In an effort to raise awareness of the tremendous need for organ and tissue donors, I plan to run a marathon in each and every state in America. To date, I have completed marathons in 19 states and I plan to run in nine more states in 2008. However, in order for me to reach my goal, I need to raise $8000 and then Achilles will cover marathon registration fees, travel and hotel expenses. This fully tax deductible gift will help me spread the message of “the gift of life” and help improve the quality of thousands of lives.

 

The key to saving lives is through education. I have been involved with several media campaigns created to promote organ and tissue donation including an article in the June 2008 issue of Readers Digest (http://www.rd.com/your-america-inspiring-people-and-stories/never-say-never/article58355-1.html). In addition, I appeared in a short film entitled “Have a Heart,” which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2006. (See http://www.tribecafilminstitute.org/updates/15777367.html). If we can debunk the myths and misconceptions about tissue and organ donation, we can greatly increase the chances of survival for the thousands of ailing patients on the waiting list.

 

Since my transplant I have spent my life educating the public about the dire need for more donors. In New York, a report by the New York Organ Donor Network noted a dramatic rise in the number of donors during 2006: “We attribute this to various educational programs and initiatives for health care professionals and the general public.”

 

Since 2004, the average number of deceased and living organ donors stands at approximately 14,500 per year. Each year, the waiting list balloons to over 48,000 people awaiting transplants. Tragically, an average of 6,700 people pass away while waiting for a donor. The need for organ and tissue donors has never been greater and it is my goal to help raise awareness of the need for additional donors.

 

The Achilles Track Club International (ATC) is my designated receiver of your fully tax deductible gifts. For many years, the ATC has embraced causes like mine.  It is projects like these that help to put a face and name to their mission of helping those in need. 

 

Achilles is a worldwide organization, represented in sixty countries. Their mission is to enable people with all types of disabilities to participate in mainstream athletics, to promote personal achievement, enhanced self- esteem, and to lower barrier. Achilles Track Club is a recognized 501(c) 3 organization. Make your checks payable to: Achilles Track Club: Gift of Life. 42 West 38^th Street New York, NY 10019.