The Transplant Advocacy Award recognizes a non-AST member for his or her contribution to organ donation and transplantation. Congresswoman Lois Capps worked for years crafting legislation that ultimately culminated in the HOPE Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on November 21, 2013. The HOPE Act provides life-saving transplants for patients infected with HIV, now allowing HIV-infected patients to receive a HIV-positive donor organ. As a direct result of Mrs. Capps’ efforts, new scientific discoveries are assured with the opportunity to now use HIV positive organs for research. Congresswoman Capps’ advocacy for transplantation provides an inspiring example of how consensus building improves the lives of those afflicted with end stage organ disease.
Congresswoman Capps was unable to attend the World Transplant Congress to accept her award, and she recorded a brief message for those in attendance.
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