While waiting for a heart transplant in 1996, the stark reality of dying was ever present. Everyday, I was hoping for a miracle that would save my life. On August 2nd, 1996, I was blessed with the “Gift of Life” and a second chance. I needed to make a statement to honor my donor and his family. Educating the public about the dire need for donors by becoming an ambassador for organ and tissue donation along with encouraging individuals to donate blood became a way of saving lives. Secondly, being an athlete afforded me the opportunity of demonstrating how a transplant transformed my life. For a person given a few months to live, I found myself completing eight New York City Marathons. This is a testament to the “Gift of Life.”
My journey started with Achilles Track Club, an organization committed to bringing people with disabilities and handicaps into the main stream of athleticism through running/walking. ATC, inspired me to be the best I could be and the results have been documented.
Each marathon represents an opportunity to inspire potential organ and tissue donors to consider donating their own organs. It also is brings joy to my donor’s family, as they know my donor’s heart is still alive and beating with each step taken. Finally, it also gives hope to those who are awaiting transplants and to people with disabilities and handicaps that they too can overcome their hardships.
In order to celebrate ten years of the “Gift of Life”, I have set a goal of competing in seven marathons. On March 19th, 2006, my journey began with completing The Los Angeles Marathon. On April 23rd, 2006, I journeyed to French Lick, Indiana, to complete my second. The third was The Coca-Cola Zero Rock and Roll Marathon in
San Diego, California . The fourth will be in Anchorage, Alaska, for the Humpy's Classic Marathon, the fifth in Columbus, Ohio on October 15, and the sixth in the Big Apple on November 5th, 2006. The final seventh marathon will tentatively be the Baton Rouge, Louisiana marathon on December 2, 2006. What a way to bring Organ and Tissue Donation to the forefront!
Achilles Track Club will fund my participation if I am able to raise $3,000.00. I hope you will consider donating to Achilles on my behalf, so that I can complete my goal and continue to inspire others. Your gift will help save lives and that life might just be someone you love. Achilles Track Club is a 501c3 organization and your contributions are fully deductible. For more information about the Achilles Track Club visit their website at http://www.achillestrackclub.org/.
From my heart to yours,
Donald Arthur