Brunswick Schools launches organ donation ambassador program in partnership with local non-profit Brodie's Good Vibe and Lifebanc

BRUNSWICK — Brunswick Schools is starting a pilot program that encourages its elementary and high school students to learn more about what organ donation is and its impact. Traci Tigue's son Brodie needed a liver transplant when he was 5 months old in 2015. She was Brodie's living donor, and he is now a fifth-grade student at Hickory Ridge Elementary School. Brodie's family later started an organization called "Brodie's Good Vibe Tribe," which aims to spread awareness about organ donation and financially support families undergoing a transplant. "(Brodie's Good Vibe Tribe) actually is celebrating its 10th year this October," Tigue said. "This program is brand new. We've never done it before, and we don't believe there to be any program like this across Ohio, if not the United States." The ambassador program is a partnership between Brodie's Good Vibe Tribe, Brunswick Schools and Lifebanc, which serves as the subject matter expert for the program. "(Tigue) pitched an idea to us where we could work with some of our elementary students and find a way for them to present the benefits of organ and tissue donation to our high school students," Brunswick Schools Director of Instruction and Innovation Pat Geschke said. "In Ohio law, there's a requirement in our health classes that we have to discuss with our students the benefits of organ and tissue donation." Last May, a request for interest was sent to upcoming fourth and fifth grade parents at Hickory Ridge Elementary School regarding the program, and parents opted their children into it. Tigue said about 15 students are taking part, and the group will learn about organ donation by meeting on a weekly basis over the next few months. "What we're doing is we're teaching them about organs, and the organs that we have that actually can be used to save someone's life through transplant," she said. In November, the elementary school ambassadors will go to high school health classes to share what they have learned about organ donation through the program, Geschke said. "We'll talk and inform them about what organs are, what they do for our body and what can be transplanted," Tigue said. "(The ambassadors) will educate them on what that looks like to opt in to be an organ donor." Presentations will also be given to high school students because they will drive soon, Geschke said. The presentation aims to give high school students the information needed to make an informed decision on whether to become an organ donor when getting their driver's license. "If they choose to go get a license, then at least they've had conversations about what that means and the impact that it could have," Tigue said. "If they choose to, that's amazing, and if they choose not to, that's amazing. At least they're doing it while being educated and empowered with the information they need to make the choice that's right for them." The program is also a great chance for high school students to learn from elementary school students, Geschke said. It also teaches students how to adapt, communicate, think critically, have empathy and be responsible. "From an educational perspective of what we're all about in Brunswick, I think this really exemplifies it through these real-world applications and real-world experiences for our kids," he said. "Ultimately, that's what learning really should be about." Tigue said, as a parent and an advocate, she thinks the program will be a great opportunity for Brunswick students. "I hope this starts to open some eyes and pique some interest about the capabilities of what the human body can do," she said. "I hope it stimulates awareness, and they help educate others through what they gain from the ambassador program." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.