Tania Markarian, a senior instructor at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, watched as a friend waited desperately for months for the phone call that a donor’s liver was finally available.
He had the transplant, and lived for a year. But his death brought new meaning to Markarian’s life.
She vowed to honor her friend’s life and memory—and his donor’s gift—by raising awareness of organ donations so that the estimated 125,000 people nationally on the transplant recipient list won’t have to wait as long for that phone call. (People can become an organ donor by making that designation when renewing their driver’s license.)
Markarian’s passion and commitment as a volunteer for Lifebanc, a nonprofit that promotes organ, tissue and eye donations, will be recognized with the organization’s Legacy of Life Award. She will receive the honor today (Friday, May 1) during Lifebanc’s annual luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland.
“Other than being a mother of three children,” she said, “being a Lifebanc ambassador has been one of the most fulfilling and meaningful parts of my life.”
She also has been nominated for Cleveland Magazine’s Best of the East Volunteer of the Year recognition for her Lifebanc work, which involves pitching in wherever the organization needs her, from handling paperwork to speaking about the importance of organ donation at health fairs.
Markarian, who began volunteering in 2010, shortly after her friend’s death, inspires others to become donors by simply telling her story and speaking from the heart.
“I started this journey as a dentist, knowing nothing about non-profit organizations or spreading the message of second chances,” she said. “But by simply sharing my passion, people have told me that they have said ‘yes’ to organ donation.”
She also works the organization’s fundraising events, such as this year’s Give a Life Walk and Run on Saturday, Aug. 8, at Blossom Music Center, where an estimated 3,500 people are expected to attend.
Markarian, with Cheryl Silas from the dental school’s student services office, are recruiting members for what Silas aptly named “Team Chews Wisely” to participate in Lifebanc’s walk and run. Participants from campus are welcome to join, Markarian said.
The story about Lifebanc and its goals often starts a conversation about how others have been touched by people who have donated or received organs themselves—even within the dental school. A colleague at the dental school has had a double transplant, and alumnus John J. Rigby Jr. (DEN ’77) has received a liver.
Silas has a son who underwent a heart transplant, and her late husband died waiting for a kidney. She has joined Markarian for the walk and run events and in spreading the word about the importance of organ donations.
“We don’t realize how many people we’ve met over the years are alive because they were fortunate to get a second chance,” Markarian said.
“It blows my mind that I can save the lives of up to eight people with my organs or help as many as 50 people by being a donor of heart valves, ligaments, skin and corneas,” Markarian said. “So many people are alive today and lead such rich lives with zest and passion because someone out there said ‘yes’ to a life-saving organ donation.”
The dental school’s Student Council also recognized the school’s alumna with its “Best Pre-Clinical Professor of the Year” award for her dedication to teaching preclinical classes in the Department of Comprehensive Care. She was among more than 12 faculty members eligible for the award.
“Her charisma and TLC toward first- and second-year students did not go unnoticed this year,” Council President Anthony Adams said.
With her life full of family, students and friends, Markarian said she is always reminded of the kindness of the human spirit and how one person can make an important difference for others.
Individuals interested in becoming a donor can do so (or simply learn more) at donatelife.net.