by Baltimore, MD – Dave McLaughlin, a heart transplant recipient, recently celebrated the 5-year anniversary of his life-saving heart transplant and is encouraging the community to participate in the 17th annual Donate Life Family Fun Run in Baltimore. The event highlights the importance of organ donation in the Maryland and D.C. Metro area and raises awareness to support those on transplant waiting lists.
Set for Saturday, September 27, at the Camden Yards Sports Complex in Downtown Baltimore, the event features a 5K run and 1K walk, with an option for virtual participation. WJZ proudly sponsors this significant cause aimed at saving lives through organ and tissue donations.
A Journey of Strength and Hope
Dave McLaughlin’s inspiring story reflects the critical role of community events promoting organ donation. Before his transplant, McLaughlin relied on a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), a mechanical pump that kept his heart functioning when his heart was just operating at 10 percent effectiveness.
“My heart was down to 10 percent effectiveness, and it was really, really bad at that point,” McLaughlin shared.
Determined to become healthy enough for a transplant, he participated virtually in a 1K walk just a month after his LVAD surgery, completing it in 18 minutes, a milestone that sparked his path toward recovery. His rigorous training enabled him to get strong enough for the transplant, which finally happened nine months later on August 25, 2020.
“I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to hit five years, but I’ve accomplished so much in my five years,” he said.
Turning a New Leaf: Education and Advocacy
Following his transplant, McLaughlin embraced his new lease on life by returning to school and earning a degree in digital communications from the University of Baltimore. More importantly, he became an active advocate for organ donation, a cause he considers profoundly meaningful.
“I’m lucky enough that I got my heart and I got my second chance,” McLaughlin remarked.
The Urgent Need for Organ Donors
Organ donor shortages continue to pose a significant challenge nationwide. In Maryland and the D.C. Metro region alone, approximately 4,000 people are currently waiting for organ transplants. Across the United States, about 100,000 people remain on the waiting list, with approximately 13 deaths every day due to a lack of available organs, according to Infinite Legacy, the event’s supporting organization.
Read Also: Jacksonville State University Student Missing for Over a Week; Search Expands to East Coast
“Our work is never over until there’s nobody who’s dying on the waitlist,” said Adam Falzarano, Media Relations & Communications Coordinator at Infinite Legacy.
Donate Life Family Fun Run: A Celebration of Life and Generosity
The Donate Life Family Fun Run goes beyond memorials and ceremonies related to loss, focusing instead on celebrating the gift of life given by organ donors. The event supports Infinite Legacy, an organ procurement organization, and encourages community members to sign up, whether running or walking, in person or virtually.
“It’s celebrating the gift of life; it’s celebrating the lives of people who gave the gift of life,” Falzarano emphasized.
Key event details include:
- Date: September 27, 2024
- Location: Camden Yards Sports Complex, Downtown Baltimore
- Race Options: 5K run, 1K walk, Virtual participation
- Cause: Support for organ, eye, and tissue donation in Maryland and D.C. Metro region
To learn more and register for this meaningful event, visit the official page here.
Join the Movement and Make a Difference
The Donate Life Family Fun Run offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to support organ donation awareness, honor donors, and celebrate the lives saved through transplantation. Participation not only promotes community health but also gives hope to thousands awaiting their second chance at life.
What do you think about this lifesaving cause? Have you or someone you know been impacted by organ donation? Share your thoughts in the comments below and consider joining the Donate Life Family Fun Run this September!
