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2015 RIDER

 ADAM J. TELLER

Bone Recipient
Age 38 ~ Los Angeles, CA
Donation Development Clinical Specialist at OneLegacy

Sponsored by American Association of Tissue Banks


For the past 11 years, Adam Teller has been a tireless advocate and spokesperson for organ and tissue donation via his positions at OneLegacy, first as a procurement transplant coordinator, now as a donation development clinical specialist. Prior to joining OneLegacy, Adam worked as a certified emergency medical technician for many years. One day, while playing with his three-year-old son on his shoulders, they both fell. While his son was fine, Adam fractured a vertebra and lost the use of his left arm. On August 1, 2009, Adam had surgery to replace several discs with donor bone allograft. As a result, he now enjoys full function in his arm, and is able to continue the work he enjoys so much.


Adam's Story

Adam Teller is a tireless advocate and spokesperson for organ and tissue donation. For the past 11 years, Adam has worked at OneLegacy, the organ, eye and tissue recovery agency that serves the greater Los Angeles area. As a procurement transplant coordinator, Adam provided support to many donor families, compassionate care to loved ones, and dually advocates for the donors and recipients alike. In his current role as a donation development clinical specialist, he assists in the development of the organ, eye and tissue procurement program at one of the largest trauma centers in Los Angeles County. Adam also worked as a certified emergency medical technician for many years.

Adam shares his knowledge and experience of donation and transplantation through various speaking forums and educational lectures to healthcare professionals, primarily in trauma and critical care settings which include but not limited to, physicians, nurses, hospital administrators, pastoral care and palliative care. His presentation style is engaging, informative and dynamic. Topics presented include "Advanced Donor Management for the Bedside Nurse," "Advanced Donor Management for the Bedside Nurse and Respiratory Therapy," "Building our Donation Community," "Organ Donation and Transplantation Process," "Saving Lives on the Frontline," and many more.

Adam, 38, has a personal connection to donation. One day, while playing with his three-year-old son on his shoulders, they both fell. While his son was fine, Adam fractured a vertebra and lost the use of his left arm. On August 1, 2009, Adam had surgery to replace several discs with donor bone allograft. As a result, he now has full function in his arm. In his spare time, he enjoys being a dad, blowing glass, scuba diving, and nature-related activities.

Adam has helped to decorate the Donate Life Rose Parade float for many years to help support and honor donors and their loved ones.