“The Organ Ladies”Mount Vernon, WA

MISSION

Our mission is to educate youth about the consequences of their health behaviors. We show the benefits of choosing wisely using real human organs and empower audiences of all ages to make positive health choices.

Kathy Ketchum, RN, CRNISenior Program Director and “The Real Inside

Story” Creator in 1989

COLLEEN WILLIAMS, RN, MSExecutive Director / Co-founder of

Choice & Consequence

“I am writing to tell you that your presentations have helped me through my life. I have seen it 4 times now and each time it makes me think about my choices. Thank you.” –Ryan 13

“It was very helpful for me and my friends because we all found out that just because you look good on the outside, it doesn’t mean that your body is good on the inside when you abuse substances. I have used drugs before and thanks to you I won’t use them again.” – Shelly, 17

“The organs were amazing. It is one thing to see those kinds of things on TV, but quite another to see them in person. Keep doing what you are doing because I think it can help kids understand that we aren’t invincible.” - Jordan, 14

“The organs displayed on the table and the real life stories were great. It makes the presentation real and more powerful. I want to thank you organ ladies for all you do.”

Gina Wilson-King, State of Washington, Department of Information Services

“I was impressed with what the students learned and took with them after only one class. I would recommend the presentation to any school.”

Wendy Arness, Teacher at Roosevelt High School

“Several of my students are trying to quit smoking as a result of what they saw and heard. I am ecstatic! Your program is a much needed one and I am proud to recommend you.”

Debbie McMenamy, Special Education Teacher at Northwest

Regional Learning Center

“This program has inspired many of our Native American children to closely examine and understand the dynamics of their bodies and the importance of how they maintain their health.”

Deborah Parker, Tulalip Tribe

“Engaging youth in an opportunity to discover who they are and who they are in the process of becoming is what learning is all about. Knowledge is power. Every student who is part of our school will have the opportunity to listen to “The Organ Lady” because you meet the objectives of a meaningful education.”

Melanie Shafaat, Principal, NRLC

“My choices now could make all the difference in the future. It’s not, we all

have to die some way…It’s, how do I want to live my

life?” – Jessica, 14

“Kathy has such an amazing impact that we want to include her presentation as a part of our eighth grade curriculum.

Students remark about going home and seriously talking with their parents about stopping smoking or using other drugs.

The effects that her presentation has had on our students has been astounding.”

Kathy Columbo, Inglewood Junior High Science Department Chair

“When you talked about your life story and what you have to go through now, I believe that affected me the most.”

-Blake 16

Criteria for student letters% of 8,500 letters sampled

Findings Sample Student Testimonial

Prevented students from using alcohol, tobacco and

other drugs (ATOD)

One in 5 students or 21%reported they would never use

ATOD, would make better choices in life, that their lives were saved or they were inspired to make healthy life choices as a direct result of the

TRIS presentation.

“I was inspired to make good decisions and don’t have to be old to die of smoking or taking drugs”.

“Thank you for my life”.

Provoked students to educate/help family

members or friends to quit using

One in 9 students or 8%reported using the knowledge and information learned from TRIS to

educate and/or help friends or family members to quit using

ATOD

“Thank you for teaching how my grandpa will end up. Do you do private presentations so he can

see? Call me at XXX-XXX-XXXX”.

Compelled students to educate their peers about

the perils of substance abuse and ATOD

One in 50 students or 2%reported using the knowledge and information learned from TRIS to

educate their peers about prevention or quitting.

“I shared the facts with my little brother.” “I couldn’t believe I remembered all of the facts and

information shared. I told all of my friends.”

Influenced students to quit using ATOD themselves.

One in 50 students or 2%reported using ATOD stated that

after seeing TRIS they would quit using ATOD themselves.

“I didn’t know marijuana is like smoking 4 cigarettes. I thought it was less dangerous. I will never

smoke it again.”

2005 Post-test Evaluation N=706Over half were compelled to tell others and educate their peers about the dangers of ATOD use as a direct result of seeing TRIS. Of the 115 students (or 16%) that currently use tobacco, over 30%said they would quit using as a direct result of seeing TRIS.

Thank You for Your Support!