May 12, 2013
In Memoriam: Paul B. Oldam
UNOS commemorates the life and service of Paul Oldam, a longtime transplant recipient and tireless advocate of the cause of organ donation and the interests of transplant candidates and recipients.
After service in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Oldam held executive positions at Allis Chalmers Corporation and later with Lauber & Company Inc., both based in Milwaukee. After suffering a heart attack in 1977 and undergoing two later coronary bypasses, he received a heart transplant in 1993 at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. He enjoyed a number of years of good health until his kidney function began declining. In 2003 he was again restored to health through a living donor kidney transplant from his oldest daughter, Kathy Minard.
While maintaining his professional commitments, Mr. Oldam also served in a number of volunteer leadership capacities for donation and transplant-related organizations. For 14 years he served on a variety of OPTN/UNOS committees as well as its Board of Directors. He was the organization’s Vice President for Patient and Donor Affairs as well as chair of the Patient Affairs Committee. He also served on the advisory committee that guided the creation of the National Donor Memorial at UNOS’ headquarters. In addition, he chaired the advisory board of Wisconsin Donor Network, the OPO that serves the southeastern part of the state, and was a founding member of the Wisconsin Coalition on Donation (now Donate Life Wisconsin).
In a 2003 article he wrote for UNOS’ magazine Update, he said, “I've faced some life-threatening situations, but through it all I've had the unconditional love and support of my family. You know what Lou Gehrig said about being one of the luckiest guys alive. I think I am, too.” His many friends and colleagues at UNOS and throughout the transplant field will continue to honor his personal courage and his extensive legacy of service to those personally touched by the donation and transplant experience.
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