Race For a Second Chance with LifeGift

Heart transplant recipient, Emily Smith, and sister, Shayde, to kick off annual Fun Run and 5K on Saturday, May 16, to promote need for more organ and tissue donors.

WHAT:

Seven-year-old Emily Smith, who received a new heart in January, and her sister, Shayde, will kick off the seventh annual LifeGift Second Chance Fun Run event. The girls both have restrictive cardiomyopathy; Shayde, 9, is on the waiting list for a transplant. The event helps raise awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donation.

Race participants can run or walk during the 5K or 1-mile Fun Run in honor of an organ or tissue donor, transplant recipient, or individual awaiting a lifesaving transplant. Awards will be presented to 5K winners in the following categories: overall male and female; masters male and female; top three males and females per age group; fastest team; and largest team. Ribbons will be awarded to all participants. Families are welcomed. Activities also include Bounce House, face painting, food, and music.

WHEN:

Saturday, May 16, 2009
6:30 a.m. – Registration opens
8:00 a.m. – Fun Run/Walk (1 mile). Emily and Shayde Smith signal the start.
8:30 a.m. – 5K Run/Walk. Emily and Shayde Smith signal the start.

WHERE:

The Trinity Trail beginning at the River Plaza Building at 1701 River Run, just off University Drive, in Fort Worth.

HOW:

$15 per person through May 8; $20 per person after May 8; $25 per person on Race Day. Teams (four or more): $10/person. Teams must register by May 11.
Register online at www.active.com or by mail or in person at: LifeGift, 1701 River Run,
Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

WHO:

All ages are invited to participate in the 5K or Fun Run. Pets, strollers and rollerblades are permitted in the Fun Run, but not the 5K race. Teams also are encouraged to participate.

WHY:

To promote the critical need for more Texans to register as organ and tissue donors. Currently, the national waiting list is over 101,000; 8,500 are Texans. One organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to 80 people. Register to become a donor at www.DonateLifeTexas.org.