READING, Pa.- The Gift of Life Donor Dash is coming to Berks County, bringing together families, survivors, and supporters.
For Melissa Engelman, this is personal.
“My father received a kidney through the Gift of Life in 2017. I received a liver and kidney through the Gift of Life in 2022,” Engelman said.
She is one of the organizers behind the event.
“Last year I was unable to attend the one in Philadelphia because I’m currently suffering from leukemia. So I decided to throw my own little dash here at the Brentwood Trailhead, finished by a celebration at Troopers,” she said.
And she’s not alone. Felicia Bagdon, who waited years for a second chance, is also here to support.
“I pretty much waited in the hospital for four months, and one night at 2:10 a.m., they came to me, and they said, we found you a heart, and I was so thankful and so grateful,” Bagdon said.
And Jennifer Franks, just months after her transplant, is already giving back.
“I want to show people that it’s important to sign up, but also that you can live a full life,” Franks said.
This weekend, anyone can be part of it. You can run, walk, or just come out and support. The walk is Saturday at 11 a.m. It starts at the Brentwood Trailhead and ends with a celebration at Trooper Thorn’s.
It’s all part of National Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness about a major need.
More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ, and 13 die every day waiting.
“Either become involved, or send a donation, or simply become an organ donor,” Engelman said.