In a powerful display of solidarity and determination, music legend Al B. Sure! and global civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton have come together to announce the formation of the “Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition.” This coalition aims to oppose the recent Medicare cutbacks for transplant patient blood tests that detect early signs of organ rejection, particularly affecting minority and underserved communities. With their shared commitment to justice and equality, Al B! will serve as the Executive Chairman, while Rev. Sharpton will play a vital role as the Senior Advisor.

The Impact of Medicare Coverage Restrictions:
On March 2, 2023, a private contractor known as a “Medicare Administrative Contractor” (MAC) announced restrictions on Medicare coverage for transplant patient blood tests. These tests, essential for detecting early signs of organ rejection, have been instrumental in safeguarding the health of transplant patients since 2017. However, the sudden change linking coverage to invasive surgical biopsies has caused confusion, delays, and cancellations, primarily affecting Black, Hispanic, Latino, and underserved transplant communities.

The Voice of Al B!:
As a successful organ transplant recipient and advocate for the transplant patient community, Al B! understands the importance of these blood tests firsthand. Having received a life-saving liver transplant in 2022, he emphasizes the need for accessible and non-invasive blood tests that can be conducted at home. Al B! believes that tying Medicare coverage to invasive biopsies places an undue burden on underserved transplant recipients, necessitating expensive travel, time off work for patients and caregivers, and hospital procedures.

The Support of Rev. Al Sharpton and Newt Gingrich:
Rev. Al Sharpton, renowned for his tireless work in defending the rights of minority communities, welcomes the support of former Republican Speaker Newt Gingrich in restoring Medicare coverage for surveillance blood tests. Their alignment, along with a broad bipartisan group of transplant patients, physicians, and members of Congress, highlights the urgent need to reverse these detrimental rollbacks. Rev. Sharpton emphasizes that these non-invasive tests provided a lifeline to Black, Hispanic, Latino, and underserved communities, and it is essential to expand access to better tools, not restrict them.

Addressing Disparities in Transplant Care:
Transplant care plays a critical role in the lives of Black, Hispanic, and Latino Americans, who account for 40% of transplants in the United States, exceeding their representation in the general population. The battle against organ rejection is a daily struggle, with half of all kidney transplants failing within ten years. The issue is further compounded by the severe organ shortage, disproportionately affecting these communities. Approximately 50% of individuals on the transplant waiting list are Black or Hispanic/Latino, highlighting the urgent need for equitable post-transplant care and access to transplantation.

Broad Support and National Attention:
The coalition led by Al B! and Rev. Sharpton has garnered widespread support from transplant patients and the medical community. Leading national professional transplant medical associations, including the American Society of Transplant Surgeons and the American Society of Transplantation, have expressed opposition to the Medicare coverage restrictions. Additionally, a bipartisan group of representatives in Congress, along with grassroots transplant patient group “Honor the Gift coalition,” have raised concerns and demanded answers from CMS regarding the rollbacks.

Looking Ahead:
Al B! and Rev. Sharpton express hope that the House Congressional Black Caucus and other influential bodies will join their efforts to restore Medicare coverage for these vital blood tests. To amplify their cause, hundreds of transplant recipients will gather in Washington, D.C., from December 4-6 for a series of activities, including meetings with congressional leaders and a press conference. The ultimate goal is to ensure that all transplant recipients, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status, have access to the necessary tools and care for a healthier future.

The formation of the “Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition” led by Al B. Sure! and Rev. Al Sharpton marks a significant step toward addressing the disparities faced by minority and underserved communities in transplant care. By opposing the Medicare cutbacks for transplant patient blood tests, this coalition strives to ensure that all transplant recipients have access to early detection of organ rejection, regardless of their background. Through their collective efforts, they aim to build a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for all.

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NEW YORK /PRNewswire/ — Today, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is announcing its collaboration with acclaimed actor, animal advocate, and pet parent Dave Bautista to raise awareness and encourage support for rescued animals in honor of GivingTuesday, the global movement that inspires people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This year, the ASPCA is hoping to encourage the public to keep animals top-of-mind and to help support their journeys from rescue to finding the loving homes they deserve.

Dave Bautista and the ASPCA call for support, helping to provide meals, shelter, and care for rescued animals in need.

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Dave, whose passions both personally and professionally have led him from a career in wrestling to acting to animal advocacy, is a well-known dog-lover who proudly voices his support for pet adoption and animal protection. Dave is the proud pet parent of four adopted pit bulls and is a consistent champion for the breed. His passion for his pets and his compassion for all animals in need make Dave an ideal partner for a day like GivingTuesday.

Starting on GivingTuesday and continuing through the holiday season, Dave will be calling on the public to help animals by donating funds or supplies, adopting homeless animals, or volunteering their time – in hopes of giving more animals the second chances they deserve.

“My first rescue dogs were Ollie and Maggie, and I’ve had them for about five years. I adopted them, and after becoming so connected with them, I started to be more aware of how many dogs are just waiting for someone to give them good, loving homes,” said Dave Bautista. “You get so much in return when you adopt a pet, and I’m going to preach for adoption for the rest of my life. Every second chance for these animals starts with someone like you, or me.”

This GivingTuesday, the ASPCA is calling for support of the thousands of animals across the country who need meals, shelter, and care before their happily ever after becomes reality. Every rescued animal’s journey starts with the support of compassionate animal lovers.

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“Dave Bautista’s compassion for homeless animals and advocacy for pit bulls in particular make him a powerful ambassador for GivingTuesday, inspiring his fans and many others to adopt, foster, and contribute to the health and welfare of shelter animals, even before those animals are ready for new homes,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA president and CEO. “We thank Dave and everyone speaking out and stepping up this holiday season on behalf of dogs and cats in need and commit our strong support for those animals now and always.”

To support shelter animals who need food, toys, and so much more before they can find loving homes, visit ASPCA.org/BeforeYou.

About the ASPCA^®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

SOURCE ASPCA

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. /PRNewswire/ — Levenger, famous for crafting and curating premium tools for readers, writers, thinkers, dreamers, and doers, has launched an exclusive new product collection celebrating one of history’s most beloved stars. The Marilyn Monroe Collection, which includes a 5-year journal, pen and keepsake box, is available only at levenger.com.

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The collection pays tribute to the iconic actress who starred in some of Hollywood’s biggest and most critically acclaimed films, from romantic comedies like “Some Like It Hot” to serious dramas like “The Misfits.” Beneath her glamorous image and mesmerizing beauty was an intelligent, thoughtful woman who was an avid reader and faithful journal keeper. Over her career, she filled notebook after notebook with her thoughts, feelings, plans, and original poetry.

“A young girl named Norma Jean Baker came to Hollywood with dreams of fame and artistic achievement, transforming herself into the international sensation who was Marilyn Monroe,” said Margaret Moraskie, CEO of Levenger. “At Levenger, we’ve always been inspired by remarkable individuals passionate about creating, sharing, and inspiring others. Our new collection pays tribute to the woman who never let go of her hopes for a more meaningful life and is meant to inspire the dreamer in all of us.”

The Marilyn Monroe Collection features pieces that can be customized with a monogram, including:

• Dream Keeper Box: Store items and keepsakes in a luxurious case made of full-grain white leather with gold-toned hardware and soft suede lining. Within is a deep chamber to house items for safekeeping, and a removable sliding top drawer. Interior pockets can hold stamps, seals, envelopes, and writing implements, and the exquisite box comes with a sample of fine stationery.
• 5-Year Journal: Also made of smooth, luxurious full-grain white leather, this deluxe journal inspired by the legendary actress is beautifully crafted with rich, gilded-edge paper and offers five lines per day for self-reflection.
• Diamonds Ballpoint Pen: Conceptualized with Monroe’s iconic trademarked performances of “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in mind, this glamourous pen was designed to sparkle as you record thoughts, goals, and ideas. The writing instrument is crafted in white lacquered brass with gold-plated appointments and a sparkling Swarovksi^® gemstone on the cap.

To discover new ways to dream with the Marilyn Monroe Collection, visit levenger.com.

Media Contact: Nicole Haftel; [email protected]

SOURCE Levenger