Everywhere you looked, people were wearing pictures of loved on T-shirts and on posters. Those faces represented people who have either died and donated organs, or benefited from a transplant. It was an emotional 5k run/walk around Washington Park Sunday morning. Nearly 6,000 people participated in the 17th Annual Donor Dash and broke last year’s attendance record.
At 13 years old, Jack Berg loved playing football and lacrosse and helping others. He had a big heart in the small town of Pine, Colorado “He didn’t like others being hurt,” his mom, Sandy Berg, said. “He took the time to teach someone who wasn’t as athletically inclined how to throw a spiral at lunch.” He was a tough seven grader. Then one day, the unexpected happened. Suddenly and tragically, Jack died. “I lost my youngest child, but he’s in my heart,” Sandy said. Even in death, Jack would still help others by donating his organs.
You would never know that Caydence—or Cayde, as her family calls her—would be the energetic and enthusiastic girl she is today by looking at pictures from before her surgery. Just a few years ago, Cayde was on a waiting list for a double lung transplant.
Thousands are expected to take part in the Donor Dash 5k run/walk at Denver’s Washington Park on July 17th. The event brings Coloradans of all ages together to honor the lives of organ, eye and tissue donors and to recognize those who continue to wait for a life saving transplant.
Roughly 5,000 people are expected to participate in the Washington Park 5K to celebrate the gift of life in Colorado. The 17th Annual Donor Dash is to take place on July 17 to honor the lives of organ and tissue donors, celebrate the lives of organ and tissue recipients, and recognize those who continue to wait for a lifesaving transplant.
The Indianapolis 500 on Sunday marked a special day for a local widow and the family of one of the sport’s former stars. Justin Wilson was killed by flying debris in a race last year. His nickname was the “Gentle Giant,” a man known for always helping others. In his death, he’s still doing just that with the help of his wife and brother.
Alan Bronson looked at the image of Deputy Derek Geer on his television. The official Mesa County Sheriff’s Department photo showed a deputy with broad shoulders, stocky frame and the hint of a smile. Bronson pulled himself up on the hospital bed, listening to the news anchor. Bronson shook his head, as he heard the news anchor announce the deputy was married and had two children. He watched the footage of nearby Grand Junction, Colorado, residents beginning to grieve near the snowy street corner where the officer was gunned down.
About 130 people braved the cold and snow in Casper Saturday morning to walk and run in the fourth annual Donor Dash. The Donor Dash honors the lives of organ and tissue donors and celebrates the lives of organ and tissue recipients. It’s also a reminder that 177 people in the state of Wyoming are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant.
In honor of National Donate Life Month, Natrona County DA, Mike Blonigen, came out to help plant trees in Casper’s Meadow Park on April 29th. Blonigen has a special connection to the cause, receiving a heart transplant on October 4th of last year. He said that it is important to pay respect to donors and remember their generosity and the sacrifice they have made.
Jennifer Graham has had two heart transplants. Her first came at the age of 18 at Stanford Medical Center. When that heart began to fail in 2013, she received her second gift of life at UCH becoming part of the Transplant Center’s recent milestone. Graham knows all too well what it’s like wait for an organ.
