Lifebanc Gift of Life Walk & Run Returns to Blossom to Celebrate Organ Donation

If you have ever considered organ donation, wanted to explore the process or assess its impact on humanity and our community, you’ll have a chance a little later this month. 

On Sunday, Aug. 23 at Blossom Music Center, Lifebanc will host its Gift of Life Walk & Run, a powerful community event that celebrates organ, eye and tissue donors, while honoring their families and loved ones. It also recognizes transplant recipients and is a beacon of hope for those still awaiting a hero who can provide a “gift of life.”

It’s also a 5K Race or mile walk, so it’s a great opportunity to get out in the summer air while supporting a very worthwhile cause. But you don’t necessarily have to walk or run to enjoy yourself. The event, which has been held for more than 30 years, kicks off at 9 a.m. There are pre-race activities, so plan on getting there a little earlier.

This year, the Gift of Life Run & Walk is partnering with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Mascot Moondog will be at the event, along with the Scream Team. In-arena announcer Ahmaad Crump is also co-hosting the event with 92.3 The Fan’s Andy Baskin. Both have a connection to donation.

“In terms of fundraising, this is our premier event,” says Joshua Myers, CFO of Lifebanc. “All of the funds raised go toward our operations, as well as supporting our work in terms of public education and bereavement counseling. 

“We pride ourselves on the work we do in terms of bereavement. We wouldn’t be able to give the gift of life without those who give. This is a very important part of honoring those families and helping them get through the process.”

The event is expected to draw some 1,500 people, but it has been growing every year. While runners can look forward to a competitive 5K, those who are not competing or walking will find a meaningful, community centered event with plenty of family-friendly activities. The walk is also open to strollers and family groups.

You’ll find donor families honoring the legacy of loved ones passed as well as transplant recipients celebrating their second chance. There also will be numerous community teams and corporate groups rallying together to support Lifebanc’s cause.

While fundraising is encouraged, it’s not required. Many participants choose to raise funds to honor a donor or recipient, but all are welcome to register and attend.

“We also have activities for kids pre- and post-race,” adds Myers. “If you don’t want to walk or run, there will be food trucks, ice cream and music. And the Blossom location is centrally located. It’s also a nice place to visit on a summer Sunday morning.

“My favorite part of this event is the Legacy Garden,” he adds. “This is where we honor donors, their families and loved ones as well as recipients.”

At the Legacy Garden you can stroll past memorials honoring those who have passed but created a second chance at life. 

“In addition to raising funds, this event creates a community, a spirit of fellowship,” adds Myers. “It also educates people on the continuing need and importance of organ donation.”

It’s an event where you can experience the story of organ donation from both sides. You can talk with families and loved ones who can share the donation process and what they went through. You can talk to the recipients who can offer testimony about how they were able to get a second chance at life and are able to participate in the event. 

If you’re interested, head to lifebanc.org for details on attendance and registration. But, you don’t need to participate to donate. On the Gift of Life Walk & Run signup page, you’ll find a big button where you can simply support the event.