>> building a better bay area. moving forward. finding solutions. this is abc7 news. ♪ kristen: hi there. i'm kristen sze. you are watching "getting answers" on abc7. every day, we talk with experts about issues important to the bay area and we get answers for you in real time. today, we will talk with a board member from a unique northern california camp which offers free support to families affected by childhood cancer. the camp burned down in the 2020 wildfires, but tomorrow it is holding its 20th annual gala to help rebuild, and we will review it with a former camper and board member -- and now board member and see how you can help with their mission. for the next few weeks, families may be headed to the happiest place on earth, disneyland.

we will speak to a disney blogger who knows insider tips for making your spring break trip a magical and affordable vacation. first, the biden administration announced this week the country's organ transplant system is getting an overhaul. the system has been heavily criticized for wasted organs, frequent mistakes, and patient deaths. this is something that our guest, a former white house staffer from the obama administration, recently wrote about in an editorial published in usa today. she lost her 31-year-old friend in late december and her father two years ago. both died while waiting for a transplant. jennifer erickson joins us live right now to talk about the reform proposal and why it is so important. thank you for coming on the show. >> thank you. julian: -- kristen: so, we know this is an issue near and dear to your heart. you lost a good friend and your father, as both waited for their

organ transplants. what were the things that you learned, in terms of what had to change? >> right, well, i'm so glad you are bringing attention to this issue. we have 104,000 americans waiting for organ transplant. 20,000 of them are in california. 167 of them die every month waiting. the shocking and heartbreaking thing is, most of this death is not necessary. the central problem is a government's own national contractor has not done a good job of managing the system and has left literally tens of thousands of organs unrecovered every year. kristen: is this something that your own friend recognized, before she passed away? >> -- >> she did. tonya ingram was a great poet, a beautiful advocate. she passionately wrote about this. she testified before the house

of representatives in 2021 and asked the government to change. she wrote to the biden administration last year and said the government's preference for incumbency was killing patients. and just -- so sorry that this change has not come soon enough for so many ina'mo for everyon has ir voice. kristen: before we dive into the biden reform proposals and whether you think they would , i want folks to understand the monopoly that you speak about, it is the united network for organ sharing, right? it is how the government manages the system for what, 20 years, 40 years, 50 years? >> almost 40 years. it is the only organization to ever hold the contract. it's been 24 years since there were called a cartel, killing the supply of the nation's organs and leaving patients to die unnecessarily.

this has been a problem for a long time. kristen: explain how they control sort of the aggregate information and the distribution and logistics. >> yeah, so basically tasked with managing the u.s. organ donation system. that a setting policy on who gets on the waiting list, technology, how do you match the generous gift of donors and their families to patients who need them, and compliance, how do you make sure the whole system is working? there's been a bipartisan investigation from the senate finance committee three years going. committee issued a damming indictment of the performance of unos, saying from the top down, the u.s. transplant network is not working and is living americans' lives at risk -- leaving americans' lives at risk. kristen: can you give us examples of where you think they are failing? i heard one thing that they are not recovering all the potential organs. 1 in 5 would-be donors

actually get tapped. explain what are the key things they have been messing up on. >> let's just talk about technology. how do you match an organ from a generous donor family to the next person on the list who needs it? that relies on an antiquated system that too often fails and literally goes down. just this week the senate finance committee wrote an oversight letter about a system outage last month when the system was down for almost an hour and organs could not be matched. that is horrifying. there is no reason for that to happen in 2023. i will give you another example from the senate finance committee. you have to then get organs from where they are recovered to where they need to go to. elizabeth warren and chuck grassley have cited that unos is 15 times more likely to lose or damage in organ in transit than an airline is a suitcase.

kristen: is there some sort of audit process going on? >> well, what's happening right now, the senate finance committee did the audit and found unos failing. but now we are in a competitive year. for the first time ever. this is the big announcement from the biden administration. and the part of the department of u.s. health and human services that gives this contract. they debtor really important thing this week. they announced a breakup of the national monopoly. when this contract expires this year, it is not going to be like every other contracting cycle where it just goes back to the same failing incumbent. this time, it is going to be competitive. this time the biden administration is inviting top innovators from around the country to help solve the problems of the organ donation system. kristen: that is the biggest part of the biden reform proposal in terms of the structural change. what are some of the other items? i imagine modernizing the i.t.,

dashboard for transparency, talk to us about what you see that may actually help. >> yeah, modernizing the i.t. will happen when we have a competitive process for new technology contractors. that is a part of what's happening. data dashboards have been released. i'm sure they will be built on. we've had senators from the republican and democratic parties saying that we need to be able to see where organs are lost in the process. that is public and -- that is public information. senator todd young from indiana asked a question about that justice would. the u.s. is the only country in the world with a mature transplant system where you can see that kind of data along the way -- can't see that kind of data along the way. a big part of this is transparency. you see a lot of people and advocates asking the biden administration to turn on the lights, which they started to do with the release of some data. we are looking forward to more data as well. kristen: is this more fundamental and bigger perhaps

and broader in scope -- and perhaps broader in scope? what was on tsurenko but was a lot of, we don't know where the vaccines went. -- what we saw during the pandemic was sort of, we don't know where the vaccines went. not having that centralization is kind of a problem all aroundm isn't it? >> it is so important that there is transparency and we see what is going on. that is important in every part of health care. the administration had an executive order on day one about the importance of data and transparency. what we are hoping happens now is a lot more of the transparency comes to the organ donation system because we started out at top talking about those 104,000 -- 104,000 people waiting. 33 of them die every day and it doesn't have to happen. we've got to turn on the lights. kristen: do you feel a certain sense of satisfaction that now there is some progress? i imagine you began this work during your years of the obama white house, right?

>> i feel hopeful. i feel grateful to republicans and democrats and patient advocates who worked to get to this place. but we are not done. for the people who are waiting, we all have an extreme duty of care. we started at the top of the show and you mentioned my father who passed away and a friend who passed away, there were two young women who testified before the house oversight committee. another one of them is also a dear friend, she is in kentucky, she is been on dialysis for seven years, waiting for a kidney. so every day, this is urgent. i'm hopeful, but we are not done. we have a lot more to do. kristen: jennifer erickson, thank you so much for coming on the show to talk about this very important issue. coming up -- camp okaizu supports families affected by childhood cancer and it is still working to recover from a fire internally to any that destroyed their campgrounds

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kristen: a camp for children with cancer has not been able to reopen after the devastation of a north complex wildfire in september of 2020. but there's a fundraiser taking place tomorrow that aims to enable the rebuilding of the camp and butte county. the 2 held at fort mason and abc7 is a proud media sponsor with our very own reggie aqui and stephanie sierra mc'ing.

we have board member hannah malik. thank you for joining us today. tell folks what is camp okaizu's mission. a lot of people have heard of it. but for those who don't, what does the camp do? >> we have been around for over 40 years. we support families affected with childhood cancer. we have peer support, respite, and recreation. we bring people together that have the same common experience and allow them to support each other. kristen: so kids battling cancer and also their siblings and surrounding family. i know you hold seven weeks, you have the best time. so supportive. you forget your worries. i know it is special. unfortunately, that won place, the 500 acre property really got hit by the 2020 wildfire. what happened? >> yeah, 2020

for everybody, we had to pivot our program to be virtual. nobody was at that camp when the fire took place, but unfortunately the camp was completely devastated. we have been renting locations to keep the magic alive. kristen: of course that is not a permanent solution. you have to rebuild. i think this is an important part of the story -- you were a camper as a child. you are currently a board member. tell me your family's story and what it meant to you. >> i started going to the camp when i was eight years old as a siblings camper. for the brothers and sisters program. it meant the world to me. i was able to be around kids who knew exactly what i was going through and i look forward to that every single year. when i became 18, -- when i turned 18, i became a volunteer and now a board member. kristen: what do kids tell you about what they appreciate about

being there versus maybe their normal environment? what is qualitatively different that makes them feel good? >> we hear things a time ple in the world, they got to be in a community that fully understands what they are going through. often times, aavan that understands what they're going through but at the camp everybody does. kristen: what does the camp offer in terms of accommodations to ensure release of children can also still have fun -- really sick children can also still have fun? >> we have doctors and nurses will give their time and full medical staff. we are able to administer chemo and blood draws to make sure the campers aren't able to be there and participate fully -- are able to be there and participate fully. we had the very first camper participate from a hospital bed. we were not able to do that before. but that's one of the benefits of being virtual. we are back in person. happy to pick --

happy to keep the magic going kristen: how are you handling it? where are you going to be since you don't have the campgrounds yet? >> we are renting out a couple of sites, camp arroyo and livermore and a camp in modesto. we are able to do those camps over the summer and in person programs. kristen: what's been the main challenge in terms of you coming back up with a site of your own? are you rebuilding on the land or are you seeking something different? >> we are seeking something different. we have a real estate agent that focuses on camps. we have been touring properties. if anybody knows of any campsites available, go to okaizu.org, all options are open at this time. kristen: is money and issue as well? >> yeah, as you know, we were completely devastated. we had a beautiful property with over 500 acres. only two small buildings -- two cabins were left behind. so we are completely rebuilding from scratch.

definitely funds are needed to keep the mission going. kristen: that's where tomorrow's fundraiser comes in in san francisco. in fort mason. tell us about was going to happen tomorrow. >> we are so excited. it is the 28th annual gala, the famous candyland -- theme is candyland. we will be raising funds for this important cause. kristen: are there tickets still available for folks? >> we have limited tickets left, but you can go to the website and purchase tickets, 5:00 p.m. at fort mason. it is a black-tie event. some people come dressed up in a suit and cocktail dresses. but we are looking to sing people in their candyland attire. kristen: fabulous. if people can't make it to the event, are there other ways for them to support your mission? >> absolutely. we understand not everyone can be there in person. folks can go to okizu.org

to make a financial donation. sign up to be a volunteer. all that information can be found at okizu.org. kristen: thank you so much for coming on today to talk about your 28th annual fundraiser and gala tomorrow night. abc7 news of course a proud sponsor. good luck to y. are you planning a trip to disneyland perhaps for spring break? we will talk to a disney blogger who knows insider tips for making here to tell you about life insurance through the colonial penn program. if you're age 50 to 85, and looking to buy life insurance on a fixed budget, remember the three ps. the three what? the three ps? what are the three ps? the three ps of life insurance on a fixed budget are price, price, and price.

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founder of mickey visit.com and the best-selling author of "disneyland secrets." good to see you. >> great to be back. let's talk disneyland. kristen: we are in the middle of spring break season. there's a few more weeks to go. how's it going so far at the parks? i was a little scared by the way times. >> even with the numbers, there's always so much to enjoy and so much going on right now. we just had mickey's tune town reopen -- toon town reopen. california does adventure. also the 100th anniversary of the company and fully celebration -- and full celebration with disneyland. there's a lot to do. kristen: that's probably why people are coming. because they're all -- there are a lot of new things. you mentioned toon town, totally revamped.

what do you think of it? >> it's really nice. they tried to bring in and think about children with all types of learning abilities and learning types. also different ways people like to play. that area for kids is totally revamped. for adults, there is tons of new shade and grass. instead of where there was a lot of concrete before, now it is a comfortable area to escape the crowds from the parks. kristen: that's good. i remember thinking, it's too hot over there. there's nowhere to hide. this hasn't been a problem so far this season. but summer could be different. how about the disney 100? celebrating 100 years of disney this year. what are some of the things reflecting that? >> there is the new firework show, a new world of color, the magic happens, the parade is back, as well as a

brand-new attraction in toon town, run ay kristen: different? what stands wor ofolor a celebration of all different parts of the company so they have star wars and marvel characters and stories altogether for the first time. it is really fun. there's a moving sequence, and those classic soundtracks and characters coming together on these massive water screens and fountains. kristen: that's amazing. the best spot is mainstreet. do you think? >> the fireworks, mainstreet, what's really fun is a projection -- the projections on the buildings on main street are so clear and bring this whole other layer to the story. on certain nights, there's only a projection show and projection. but even that is a great final kiss good night to your day at disneyland. kristen: walt disney world

is about to open highly anticipated tron april 4. but you don't have to wait until april for. gavin will give us a sneak peek. >> we had a ton of fun out in florida. it is one of the fastest roller coasters disney has ever built. you literally on a light cycled bike. almost a 60 mph launch. just an amazing experience. you shoot out of the building and you also go into the grid -- if you remember from tron. with projections and mirror effects. it is a great addition to tomorrowland. kristen: do you know when it might come here? will it come here? >> we've heard nothing about it coming to disneyland. kristen: i want to get back to the wait times. what tips do you have for having a great trip to disneyland resort and navigating the parks? >> i will go through three on tips to beat the crowds, first

is taking advantage of disney's new genie plus system, the new version of fast pass that you run from your phone. there's a lot of different hacks to the system like making sure you know when you can reserve your next timeslot. everything, with you till on makingvisit.com. -- mickeyvisit.com. especially with crowds right now, if you do it right, you can have a great day with minimal weights. highly recommend that. -- minimal waits. highly recommend that. also for guests interested in having longer days, that the -- the three disneyland hotels, they give guests access to the park 30 minutes early. you can get in and enjoy selected attractions at both california adventure and disneyland park. kristen: was there another point you wanted to mention? >> in the opposite direction,

on the on-site hotels, for those thinking about a longer stay and having the time and are interested, you should consider staying at some of our partner hotels around disneyland because there are some great specials on extra night and extra day for you if you go for a longer length of stay. some tips to save money as well. kristen: what other tips do you have for saving money if on a budget? >> we recommend going for a longer length of stay. it takes down the cost per day for the tickets and the hotel. with our travel partner, you can get the lowest prices on two through five day tickets. we give mickey visit readers better prices. mickeyvisit.com/tickets. also local snacks, enjoy them on

your way to the park or hotel. a cvs or target you might want to drive to on the way from the airport. and finally, c with a breakfast included. there are those great extra night and extra day free discounts you can find. kristen: i'm going to steal the last 10 seconds for myself, park hopper hour has changed. you cannot park up after 11 a.m.. you will have to wait until 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. anymore. >> they are trying to deliver a great guest experience. kristen: thank you so much, gavin doyle. we'll be

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kristen: i should mention disney as a parent company of abc7. thank you so much for joining us today for "getting answers." ♪ ♪ >> david: breaking news as we come on the air, two new attacks on u.s. forces in syria. four attacks now and they have been deadly. the president on this just moments ago. also tonight, as we come on, the concern over a long track after dark. several states and the system moves to the northeast. we are just coming in this evening from the pentagon, two new attacks, one with drones, one with rockets. on u.s. forces in syria. this comes after two other attacks already. an american contractor killed, multiple u.s. service members wounded. president biden speaking those moments -- just moments ago. that he was responding already to the first attacks. active -- f-15s destroying two iranian aligned facilities. drone attacks