For Immediate Release:

Contacts:
Mike Sosna, President
Long Island TRIO
Transplant Recipients International Organization
www.litrio.org
(516) 902-8111

Anne Keshner
On behalf of Astellas Pharma US, Inc.
akeshner@golinharris.com
(708) 790-3135

SHEA STADIUM EVENT DEDICATED TO DEMONSTRATING
THE POWER OF ORGAN DONATION TO SAVE LIVES

Transplant Recipients, Donor Families and Transplant Professionals Take the Field
to Urge Mets and Phillies Fans to Become Champions of Organ Donation

Deerfield, IL, July 22, 2008— With nearly 100,000 people across the country in need of a life-saving organ transplant, Astellas Pharma US, Inc. and Long Island TRIO (Transplant Recipients International Organization) are helping take the cause to the field by presenting “Organ Donation Awareness Night at Shea Stadium” during the New York Mets vs. Philadelphia Phillies game on July 22. The event will also honor the thousands of donors and donor families across the United States who have already given the gift of life.

“One organ donor can save up to seven lives, while a tissue donor can improve twelve or more lives including actually restoring eyesight for another person,” said Mike Sosna, president of Long Island TRIO - Transplant Recipients International Organization. “Each day, about 77 people nationwide will receive the ‘gift of life,’ an organ transplant, but sadly 18 others will die waiting for a transplant. We hope that this event will encourage people to say yes to organ donation.”

At the game, representatives from Long Island TRIO and Astellas will hand out organ donation information and other materials to fans as they enter the stadium, as well as staff donor sign-up stations on each level of the stadium to provide attendees the opportunity to join the New York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry at the game.

To join the registry, game attendees will complete and sign a short form that includes basic information (i.e. name, address and birth date) indicating that they would like to be listed in the New
York State Organ and Tissue Donor Registry maintained by the State Department of Health.

Information included on the form will also be shared with federally regulated organ procurement organizations and New York State-licensed tissue banks and hospitals.

“I encourage all those that join the registry to share your decision with your family and friends so they are aware of your wish,” said Charlotte Berlin, senior director of immunology at Astellas. “The decision to donate is the decision to give the gift of life.”

The facts* clearly illustrate the urgent need for more organ donors:

• Nearly 100,000 Americans are on the organ transplant waiting list.
• Every 12 minutes, another name is added to the national transplant waiting list.
• Each day, an average of 18 people die because there are not enough organs to save them.
• 90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to become a donor.

About Long Island TRIO

The Long Island chapter of Transplant Recipients International Organization (LI TRIO) is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization committed to improving the quality of lives touched by the miracle of transplantation through support, advocacy, education, and awareness. For more information please visit www.litrio.org.

About Astellas Pharma US, Inc.

Astellas is a recognized leader in transplantation and has been committed to the field of immunology for more than 20 years. Dedicated to supporting the advancement of care for patients, Astellas continues to build upon its legacy and leadership in transplantation by investing in ongoing clinical research and new product development.
Astellas Pharma US, Inc., located in Deerfield, Ill., is a U.S. affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. The organization is committed to becoming a global category leader in focused areas by combining outstanding R&D and marketing capabilities. In the United States, Astellas markets products in the areas of Immunology, Urology, Anti-Infectives, Cardiovascular and Dermatology. For more information about Astellas Pharma US, Inc., please visit our Web site, www.astellas.com/us.
For educational information related to transplantation, visit the multi-award winning site www.TransplantExperience.com.
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Kidney Disease Awareness Day at Shea Stadium-
Sunday, July 29, 2007 at 1:10 p.m.
Washington Nationals
Vs. New York Mets

The New York Mets, The National Kidney Foundation, Long Island TRIO and its supporters raised awareness for kidney disease at Shea Stadium on July 29th 2007.

The Long Island TRIO Singers performed the National Anthem on the field at Shea Stadium at this very special event promoting kidney disease and organ donation awareness.

Mets shine early in rain-shortened win. Maine allows one hit and no runs to earn his 12th victory

John Maine retired 14 straight hitters after allowing a single in the first inning and was backed up by his teammates, who plated five runs as the Mets took the series finale against the Nationals in a game that was called in the bottom of the fifth due to heavy rain.The Mets have won every game every day or evening where the LI TRIO Singers have performed our nation's National Anthem from 2004-2007.

The LI TRIO Singers are appearing at a variety of sports and entertainment venues including "Madison Square Garden" and "Shea Stadium".

We are demonstrating that transplant recipients are active, productive people.

The LI TRIO Singers performed at "Shea Stadium" performing the United States of America's National Anthem at New York Mets games on July 29, 2007, May 24, 2006, August 2, 2005 and July 21, 2004.

May 2006

The LI TRIO Singers sang our nations's National Anthem at Shea Stadium on May 24, 2006 and there was an accompanying message stating the importance of organ donation.

"Here to sing the National Anthem are members of the Long Island Chapter of Transplant Recipients International Organization, also known as TRIO.

Trio is an all-volunteer group dedicated to spreading awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation. Over 90,000 Americans including 9,000 New York area residents are currently waiting for the gift of life.

Organ Donation Saves Lives! Sign up to be a donor!"

For the third year in a row, the METS won the game for which we sang the National Anthem.

August 2005

The Long Island TRIO Singers hit a home run for organ transplant education and awareness performing at "Shea Stadium" singing our National Anthem at the New York Mets vs. Brewers game on August 2, 2005. This was the first time in three years that the Mets came back to win after a 4 run deficit. The Mets won both games, winning the August 2nd game in dramatic fashion in the eleventh inning. The latest feedback from the Mets reports that the singers sounded great and the crowd was rowdy with positive enthusiasm during the National Anthem and clearly went wild during the last four bars. Sue Tietjen conducted and the Long Island TRIO singers were produced by Mike Sosna.

We'd like to thank Ed Burki for his consistent and professional consultation efforts with the Mets organization. The Long Island TRIO Singers recorded a CD to submit to the Mets Organization and the Compact Disc was overwhelmingly approved by the Mets Organization with enthusiasm. The recording was produced and recorded by Mike Sosna at one of his recording studios "SOS PRODUCTIONS"- A Division of Manhasset Bay Associates, Inc. in Port Washington, New York.
www.sosproductions.com

The Long Island TRIO Singers' performance at Shea Stadium was a successful organ donation awareness event and it was a lot of fun hanging out on the field during battlng practice.

Shown above: Walter and Peggy Ruzek's son Luke and his friend Dale on the field with Matsui, Jose Reyes, Todd Zeil and Wright on the first day that Wright played in the majors.

E-Mail Tree litrio@gmail.com

LI TRIO Webmaster: Mike Sosna email comments mike@sosproductions.com