READING, Pa.- The Gift of Life Donor Dash is coming to Berks County, bringing together families, survivors, and supporters.<\/p>\n
For Melissa Engelman, this is personal.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father received a kidney through the Gift of Life in 2017. I received a liver and kidney through the Gift of Life in 2022,\u201d Engelman said.<\/p>\n
She is one of the organizers behind the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
And she\u2019s not alone. Felicia Bagdon, who waited years for a second chance, is also here to support.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d Bagdon said.<\/p>\n
And Jennifer Franks, just months after her transplant, is already giving back.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to show people that it’s important to sign up, but also that you can live a full life,\u201d Franks said.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s all part of National Donate Life Month, a time to raise awareness about a major need.<\/p>\n
More than 100,000 people in the U.S. are waiting for an organ, and 13 die every day waiting.<\/p>\n
\u201cEither become involved, or send a donation, or simply become an organ donor,\u201d Engelman said.<\/p>\n
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