{"id":464078,"date":"2026-10-12T21:26:21","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T21:26:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/464078\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T21:26:21","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T21:26:21","slug":"lifegifts-24th-annual-fort-worth-2nd-chance-run-offers-hope-to-texans-waiting-for-life-saving-transplants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/464078\/","title":{"rendered":"LifeGift\u2019s 24th annual Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run: offers hope to Texans waiting for life-saving transplants"},"content":{"rendered":"

LifeGift\u2019s 2nd Chance Run (5K\/1mile walk or run) is being held on Saturday, October 17th, 7:00 a.m., in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. LifeGift invites you to spend a morning celebrating the gift of life as the organization honors organ, eye and tissue donors in 109 Texas counties in North, Southeast and West Texas. The 2nd Chance Run is a timed event; you can run or walk 1 mile or 3.1 miles (5k) at the Stockyards or participate virtually! For more information and to register, please click here<\/a>. Take $5 off your registration fee using the code: FRIENDS5<\/p>\n

All registered participants in the 2nd Chance Run will receive a custom event t-shirt, medal, race bib and a timing chip (both 5k and 1-mile participants), along with a race swag bag and entry to our race village. LifeGift will promote the event on social media, sharing photos and messages of support for donor families, transplant recipients and other members of our community. Additionally, the largest family and hospital teams will be awarded the Largest Team trophy!<\/p>\n

Exciting on-site activities will celebrate the heroes at the heart of LifeGift\u2019s mission, including stilt walkers dressed as Western-themed characters, a Kids Zone where children can create their own cowboy\/cowgirl-decorated bandanas, face painting and an interactive photo booth. Attendees also can honor donor heroes through special sign decorating, enjoy food vendors and more. This pet-friendly event also welcomes leashed dogs, with water bowls, dog biscuits and bandanas provided for all four-legged participants!<\/p>\n

Meet Avery Overn<\/p>\n

At nearly three years old, Avery Overn already has experienced a remarkable medical journey, says her mother, Morgan Overn. \u201cAvery is the most energetic, silly, resilient and loving girl. She\u2019s been through so much.\u201d In the spring of 2025, Avery began experiencing symptoms that led to her admission to the pediatric intensive care unit. \u201cThe day after Avery was first hospitalized was when transplant was first discussed,\u201d Morgan says. Avery underwent surgery to try to remove a blood clot and hopefully prevent the need for a transplant. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful, and her medical team told the family that a transplant was the only remaining option. After months of uncertainty and challenges, Avery received a liver and portal vein transplant on April 16, 2026.<\/p>\n

Since her transplant, Avery\u2019s life has transformed. \u201cShe\u2019s a completely different child,\u201d Morgan shares. \u201cAvery\u2019s love and enthusiasm for life are still the same, but now she actually has the energy to show it and enjoy it.\u201d Physically, Avery has gained healthy weight, regained her color and grown stronger. She now has the energy to enjoy everyday toddler activities and is making progress toward developmental milestones she missed while she was sick. \u201cThere aren\u2019t enough words to express our gratitude to her donor family,\u201d Morgan says. Although the Overns have not yet connected with Avery\u2019s donor family, they hope to one day have the opportunity to share their gratitude with them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run has symbolized hope for Texans who are waiting for life-saving organ, eye and tissue transplants in Fort Worth,\u201d says Kevin Myer, LifeGift president and CEO. \u201cEach year, we\u2019ve seen many new participants joining our 2nd Chance Run, demonstrating the community\u2019s strong commitment and devotion to raise awareness of the need for organ and tissue donor registration.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run is being generously sponsored by Global Transplant Solutions<\/a>, Million Air<\/a>, Organ Recovery Systems<\/a>, LifeNet Health<\/a>, AIRSPACE<\/a>, Batson-Cook Texas, LLC<\/a> , Baylor Scott & White Health<\/a>, BioCARE<\/a>, Bridge to Life<\/a>, CareDx<\/a>, Cook Children\u2019s<\/a>, Medical City Fort Worth<\/a>, Pediatrix Neonatology of Texas<\/a>, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth<\/a>, SALLOP<\/a>, Solvita<\/a>, Andrews Myers<\/a> and NORA<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Be sure to join us on our Facebook<\/a>, LinkedIn<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> pages as we honor our donors, recipients and their families online as well as educate on the importance of organ and tissue donor registration.<\/p>\n

What:\u00a0LifeGift\u2019s 24th Annual Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run
Who:\u00a0Transplant recipients and those waiting on the transplant list, donor family members, healthcare professionals, donation advocates and the entire community are invited to participate. Avery Overn\u2019s family will be on-site for in-person interviews
When:\u00a0Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at 7:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

Where: The Stockyards<\/a>, 130 East Exchange Avenue, (Packers Avenue<\/a> and 23rd Street \u2013 Lot 914), Fort Worth, 76164
Website: Fort Worth 2nd Chance Run<\/a><\/p>\n

For more information and to register, please click here<\/a>. For onsite media event support, please contact Dagmar Hohnstein at dclimo@lifegift.org<\/a> or 713.505.6871<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are more than 11,000 Texans in need of organ transplants. Register today to become an organ, eye or tissue donor by visiting DonateLifeTexas.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n

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