When Allison Vogel’s son Tanner received his driver’s permit, he made a simple decision that would go on to change countless lives. He registered as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Tanner’s choice became his lasting legacy, bringing hope and healing to more than 120 people. Tanner was a lifelong baseball fan with an unshakable love for the Colorado Rockies, a passion that began with a plastic bat at age two and grew through years of Little League, college ball, and coaching. His joy for life, kindness, and generosity continue to shine through those he helped.

For Allison, sharing Tanner’s story and meeting one of his kidney recipients has brought comfort and connection through her grief. “It’s helped with the grief,” Allison shared. “To see the lives Tanner touched, to know he’s a hero to so many, it means everything.”

In May of 2025, Allison took the pitcher’s mound at Coors Field to honor her son, a tribute to Tanner’s love of baseball and the legacy of hope he left behind. “I know he would be proud of me,” Allison reflected.

Thousands Celebrate Life at the 27th Annual Donor Dash

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! 

Thousands Celebrate Life at the 27th Annual Donor Dash

An Aurora Woman’s Brother Leaves a Legacy and Helps His Family’s Hurting Hearts

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. 

An Aurora Woman’s Brother Leaves a Legacy and Helps His Family’s Hurting Hearts

Kenneth Wright

Loretta Zerr

Join Donor Alliance at Canvas Stadium on November 7 as the Colorado State Rams take on the Boise State Broncos!

Stop by our table before the game to learn more about organ, eye and tissue donation, ask questions, and pick up Donor Alliance and CSU giveaways while supplies last. Our staff and volunteers will be on site throughout the event, sharing information and connecting with students, alumni, and community members. We hope to see you there!

4900 Stadium Blvd, Air Force Academy, CO 80840

4900 Stadium Blvd, Air Force Academy, CO 80840

Debbie Mulford

Loretta Zerr

Deanna Bakken

Loretta Zerr

Dexter Dennison III

Loretta Zerr

Samantha Rose Kennedy

Loretta Zerr

Nichole Bender

Loretta Zerr

Andrea Ontiveros

Loretta Zerr