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Jana Correa is just one of almost 500 student-athletes whom you've probably never heard of, yet her entire life revolves around her sport. Look beyond the University's celebrity athletes to discover those passionate enough to dedicate themselves without the motivation of fame and a lucrative future.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
VOL. 115 ISSUE 147
▼ HEALTH
THURSDAY, MAY 5,2005
WWW.KANSAN.COM
Four people have a better life today because of Connor Meigs.
Connor checked off a box when he renewed his Nebraska driver's license when he was 18 years old, saying he wanted to be an organ donor. Then, in December, a year and a half later, he died in a car accident. And on Christmas Day, four recipients received the gift of life from a KU student they would never meet.
Connor's twin brother. "I think it's a gift to mankind. He's given a part of himself so more people can live more enriched lives, and they, in turn, can help other people."
"He gave probably the greatest Christmas present he could have," said Doug Meigs,
Connor was one of more than 620,000 registered donors in Kansas and Nebraska. In Kansas, residents have three ways to sign up with the donor registry, said Laura Schons, hospital and family services coordinator for the Midwest Transplant Network. People can become a donor by checking off that option when they receive or renew their driver's licenses; they can state their intentions in a living will; or they can sign up directly with the Midwest Transplant Network. In Nebraska, sign-up is just as easy.
The demand for organs is high and the supply is never enough, health officials say. In addition, the recipient must have a perfect match with the organ so the wait is usually long.
It's especially important for
young people to think about organ donations, Schons said. They have healthier hearts and lungs, which are the most difficult organs to transplant, she said.
SEE LIFE ON PAGE 6A
Families say goodbye, save lives
For Connor Meigs' family, being part of the organ donation process was difficult, but gratifying. But Linda Meigs knows the decision her son made to donate his organs was
Myths may discourage donations
BY NATE KARLIN
nkarlin@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITER
The organ transplant waiting list continues to grow rapidly, but myths about donating stop people from registering with the donor registry, said Laura Schons, hospital and family services coordinator for the Midwest Transplant Network.
The most common myths include stories that emergency medical technicians won't save people's lives so there are more organs for transplants. Or that donors can't have an open-casket funeral or families are charged for the donations. All are not true, Schons said.
Suzanne Muldrew, Overland Park freshman, didn't register as a donor when she got her license. She said she would only want family members to receive her organs. She didn't want them going to recipients who needed a new organ because they purposely damaged their old one, such as her liver going to an alcoholic.
People are placed on the waiting list for a variety of reasons, Schons said. Family members have priority to the organs providing they match perfectly. But possible donors shouldn't assume their organs would automatically be given to a specific type of person.
People cannot be placed on the waiting list if their organs have been damaged because of drugs or alcohol. If somehow they get on a list, they will be denied a transplant if the abuse is discovered, Schons said.
Schons simply urges everyone to seek the truth about donating before possibly denying someone a life-saving match.
"My concern is why people say 'no.'" Schons said. "If they're saying 'no' for reasons that aren't true or if they're saying 'no' because of disrespect to their loved one – I don't want them saying 'no'"
- Edited by Austin Caster
MULTICULTURALISM
Students hail Mexican gala
BY ESTUARDO GARCIA
egaricia@kansan.com
KANSAAN STAFF WRITER
Carrie Warner was almost fired for being unavailable to work on Cinco de Mayo last year. The St. Louis junior said Cinco de Mayo was the busiest day of the year at Chevy's restaurant where she worked.
It's a good time for people to get drunk, Warner said.
Cinco de Mayo gives students the opportunity to knock back a couple of Coronas and take a couple shots of tequila.
Rebecca Orozco, Kannapolis sophomore and Sigma Lambda Gamma president, said their activities would give students an opportunity to celebrate Mexican culture.
Today, different organizations on campus are going to educate students about the history behind Cinco de Mayo.
don't know why the holiday was celebrated in the first place.
One of the first misconceptions about the day is that it is often confused with Mexico's
Writer talks politics
Steven Barkofsky/KANSAS
Eli Attie, writer and producer of the NBC show "The West Wing," answers questions from Steven Jacques, senior fellow of the Rol. rt J.
Dole Institute of Politics, last night at the Dole Institute.
SPEAKER
SEE GALA ON PAGE 3A
But many of these students
Steven Bartkoski/KANSAN
BY JASON SHAAD
jshaad@kansan.com
KANSAN STAFF WRITE
The president has been a Democrat for the last six years. He recently revealed to the American public that he had multiple sclerosis. And almost every member of his White House staff has won an Emmy while working with him.
It's not reality, but the NBC show "The West Wing" follows realistic White House issues and culture.
Eli Attie, a writer and producer for the show, spoke to about 400 people last night at the
"I like the writing and the dialogue," said Alex Benson, Salina junior and fan of the show. "The show is a quick-paced look at politics."
Robert J. Dole Institute of Politics, including students who were fans of the show.
During the discussion, Attie talked about the similarities and differences between "The West Wing" and real life.
The authenticity of the show is in its underlying ideas, Attie said.
"If the show serves one purpose, it's to show that politi-
SEE WRITER ON PAGE 3A
All contents, unless stated otherwise,
© 2005 The University Daily Kansan
Jeans fetch big bucks The standard $30 Levis are still in style, but women are willing to shell out hundreds of dollars for brand-name jeans. Local stores and boutiques stock brands that go for as much as $250. PAGE 4A
Unique transformations
Softball
Lawrence landlords are turning old city buildings, including churches and malls, into apartments and townhouses to draw new clients.. PAGE 2A
After losing to Missouri yesterday, 3-0, Kansas faces its final regular season match against Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. Next comes the Big 12 Conference Tournament. PAGE 1B
V
Record setter
Triple jumper Brooklyn Hann has already beaten her own record once this year. The senior hopes to beat it again before leaving. She came just short at the Kansas Relays, but she still took first. PAGE 2B
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