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Todd Need[ed] a Liver

Posted by michael on from the pate-on-crackers dept.

Mr. Christmas Lights writes "According to this CNN article, Todd Krampitz's liver transplant operation was a success. What is significant about this is how he used a multi-media campaign to get a donor - this included billboards stating 'I need a Liver. Please help Save my Life' that all pointed to his web site at ToddNeedsALiver.com where you can read more. Certainly a novel use of the World Wide Web."

6 of 365 comments (clear)

  1. i'm glad he's doing well but by polished+look+2 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    does this mean that the person who is able to finance a media blitz will be first to receive a liver or other major organ?

    1. Re:i'm glad he's doing well but by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

      In fact, yes.

      Read the CNN article in which one of the people who works with/for the transplant list group cites that this sets a questionable precident by bypassing standard processes and channels and establishes an unfair and unlevel playing field.

    2. Re:i'm glad he's doing well but by I+Be+Hatin' · · Score: 5, Insightful
      In theory, the sickest person that is compatable is supposed to get the organ. In practice, being rich/famous probably gets you moved up a few places, witness Mickey Mantle and David Crosby, who both got liver's soon after their cases were wildly publicized. I think on the flip side, these very public cases help everyone, because more organs get donated.

      I think what would help even more would be if people like Mickey Mantle would die from not getting preferential treatment, just like thousands of normal people do every year. That way, the public would see that there is a need for livers, and not foolishly believe that everyone who needs a liver gets one within a few days.

      --
      I know god exists. I read it on the internet, so it must be true.
  2. Unbelievable that it's legal by AxelBoldt · · Score: 5, Insightful

    I find it utterly unbelievable that relatives of organ donors can designate a recipient. Only medical criteria should matter. Otherwise, people with the money/wit to start a public relations campaign will be more likely to get an organ. And all that without the approval of the donor! I know that I would have hated to find my liver in this guy.

  3. And someone just woke up in an icy bathtub... by sdo1 · · Score: 5, Funny

    I heard that it had something to do with someone getting drugged, passing out, and waking up in an icy bathtub. Really. My friend sent me an email about it.

    -S

    --
    --- What parts of "shall make no law", "shall not be infringed", and "shall not be violated" don't you understand?
  4. Similar Web projects by Peter+Cooper · · Score: 5, Informative

    While not as crucial as this one, I can think of two similarly novel uses of the Web to get what one wants.

    Karyn Bosnak was $20,000 in the hole and set up SaveKaryn.com. Within a few months she had paid off all her debts from the contributions of strangers. Now she's an author.

    Ramon Stoppelenburg wanted to travel around the world but had no money, so he started LetMeStayForADay.com, and managed to hitchhike around the world for a couple of years without spending a dime.

    I also seem to recall a far older site called 'Send Me A Dollar', but I don't have the URL to hand now. Does anyone know of any other people who've used the Web for interesting personal gain?