Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, August 18, 1995 TAG: 9508180035
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: DALLAS LENGTH: Medium
``My father made this a personal issue. We want to keep his commitment and dream alive. There are thousands of people waiting for organs,'' said Mantle's son, Danny, speaking at a news conference at Baylor University Medical Center.
Danny Mantle noted his father had given a slogan for the organ awareness program: ``Be a hero. Be a donor.''
Mickey Mantle died at the hospital Sunday from cancer that rapidly spread through his body following a liver transplant.
The printing of the first million cards - bearing Mantle's picture and autograph - is being underwritten by the Baylor Health Care System Foundation. Further printings will be underwritten by the new Mickey Mantle Foundation.
Dallas attorney Roy True, a close friend of Mantle, said establishing the Mickey Mantle Foundation was one of the former New York Yankees great's last wishes.
Mantle ``was in awe, absolute awe,'' after a successful liver transplant on June 8.
``He said he felt God had a purpose in letting him live through this, and he wanted to do something about it,'' True said. ``That evening was the beginning of the Mickey Mantle Foundation.''
Olympic track and field champion Carl Lewis presented a $25,000 check from the Wendy Marx Foundation, which he co-founded in 1989 after a close friend received a life-saving liver transplant.
A donor organ trading card with Lewis' picture and autograph will be printed and distributed by the Mantle Foundation next year, True said.
Hopefully, other athletes will join the effort, Lewis said.
``Mickey was a great baseball player. He's moved many people, and through this foundation, he will move many, many more,'' Lewis said.
The first of the Mickey Mantle organ-donor baseball trading cards were passed out to Mantle's wife, Merlyn, and three sons, who immediately volunteered their organs. Lewis, Mantle's doctors and others at the news conference also signed the cards.
To reach the Baylor Transplant program for an organ donor trading card, call 1-800-422-9567.
by CNB