ORGAN & TISSUE DONATION / TRANSPLANT

Script Summaries

Life Preservers

It is the first day of camp at Camp Woody Ridge. Mike and Alex are standing in line waiting for their turns to take the swimming test. When Mike notices the long scar on Alex's chest, he asks about it. Alex explains about his heart transplant, the condition that required that he receive a new heart and how he feels now. In addition, Alex dispels the myths and misconceptions that people often have about organ transplantation. Finally, Alex encourages Mike to talk with his family about being "life preservers"--people who are organ donors. (Alex, Michael)

Darryll's Gift

When Michael arrives at Melody's house to work on a school project, he finds Melody displaying her brother Darryll's photo along with some of his treasured possessions. When Mike suggests that he return at a less stressful time, Melody encourages Mike to stay. Together they talk about her brother's life, death and the gift of life to others. During their conversation Melody dispels common myths and misconceptions about organ donation. She lets Mike know that everything was done to save Darryll's life, that he had a funeral, that hospital personnel handled the situation with sensitivity and that the family's decision has eased the pain of Darryll's death. (Melody, Michael)

Just Do It

As Melody and Alex walk to school they find a wallet on the ground. As they look through it to identify the owner, they find the owner's license, complete with an organ donor stamp, as well as an organ donation card. This prompts a discussion about what families can do to give the gift of life to others. (Alex, Melody)

NOTE: After each script the children in the audience are given the opportunity to ask their own questions directly to the puppet characters.

The Kids on the Block, created in 1977, features life size puppets who, through the magic of live puppet theatre, teach children and adults about disabilities, medical and educational differences, and social concerns. Through the hard work and dedication of many community based groups, The Kids on the Block puppets are able to touch the lives of people all over the world.

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