July 23, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 23, 2026

After losing her brother, Will, Hannah is finding comfort in knowing his decision to become a donor gave others a second chance at life. She shares how his legacy continues to make an impact and why having conversations about organ, eye and tissue donation matters.

“He was everything to so many people,” Hannah said. “He had a lot of friends. He cared deeply about others. He loved snowboarding. He loved his profession. He loved his life. He really lived a full life, and he touched everyone he knew.”

Will was in his early 30s. In his passing, he saved and healed countless lives through tissue donation. 

“For him to be able to change people’s lives through donation is so special,” Hannah said. “The fact that people are able to carry a piece of him with them and hopefully have him change their lives, that’s the greatest gift he could continue to give.”

Hannah hopes sharing Will’s story encourages others to have conversations with their loved ones about organ, eye and tissue donation and consider registering as donors themselves. For her family, knowing Will’s legacy lives on through others has brought comfort and reminded them that even during loss, one person’s decision can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Will’s family and friends participated in the 2026 Annual Donor Dash to remember him and honor the legacy he has left behind.

Donation Essentials Blog

On Sunday, July 19th, 2026, in Denver’s Washington Park, nearly 5,000 people gathered to celebrate life at the 27th Annual Donor Dash 5k! The Donor Dash is a 5K run/walk that honors the lives of organ, eye and tissue donors, celebrates the lives of recipients, and recognizes those who continue to wait for a lifesaving and healing transplant.

The event included familiar favorites, like the Diaper Dash and many of our partners returning to their booths at the expo area. It also offered meaningful ways to honor heroic donors. We celebrated those who gave the gift of life with tributes such as the Donate Life Memorial Garden, Wall of Honor, and the Ribbon Ceremony. View photos from the event, your race results, and a recap video below:

RACE RESULTS

PHOTOS

VIDEO RECAP

A Day to Honor, Celebrate, and Recognize

Participants sent in photos of loved ones and special moments from past Donor Dashes for the annual Dashboard. Those photos were displayed on two large screens beside the stage throughout the morning for attendees to see.

At the end of the stage program, participants gathered in the expo area to honor those impacted by organ, eye and tissue donation for the annual Ribbon Ceremony. Those attending watched a video featuring voices in the community, including living donor Ellie Paulson; transplant recipient Hilda Chavez; supporter & advocate for life Savanna LeDoux; waitlist candidate Rico; and Scott Pinkney, the brother-in-law of a donor and transplant recipient. After the video, each of them waved their flag onstage, while the crowd raised ribbons, each color representing a personal connection to donation.

As always, we want to extend a big thank you to all of the participants, sponsors, volunteers and organizations who helped make the 27th annual Donor Dash a huge success!  If you couldn’t make it out to the event this year, no worries! You can show your support any time year-round by saying ‘Yes’ to organ, eye and tissue donation at DonateLifeColorado.org or DonateLifeWyoming.org. If you’ve already said Yes, we encourage you to share your decision with your family. You can also show support by signing up to be an Advocate for Life throughout volunteer program, helping Donor Alliance raise awareness and several events throughout the year.

Be sure to join us next July for the 28th Annual Donor Dash! 

July 22, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 22, 2026

Hear first-hand from an Aurora woman whose brother provided this special gift earlier this year and find out how easy it is for you and your loved ones to register, too. 

July 17, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 17, 2026
July 17, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 17, 2026

Join us at our Donate Life game on September 12th in Colorado Springs as we cheer on the Air Force Falcons and raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation!

July 17, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 17, 2026
July 17, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 17, 2026
July 17, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 17, 2026
July 16, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 16, 2026
July 16, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 16, 2026
July 14, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 14, 2026
July 14, 2026

Donation Essentials Blog

July 14, 2026

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