Nearly 30 year's ago, my life was changed forever by a phone call from my healthcare team stating "your kidney's are failing, it's time to start dialysis or else." Not exactly the words a young college student wants to hear with a life full of aspirations in front of them. However, after spending 8 months on dialysis, numerous procedures and surgeries (too many to count) later, it was discovered my father was a match! I was extremely blessed. Receiving this selfless gift of a second chance of life from him on December 5, 1995, I've long since been inspired to take on new and challenging goals each year to showcase the success and importance of organ, eye, and donation, while honoring those who have given the gift of life.
Next May 31st, as a new challenge, I’ll be riding in the 2025 UNBOUND Gravel race. A lifetime cycling goal made possible by the gift of a life-saving kidney transplant from my father. To support a cause dear to me, I will be riding on behalf of the Chris Klug Foundation (CKF), a nonprofit charity that educates on the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation! Not only will I be riding in their honor and my father's, but I will also be fundraising for their cause, in support of organ, eye, and tissue donation, and the need for more registered donors.
So, why CKF? Although I am able to continue celebrating life by taking on such a challenging task as riding the Unbound Gravel 100, there are more than 100,000 people in the U.S., with nearly 2,100 of those in Kansas and Missouri alone, who cannot because they're awaiting the lifesaving gift of a second chance through transplantation. Everyday 17 individuals die while awaiting the gift of life that doesn't come in time, and every 8 minutes, someone new is added to the national wait list.
Did you know that just one person has the ability to save up to 8 lives as an organ donor and enhance the lives of 75 through eye and tissue donation. But there’s a stark reality: although 95% of U.S. adults support the idea of organ donation, only 48% are actually registered as organ donors. This isn’t good enough. We need more awareness and more registered donors. Next May I'll be riding in the hopes of eliminating someone's wait for a transplant. I know that’s a lofty goal, but if my riding inspires one person to register as an organ, eye, or tissue donor, I believe it's worth it.
CKF is making huge strides to educate people of all ages, with the goal of registering more individuals as organ donors across the U.S., in the hopes of one day eliminating the wait for transplant nationwide. Please help me raise the very important funds they need to continue their lifesaving mission. The smallest amount helps and 100% of your donation is tax-deductible. Donations can be made via credit card or check.
