INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Former Pacers forward Scot Pollard hosted his first annual ‘Pearls of Life’ charity golf outing at the Sagamore Club to promote organ donation awareness and support families navigating the transplant journey. Pollard underwent a life-saving heart transplant two yea rs ago and, alongside his wife, Dawn, founded Pearls of Life to educate, encourage, and provide vital support to families impacted by the transplant process. The nonprofit is named in memory of Pollard’s father, Pearl Pollard, who passed away on the transplant list when Scot was 16. On Monday, Pollard shared how much the foundation means to his family and how crucial it is for families to receive timely medical support. “The financial part of it, it’s just daunting,” Pollard said. “It’s a true fact that when you’re going through transplant evaluation, they take into consideration, can you absorb some of the cost. If you can’t, some transplant centers will deny you. That’s part of where Pearls of Life has gotten involved.” The Pearls of Life foundation works directly with medical providers to identify families in need of financial, logistical, and emotional support, then connects them with donations made to the organization. Pollard noted that becoming an organ donor isn’t always as simple as a label on a driver’s license and said it’s best to officially register as an organ donor in case of emergency. “Accidents happen, things happen, and if the hospital doesn’t know, they can’t just automatically sign you up,” Pollard said. “Making sure you’re signed up is the best way to do it, whether it’s Donate Life Indiana or our website, Pearls of Life.” Go to PearlsofLife.org to donate to families in need of financial support for organ transplants and to register as an organ donor. ...read more read less