Living Donors Online Message Board
Living Donation Discussion and News => Living Donation Forum => Topic started by: Scott337 on June 09, 2011, 09:08:34 PM
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So here's the thing. Like many of you, I felt some particular calling, yearning, higher sense of purpose or whatever we may choose to categorize the motivation as, to make a difference in someone's life and through this, maybe make a difference in my own. Being about eight months post-op, I find myself again wondering if I've done enough. Is there something more I'm being moved to do. Is there more we ALL can do to help those who are waiting and praying for the gift of Life?
I live just outside of Duluth, Minnesota, home of the World renowned GRANDMA's MARATHON. Each year in June (coming up this year on June 18), GRANDMA'S RESTAURANT sponsors a 26 mile marathon along the beautiful North shore of Lake Superior (starting in Two Harbors, Minnesota and running along the spectacular North Shore Scenic Highway and finishing on Canal Park in downtown Duluth). Look it up on the internet. Along with the Marathon is a sponsored half marathon (13 miles), also finishing in downtown Duluth.
What I'm proposing is a large public awareness and education campaign where we, LIVING DONORS, train for and run the half marathon to show people (possibly those who may think about future living donation), that not only does living donation provide a "gift-of-life" for those in such great need, but also demonstrate that living donors can and DO live healthy, active and normal lives.
Now I'm not a runner, but when I decided to donate to a young man from the Duluth area, I was way overweight, out-of-shape and certainly not the ideal donor. I began exercising, eating right and after 7 months, had lost 70 pounds, several pants sizes and was in great shape to donate. Although I planned on continuing this healthy life-style post-op to give myself the best opportunity to recover and live a healthy everafter. What I didn't count on, was how strong I had become and I began running this spring and routinely increase my distances. My point, if I can do it, I'm certain there are others who have experienced something similar in their life. Additionally, I've seen several posts where many of you have talked about being runners.
I have a good friend who is a news anchor locally and I'm certain would love the opportunity for an exclusive, in-depth news series on this, especially being she was the one who aired the initial interview and plea for a kidney for my eventual recipient. GRANDMAS MARATHON entries number about 10,000 runners (I would approach organizers to get our group entered - hopefully at a discounted entry fee or for free). My wife is a manager for SUBWAY restaurants and would approach her owner (who owns about fifty stores) to sponsor us by purchasing running shirts/shorts for each of us with advertising for living kidney donation and in the appropriate color. To reach a broader audience, I would arrange for my news anchor friend to burn a copy of the entire store to dvd for each of you to bring back to your local areas in the hopes you could find a local media outlet to run the story also.
I would also approach one of the leading kidney transplant programs in the country (University of Minnesota- Dr. Arthur Matas) to attempt to secure a spokes person for news interviews, etc...that is a subject matter expert.
We (my wife and I, along with a couple of key friends where I work - Duluth Police Department), would locate reduced rate hotel accommodations or sponsor homes with several of our police officers for any of you to stay (you would need to find your own way here) and we would sponsor several groups meals for us.
My hope (prayer) is that through this event, we might educate others about the need for living donors, about how ANY ONE of us can make a difference in someone else's life and that living donation, although not for everyone, might be for THEM. I won't pursue this without first finding out if any (or how many) of you may be interested in participating in this event for NEXT summer (June 2012). If you're interested, please contact me. I hope this doesn't sound crazy but I think it would be a successful and positive event.
thanks all
Scott
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Scott, i just have to respond to this wonderful post of yours. Your heart is so in this! Your story of growing toward health is so encouraging. I know it encourages me.
I hope you get lots of responses and that Grandmas Marathon becomes a reality for the word about donation to get out! This is beautiful country you're talking about. Spent a week on Lake Superior north of Grand Marais, oh my word! breathtaking! God so lives there.
I am sooooo not a runner. Marathon....the word makes me shudder. I do have a recumbent bike that I rode from Grand Marais along the excellent bike trail..........
i'm just sayin... i'm interested in the idea, but not in running. ;D
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Dear Scott,
Great idea! I recently saw a notice from the NY chapter of the National Kidney Foundation that they were gathering names of donors and recipients who planned to run in the New York Marathon, in order to do something as a "team", have special shirts, do publicity, etc. I might suggest that you contact National Kidney Foundation branches in your area to see if they are doing something, or would be interested. I think it would be great to include both recipients and donors. At the U.S. Transplant Games 5km run many recipients ran with pictures of their deceased or living donors on their shirts, as a recognition and "thank you". Some of the donor families were very comforted at seeing healthy recipients running thanks to the donated organs of their deceased loved ones.
I still manage to do one Marathon a year, at age 65, 9 years after donation, althouth I just barely make it in 6 hours. I run here in Okinawa, Japan.
For the less energetic, the National Kidney Foundation organizes many local "Kidney Walks" to raise funds and awareness. You can get a list of all the scheduled Walks throughout the country at their website www.kidney.org
Fr. Pat
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If the event happens, I'll be there.
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Thanks everyone for you comments and advice. One way or another, it will happen. How large or small our group, I'm not certain. I very much, once again appreciate your sage advice Fr. Pat. Shelley, I hear you. I'm not a runner either but I've actually been running 5k or more each day now and slowly working my way up. I'm not certain if they'd allow bikes, but I can check into that. It would be nice to include as many people as want to come, no matter the exercise mode. Phil - you're the best my friend - God Bless you for opting in. Might I say, you wear your faith well.
Peace all!
Scott 8)
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Scott,
This is a great idea. I will be donating in Madison WI in August and just the last few weeks I was thinking about making next June's Grandma's Half a goal for me!
Great idea!
Joan
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If it happens, I'm ALL THE WAY IN...all the way..so I can start my training now...
Phil Hoover
Chicago
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Well, we've got a few committing so far so start training Phil. Spread the word...if I can figure out how to do it, I will repost the original message a few times in the future. Thanks all for being so incredibly generous with your gifts and time. Joan - You're about to become someone's hero!
God Rules!
Scott 8)
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so get me a place to stay (preferably in someone's home), and I'll start saving for the airline ticket....
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Hi Scott!
My hubby is running Grandma's full marathon this Saturday. :)
Okay, I'm just going to go ahead and commit. I'll do it.
Also, the kidney chain and I are get to speak at the Twin Cities Walk in October this year. Whaddaya think? Should I let the NKF girls know what you're up to or should I wait til there are a few more people "in"?
You're so awesome! :)
One of the recipients in the chain also lives in the Duluth area. :)
Nicki
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Nicki,
Great! You can let the NKF folks know if you want - we already have about five people committed and I'm guessing we'll gain and lose a few along the way. I'm glad you're in my friend. Tell your husband to have a great run and enjoy.
Phil, Joan, Shelley - you're all great and thanks for supporting this - spread the news to our friends here who may not have heard about it. I'll repost the solicitation from time-to-time for newbies.
As I find corporate sponsors, I'll ask for suggestions for design on running shirts and sizes. Once I have a better idea of the number participating, I'll start checking into lodging and home sponsors within my agency.
Phil - I'd be honored to host you in my home if you'd like.
Thanks all
Scott 8)
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Scott,
You've got a deal, buddy.
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I'd pm you this, cept it keeps the thread near the top. :) Heather, another donor in the chain, is in for this too. :)
Are you wishing to keep this all donors? What if there's a recipient that wants to, or a supportive husband or wife? :) Cullen wants to run it also. :)
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More the merrier. Depending on numbers, we may need to have people make their own arrangements for lodging and such, but we'll deal with that when it happens. I'm going to approach the Grandma's Marathon folks after this marathon and see if they are willing to help us out with entries and fees, etc....then I'll start some of the other stuff rolling (seeking some corporate sponsors for shirts, etc...).
I'm going to plan a dinner get-together for us all at a local park or at my house (outside picnic) afterward for those who wish to stay and attend. Great chance to celebrate and get to know each other a bit.
Thanks and keep spreading the word.
Scott 8)
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Awesome!!!! I shouldn't speak for Heather, but I'm gonna- her uncle (kidney recipient in the chain) lives not far from you, and we're only a couple hours away, so we won't need lodging. I'll try to help keep a running tally of who will and who won't (at least for the people I get to commit). I did email my friends at the NKF also. They love this stuff. :) You're so awesome!
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Hi Scott,
Great idea! Love it!
If you haven't done so already, you might consider starting a blog to keep people informed and/or a Facebook page. Either/both would be great communication tools.
I don't know much about Facebook (even though I have a profile AND use it), but I've been keeping a blog for some time now and would be glad to offer any assistance there, if needed.
This is a great excuse for me to resume a fitness program I'd been so dedicated to (but fell off of) once again. Thanks for the motivation to get some of us donors back into shape... for a stupendous cause.
My contact info can be found on my profile. I'm a writer and would help however I can there. Definitely in for next June.
And if you already have a blog or Facebook page set up, please let us know where to find it.
Cheers!
Christine Robinson
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Nicki,
I spoke to my Transplant Coordinator (Anne) at U of M and she said she thought Dr. Matas would hop at the chance to be involved in some way (great) and she was willing to do some on-camera interviews as well. Their public info/media people will contact me one day soon and we can talk about that part.
I'm guessing the recipient up by me was from Carlton, MN? I know there were some there that were part of a chain.
Thanks for your signing on and help in cultivating some runners.
Scott 8)
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Super Duper! Gosh I love the folks at the U of M! Great idea to contact them! I'll email Jen The Media Girl over there too. The more blabbing and noise we make, the better? tee hee
I've got another recipient who is dreading running but said he'll do it. :) YAY! There's so much good energy surrounding this! As well as God energy (one and the same!).
Good work and I'm so glad you had this idea!
Nicki
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OMG - you guys are awesome. Thanks Nicki - saw your post that Jen is in. Great. Christine - I have my own Facebook page, but setting up a separate Facebook page for this would be great - do you know how to do that (for a cause)? I know my recipient's family put up a site for finding him a kidney, raising money for his expenses and for keeping people up-dated.
I'm anonymous to everyone but my family, my recipient and his immediate family and; of course, you guys - I'd like to at least try to stay in the background (identity wise) but don't know if I'll be able to pull that off. So if you're willing, I'll take you up on doing whatever you could to help us set up the RUN FOR LIFE Facebook site.
For participants, I'm working on getting us free or reduced entry fees for the 1/2 marathon. There's a spaghetti feed at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center on Canal Park the night before and the night of the race - I and my wife will host you all for a cook-out either at our house or a local park down the block from us (our treat for our new friends).
My wife Penny is a manager of two Subway stores and we're working on getting corporate sponsorship from them to purchase our designed running jersey's and matching shorts. Just so happens Subways main color is green (works perfect for gift of life colors). We'll need to design something for the shirts to deliver our message (if anyone has ideas, let me know).
I'll contact someone from the National Kidney Foundation, although I think it was you Nicki that said you had some contacts there? It would be nice to at least get sponsorship in name on our shirts and media release from them. I know they have some issues with funding recently.
Regarding lodging, considering you'll all incur some expense getting here, the least we can do is help out with lodging. For those who want to get their own hotel, lodging is somewhat limited and fills up quickly, so you'd want to make arrangements for next year soon. Otherwise, I have several really good friends that will surely sponsor you in their homes. We will make certain you have comfortable accommodations while you're here. Please let me know that you're alright with that.
Anyway - I'll start arranging most of this and if you guys have ideas, let me know. Thanks again for your help and participation
YOU GUYS ROCK!!!!
Scott 8)
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very, very excited about this event next year, Scott!
Whatever I can do to help make sure it is an OVERWHELMING success, please let me know.
Phil Hoover
Chicago
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WOWSERS! Scott, I'm kinda guessing you've been to one of Grandma's marathons before? That was our first time and I really have no words to explain the amount of energy there! WOW! WOW! WOW! My husband finished in 3h44min and he's completely addicted now and will run again next year, so we will be there in any event! :) Absolutely incredible.
I wonder if there's a way to wiggle ourselves into the attention of the announcers? I know you don't overly care for attention, Scott, but it would be such a great opportunity to reach a large group of people's ears if we were able to! I love blabbing about it, because if a young(-ish) mother of 4 young(-ish) kids can do it, surely most anyone can!
As for jerseys, I did notice that I DID read lots of people's shirts, so I think it would be awesome to have something on them like "I'm running on one kidney" (since that would work for donors and/or recipients who run and it's a great pun, come on!) and maybe KIDNEY DONOR on the backs? Or vice versa? It'll be fun to come up with these.
Anyways, just had to say-WOW! That event is full of SO many people and SO many groups and has SO much incredible energy, I had NO IDEA. That is an experience! I can't imagine running it and getting to feel the energy as a participant!
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Nicki,
Did you husband run the half? Great job! I had to work, but next year (June 16 by the way) will be OUR time! Christine Dilman Robinson (LDO) helped me out and set up our Facebook site (Grandmas LDO Marathon). http://www.facebook.com/pages/Grandmas-LDO-Runners/220122981342689
Spread the word the site is up. Love the "I'm running on one kidney" - I'm guessing we'll have all kinds of great slogans once we really thing about it. I'm glad you enjoyed our beautiful area, even though the weather wasn't so beautiful.
I do plan on talking to GRANDMA's about a shout-out and I have a local news anchor that will likely help me with media exposure.
Scott 8)
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He actually ran the full marathon! The people who do that BLOW ME AWAY! That is just such a long way. Talk about stamina. Fr. Pat ---YOU ROCK, you multiple marathon runner, you!
Duluth is gorgeous. We go up (pit stop at Grandma's, and then all the way up to Tofte) 2 times a year...for our anniversary in April and again in the fall because there is no better place to be then! We always talk about exploring the southern shores of the lake but we are so addicted to the trails and our little routine that we haven't done it yet.
Cullen's mom passed just a few weeks ago, and she had so many things wrong with her that she donated her body to the U of M for research purposes. When they are finished, she wants to be sprinkled in Lake Superior. It was a very, very emotional run for Cullen (as well as his brother, who finished 3 minutes ahead of him), running along the lake that she loved so much.
I really think I'm addicted to being there every year, even if it's to "just" cheer the runners on. Astounding stuff there. SO many people!
Sorry, it was kinda a thread-hijack there. :) I'm still excited and proud of him, and even more excited to be there again next year. I'm going to go check out the facebook page now! (Thanks, CR!!!)
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Scott, this something I, my niece-recipient, and some other family members might come up for. My recipients sister, niece, has done marathons, although she is now pregnant with their first. My son started running in mini's, my daughter and niece-recipient are doing a 5K in Aug. here in Madison. I'd join them but, I'm babysitting for my daughters littlest one.
If you could pass along some lodging information that would be great. Thanks. Janice
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I'm also considering joining the crew. I just donated two weeks ago today so running isn't sounding pleasant at the moment but I've always thought it would be great to run a marathon. This just might be the motivation to start training for one!
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Ohhh - I wish I lived closer...it may not be feasible to make it from Seattle. I am a runner...I have a Half Marathon coming up (2 weeks before donation!) This sounds like a great event! I will be cheering from afar...
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Jewels,
Seattle - love your City and the PNW. We would love to see you and have you join us, but praying and rooting from afar is great too. If you don't make it, I know you be with us in thoughts! I'm certain we will have plenty of photos to post of the GRANDMA'S LDO RUNNERS facebook site. Please check in often and I and Christine Robinson will keep everyone up on what's going on with arranging this.
jstx: I'm guessing nothing but rest and more rest sounds good right about now. I do hope you're progressing well. Check out the face book site. I look forward to meeting you here when we run and all get together afterward.
Janice: Sounds great - the babysitting sounds found - Can't wait to have some grand-babies. My oldest daughter was pregnant earlier this Spring but unfortunately had a miscarriage - was very sad but I suspect she may be pregnant again now and is waiting this time to let every one know, once she a bit further along. ;D check out the facebook site (Grandma's LDO Runners) and I'll like post some of the lodging there. People making hotel arrangements will want to make them very early (earlier the better) as they fill up quickly. Also, for those who prefer to save a few $, I am starting to get some commitments from some of my good friends in our police department to be sponsors for runners and will host singles or couples at their homes. Let us know if you would like to take advantage of that.
Thanks all
Scott 8)
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I found the facebook site and "liked" it! I'll stay tuned for more info and hopefully will be up to training in time to participate.
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I'm sure you'll be fine. I just really started running about three weeks ago and I'm up to 4 miles several times per week and getting read to try 6. If I can do it, ANYONE can. It will be great to have you with us. Remember, we aren't racing, we're just running.
Take care - Scott 8)
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I'm just getting back into running after an entire year off. I'm documenting my progress on the Grandma's LDO Runners facebook page with the hopes of inspiring. (Scott, I don't know how to change it so my posts come as "Christine" instead of "Grandma's LDO".)
In any case, I think it would be cool if others started posting their training progress. A year's worth of milestones, triumphs, highs and lows as we all work toward a common goal: promoting living organ donation. My motto is, "Giving myself the gift of fitness to raise awareness for the Gift of Life."
Corny, I know, but while I was limping along this morning, I kept having to repeat that to myself to keep myself from having a nap in the nearest ditch. I am so sore!
Loving the objective, though. L O V ing the objective!
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You're not only witty, but FUNNY - LOL - I'll start posting my progress - such as it is. I was looking at my older set of sneakers that I bought and wore while I was interval training, HARD, to get in shape to donate to my recipient. Then I thought of your photograph of your sneakers which you told me meant something special to you because of the particularly difficult time of life you were in... then I thought...wow...I wonder how many of us have those kind of attachments to a simple object like an old pair of sneakers. Ain't that deep? It made me want to photograph mine and post them as my face book profile photograph. Hmmm, maybe I still will. I figured by the time I retired them, I had nearly 1,500 miles on them - no wonder I was starting to suffer shin splints.
Scott 8)