Runners Aid Organ Transplants

LoDo Race Raises Money To Help Finance Competition

By Mike Patty

Denver Rocky Mountain News Staff Writer

About 100 hardy souls braved chilly temperatures to race through the empty canyons of lower downtown Sunday morning in the first ever Y2K LoDo Donor Dash: A Gift of Life Celebration.

Several thousand dollars raised Sunday will help send about 95 athletes from Colorado and Wyoming to the U.S. 2000 Transplant Games in Orlando, Fla., in June.

"The purpose of the event is to raise funds, but more importantly to raise awareness," said Patricia Brewster, head of the Donor Alliance, one of the sponsors.

"Increasing awareness is the only way to deal with the national organ donor shortage."

In Colorado and Wyoming, 1,072 people are waiting for organ transplants. That number is 70,731 throughout the country.

About 4,000 people die each year waiting for the organ that will save their lives. Those waiting for organs exceeds donors by 10 to 1.

Mark Hunt of Denver, who ran the 2K race with his wife, Sharon, and his daughter, Madison, 1 1/2, was one of the lucky ones. He received a new kidney and pancreas on April 28, 1998.

"It has been almost two years now, and I'm feeling great," said Hunt after pushing Madison's stroller across the finish line. "I just want everyone to know how important the gift of life is. Organ recipients can have great lives but only if people consider donating. I know. Because of someone's gift today I have my wife, my daughter and another child on the way."

Donor Alliance spokeswoman Susan Beckman said it's not enough to just fill out a donor card or sign the back of your driver's license if you wish to become an organ or tissue donor.

"The most important thing is to tell your family and loved ones of your decision to be a donor," Beckman said.

"There is no registry in Colorado at present and the permission of the next is kin is needed before any organs can be donated.

"So talk to your family and make sure they know your wishes."

For more information about organ and tissue donations call (888) 333-2675 or visit the Web site at http://www.donoralliance.org

This article posted January 3, 2000.

Copyright © 2000 Denver Publishing Co.