Posted: 3/29/05
Caledonia man will sail around the world
Raising awareness of
organ transplants is goal
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
Some people who are given a second chance at life treat it gingerly, taking care not to overexert themselves or take too many risks.
Ardell Lien of Caledonia is not one of those people. In fact, this 70-year old double transplant recipient wants everyone to know that transplant patients can lead full and active lives, and heís going to great lengths to get the word out about the importance of organ donation.
In May, Lien will set sail alone on a trip around the world in the hope of attracting publicity to the cause of organ donation.
ìItís been in my mind for many years, but I never thought about doing it at this age,î Lien said recently.
In fact, there was probably a time that he wondered whether he would be doing much at all. In 1998, he suffered congestive heart failure. There was a time when he couldnít walk up a flight of stairs. In 2003, he received a heart and kidney transplant. His recovery has been amazing, and he has now dedicated himself to increasing awareness of the importance of organ donation.
An experienced sailor, Lien chose the solo trip around the world as a way to get as much publicity for the organ donation cause as possible. Solo trips of this type are rare, especially in small vessels such as the one he will be sailing. The 27-ft. NoríSea vessel was purchased by Lien in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It needed some upgrades in navigation and safety equipment, but it is currently capable of making the trip.
Lien plans to set sail from San Diego on May 1. The first leg of the 16-leg trip will bring him to Hawaii. Heíll travel through the Torres Strait, to Papua New Guinea, and to Australia, then through either the Suez Canal or around South Africa. Then east, through the Panama Canal and back to San Diego. The trip will take about 15 months.
ìMy wife says Iím crazy,î admitted Lien, but added that Maureen is still behind him all the way.
E-mail capability through high frequency radio is sometimes possible at sea, weather permitting, and Lien plans to keep in touch that way. Several return trips are scheduled, including a required week-long physical at the Mayo Clinic. The trip will also be chronicled on the website www.organ-donation-for-life. The progress of the ship will be tracked at www.bitwrangler.com.
Organ Donation for Life is a non-profit organization whose members are organ transplant recipients and whose purpose is to increase awareness of organ donation. It is not a 501(c)3 charity, so donations are not tax deductible. Although publicity is the main purpose of the trip, donations are accepted to help defray some of the expenses associated with it.
The cause of organ donation is one that doesnít take millions of dollars, Lien pointed out. The technology is already there, and medical personnel are trained and ready. All that is needed are people willing to sign organ donation cards and make their wishes known to their families. One personís tragedy can help up to seven people.
Captain Lien said that with all the work involved when sailing alone, he doesnít expect boredom or loneliness to be a problem. He will be taking his dog on the trip.
ìIíd like to have another beating heart along with me,î he said.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com