Second Annual LiveOnNY Donor Heroes 5K: A Celebration of Life and Community Engagement
The Second Annual Donor Heroes 5K, organized by LiveOnNY, took place at the picturesque Flushing Meadows Corona Park, gathering an impressive turnout of over 500 participants. This event represented a 300% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the growing community support for organ donation. Attendees included donor families, organ transplant recipients, hospital partners, and enthusiastic community members, all coming together for a common purpose: to honor the generous acts of organ, eye, and tissue donors.
Leonard Achan, President and CEO of LiveOnNY, expressed his excitement about the turnout. He remarked on how heartwarming it was to see families, friends, and various organizations unite for such a noble cause. His words highlighted that every step taken by participants was a tribute to the selfless donors who made a profound impact on the lives of others.
A significant aspect of the event was its co-chairs, Christine Perrelli and Andrew Wang, who shared compelling stories of resilience and hope. Christine's son, AJ, became an organ donor, while Andrew is a heart transplant recipient; both dedicated their stories to motivate others to consider becoming organ donors. Their narratives resonated deeply with the crowd, showcasing the real-life impacts of organ donation.
The proceeds from the 5K run will directly benefit the LiveOnNY Foundation, which provides essential support to both donor and recipient families. This charity also promotes awareness initiatives that educate New Yorkers about the vital importance of organ donation.
LiveOnNY would like to extend its gratitude to the numerous sponsors and community partners that contributed to the event's success. The list of supporters includes well-known names such as Armanino, Duck Donuts, and Flushing Bank, among many others. Their participation underscores the collective effort in promoting the mission of organ donation.
This annual event not only serves as a commemoration of donor heroes but also works to encourage more individuals to register as organ donors. With global statistics indicating a continual need for organ donation, events like the Donor Heroes 5K are crucial in fostering a culture of giving.
About LiveOnNY: Established in 1978, LiveOnNY is a recognized organ procurement organization devoted to honoring and changing lives through the process of organ and tissue donation. It collaborates with over 100 hospitals across New York City and surrounding counties, making a significant impact on the local community. The organization has successfully increased the rate of organ donations by 85% over the last five years, showcasing its commitment to its mission.
Through events like the Donor Heroes 5K, LiveOnNY aims to inspire hope and solidarity within the community while emphasizing the critical need for organ donation. As more people come together for this cause, we move closer to saving lives and making a difference in our society.