Run for Life - 2012 [RESULTS (updated) ARE NOW POSTED!]

The mission of the Run for Life is to promote organ and tissue donation awareness while providing a top-quality running event in honor and memory of Winnie Hesse, Anna Riphan, Grant Reser, and all other organ and tissue donors in our community and country. The Washburn University Running Club has increased its involvement in organizing the event, and will be using some of the proceeds to support travel/lodging of club members to running events, to support youth running events in Topeka (e.g., Jr Run For Life, elementary school running clubs, etc.), while also continuing to "honor the history and tradition" of the Run for Life by making significant monetary contributions to TOTO each year. Further questions regarding the mission of the Run For Life may be addressed by dave.provorse@washburn.edu.

2012 FEATURED DONOR FAMILY:

NEW THIS YEAR, we will begin honoring families whose members were either organ donors or recipients. This year, we honor Sarah Dillon and her family as our 2012 Featured Donor Family.

TOPEKA ORGAN TRANSPLANT ORGANIZATION

The event benefits the Topeka Organ Transplant Organization (TOTO); a nonprofit support group for transplant recipients, transplant recipient candidates, living organ donors, and organ donor family members. TOTO designates these funds to provide for those in need of financial assistance from transplant related expenses while striving to educate our community regarding the importance of organ, tissue, and bone marrow donation.

ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION FACTS

As of February 3, 2012, there were 112,943 Americans listed on the national transplant waiting list. Between January and October of 2012 there were 23,745 transplants performed from 11,713 organ and tissue donors. One donor may help as many as 50 transplant recipients. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding organ and tissue donation, but one fact remains clear and constant: THE NEED IS GREAT.  

On average, 18 Americans will die today waiting for an organ that's not available (one every 80 minutes).

The key to reversing this sad trend is via education and awareness. You should always consider yourself a potential organ and tissue donor regardless of your age or medical condition. If you are interested in organ and tissue donation we suggest that you take three steps.

1.	Give serious and informed consideration to becoming a donor. Valuable information to help you with your decision can be found on the following websites (clicking on these links will open the sites in a new browser window):
	• www.mwtn.org • www.donatelife.net • www.marrow.org • www.redcross.org • optn.transplant.hrsa.gov • • www.organdonor.gov • www.unos.org • www.transweb.org • www.medicaresolutions.com
	... and/or by communicating with a TOTO member or others who have had personal experience with a donation or transplant, or by contacting your local organ procurement organization.
2.	Document your decision on your driver’s license or organ donor card.
3.	Share your decision with your family and friends so that they can fulfill your wishes