NORTH GRAFTON, Mass.–The crucial issue of organ donation has hit home at Homefield Credit Union, where Samantha Cleveland, the daughter of Homefield Credit Union employee, Alyssa Cleveland, is need of a kidney. The credit union said it is now doing all it can to raise awareness of organ donation.
Homefield CU reported Samantha had one kidney removed at age four when a non-cancerous tumor was discovered. By age 10, she was diagnosed with a Pax 2 multi-symptom gene mutation that began to impact her remaining kidney. Her kidney function is now about 12% and a transplant is urgent.
Samantha has opted for a living donor transplant and is on the United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) waiting for an appropriate match. So, while the Cleveland family is patiently waiting, they are also taking the opportunity to raise the issue of organ donation.
“It is our hope to call attention to this critically important matter, not only to help Samantha, but also to help the thousands of others facing a similar situation,” said Alyssa Cleveland. “The Cleveland family is beyond humbled and forever grateful for our Homefield Credit Union family. Without all of Homefield CU’s generosity, we would not have all this positive attention and momentum. Even if a potential donor is not a direct match for Samantha, you may be able to donate to someone else who is desperately waiting.”
Homefield Credit Union said it is doing all it can to help the Cleveland’s raise awareness of the importance of organ donation.
“The Cleveland’s are a wonderful family and we’ll do everything we can to get the word out with the hopes of helping Samantha find a kidney match,” said Homefield Credit Union President & CEO Karl Moisan. “There are currently over 74,000 active candidates currently suitable for transplantation and eligible to receive organ offers. Knowing there are so many individuals in need of and waiting for an organ donation, public awareness is key.”
Separately, a group of young adults from the Seven Hill Foundation spent some time at Homefield Credit Union’s Milford Branch recently. The group was invited to the credit union to learn basic banking skills, such as opening and balancing a checking account, how to use an ATM, safe keeping of an ATM card as well as other personal information, and how to detect fraud.
Alycia Straughn, AVP Branch Manager, also educated the group on the difference between a credit union and a bank. At the end of their visit, each guest was given a “Swag Bag” filled with Homefield Credit Union logo items.
“The work that the Seven Hills Foundation does is exceptional,” said Moisan. “I recently had the opportunity to visit one of the Seven Hills locations and witnessed first-hand the high quality of service and support offered. Seven Hill has long been committed to helping individuals with significant challenges pursue personal well-being and independence. Homefield Credit Union strongly believes that financial literacy education is necessary to provide individuals with the tools needed to understand and manage important areas of personal finances.”