The Stars Came Out to 'Share The Beat'

Jamie Redford was keynote speaker

by Denise Mancini Tripp

The James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness and the Coalition on Donation hosted the first-ever “Share the Beat” fund-raising gala on Sep. 20, at Cicada, a trendy restaurant in downtown Los Angeles.  Stepping onto the red carpet with flashing lights popping were a multitude of stars:  Robert Redford, Christian Slater, Diane Baker, Mathew St. Patrick ("Six Feet Under"), Gregory Smith ("Everwood"), CCH Pounder and Benito Martinez (both in "The Shield") and a multitude of others.

The hostess for the evening was Mariska Hargitay ("Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"), who welcomed everyone and introduced Robert Redford.  Redford spoke of his experience as the parent of a son on the waiting list for a liver transplant ― and then introduced his son Jamie Redford, now 41. 

Jamie was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis in 1991, and he had two liver transplants in 1993.  After his surgery, he launched the James Redford Institute for Transplant Awareness, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the need for organ and tissue donation.  Jamie spoke that night at the gala about what it was like to be on the waiting list, and how fortunate he was to receive a liver due to the generosity of a total stranger. 

One of the most touching parts of the evening was the story of Kayla Gennrich and Sara Stowell, 16-year-olds from Milton, Vermont.  Kayla and Sara related the story of their friend, Allison Barkyoumb, who died while waiting for a heart transplant.  Kayla and Sara found it “very sad, shocking and unacceptable” that not one person who died was both an organ donor and a suitable match for Allison. The two friends decided to make something positive out of the tragedy, and together they started an organization called Earth Angels, dedicated to promoting organ and tissue donor awareness.  As the two girls left the stage, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Actress Katherine Heigl ("Roswell") introduced her mother, Nancy, who spoke of her son, Jason, and his tragic death in a car accident many years ago.  There was never a doubt in her family’s mind, she said, that Jason would have wanted his organs and tissues donated for transplant and that it was easy for them to leave what she says was “Jason’s last gift for a world he had the greatest affection for.”

The evening’s entertainment was provided by Latin music sensation and screen actor Ruben Blades, and Antonia Bennett and her band.  Antonia is the daughter of the legendary crooner Tony Bennett, and talent definitely runs in the family.  She quickly enlivened the event with her unique sound, and then brought the evening to a close with a spirited rendition of “Whatever Gets You Through the Night.”

As the evening came to an end, I made my way across the room to introduce myself to Robert Redford.  After introducing myself and telling him I was a big fan, I added I was also a fan of his son for all of his hard work in helping bring awareness to the importance of organ and tissue donation. 

Redford smiled and with a wink said, “So am I.”