LiveOnNY’s third annual Donor Heroes 5K Run/Walk attracted hundreds of participants in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Photo courtesy of LiveOnNY
Hundreds of people took part in LiveOnNY’s third annual Donor Heroes 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Photo courtesy of LiveOnNY
The event brought together donor families, transplant recipients, volunteers and community members to honor those who have given and received donations and to raise awareness on the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.
Photo courtesy of LiveOnNY
The grand marshals for this year’s Donor Heroes 5K Run/Walk were donor father Richard Azzerello and two-time intestine transplant recipient Aeisha Reese, who is currently awaiting a third transplant. Both their stories serve as examples of the profound connections that can be created through organ donation.
(Left to right) Mr. Met, Grand Marshal Aeisha Reese, Emcee Shirley Chan, Grand Marshal Richard Azzerello and Mrs. Met. Photo courtesy of LiveOnNY
Richard Azzerello’s son Max became a Hero Donor after he died in 2024. A registered organ donor, Max saved two lives through the donation of his kidneys. After Max’s death, Richard became an active volunteer with LiveOnNY, sharing his son’s story and legacy while helping others understand the impact organ donations can have.
Reese, who moved to New York City in 2014 to pursue a career on Broadway, was later diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Her health deteriorated, leading to her receiving two intestine transplants. As she waits to receive a third transplant, Reese continues to volunteer for LiveOnNY and share her story on just how powerful donations and transplantations can be.
WPIX anchor, reporter and award-winning journalist Shirley Chan served as the event’s emcee. Other notable attendees included Mr. and Mrs. Met, as well as multiple elected officials, community partners and representatives from local schools and hospitals.
Photo courtesy of LiveOnNY