The Colby Foundation’s speakers raise awareness about organ and tissue donation in a variety of settings across the United States. Contact us [0] to arrange a speaker for your group or event.
Our lead speaker is Starla Cassani, founder and trustee of the Colby Foundation. Since 1994, Starla has been speaking passionately about the gift of healing that organ and tissue donation bring. This healing extends not only to the organ and tissue recipients but also to the donor families. Three lives were saved when the Cassanis decided to donate their infant son, Colby's, organs. (See Colby's Story [0])
Starla began speaking publicly to nursing and other hospital personnel for their continuing education. This expanded to other forums: death and dying seminars, schools of nursing and of medicine, grief organizations, high schools, public service organizations, churches, and many forms of media. She has been featured in Natural Health Magazine, OSU Magazine, Statlander Pharmaceuticals Magazine, and various newspapers. She also shared her story with the television show Day and Date, and appeared on the Montel Williams Show.
“When I talk to doctors and nurses, I remind them that they may get thousands of no’s, but one yes can save or improve the lives of so many. These are the individuals who must have the courage to ask a difficult question to grieving family members. I want them to know how organ and tissue donation can positively impact lives.”
— Starla Cassani
Over the years, the Colby Foundation has made many contacts in the organ and tissue donation and transplantation community. From these contacts we have put together a comprehensive Speaker’s Bureau which consists of:
- Medical and scientific professionals who can provide current information on what is happening in the field
- Personal stories as told by donor families and organ and tissue recipients (read Stories of Hope [0])
- Organ Procurement Professionals who can provide statistical and factual information about Organ and Tissue Donation
Please contact us [0] for more information on our speakers and their availability.