a financial hardship arise. For more information about the Chris Klug reception or the Transplant Resource Center, call 901-516-7070.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
On Friday, June 15, Klug will tour Methodist University Hospital Transplant Institute at 10 a.m. and will visit Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center at 2 p.m. Local media are invited to tour both locations with Klug.