By creator to kdvr.com
DENVER (KDVR) — Runners are gearing as much as make their mark within the 2023 Denver Colfax Marathon runs.
One group is operating for a particular trigger they usually all have one factor in frequent — they’re all kidney donors.
Chris Sullivan, Andrea Coleman, Chelsea Barker and Hilary Baude are a part of the 10 kidney donors operating to point out what could be achieved after you donate a kidney and produce consciousness to dwelling organ donation.
“In 2020, I donated my left kidney to a stranger,” Sullivan mentioned. “I really feel no totally different. I do every thing I did earlier than I donated. It’s truly impressed me to do extra.”
In line with the National Kidney Foundation, greater than 100,000 persons are awaiting kidney transplants.
Sullivan, together with Coleman, is a part of the staff operating the marathon relay.
“If one individual can see us with our bibs and our shirts and listen to our story and contemplate donating it’ll all be price it,” Coleman mentioned. “There’s every kind of how to make a distinction and that is one so hopefully different individuals discover out that is one thing they may need to take into consideration doing as effectively.”
Barker mentioned she is operating the half marathon.
“I feel it’s shocking to lots of people how easy it truly is on the human physique since you actually simply want one kidney,” Barker mentioned. “I can nonetheless work out. I can nonetheless do all of the issues I usually do.”
Baude is operating the marathon. She’s a part of “One Kidney 12 Marathons” (1K12M) operating 12 marathons in 2023 to carry consciousness.
“Kidney donation is just not debilitating and you’ll go on to reside an energetic way of life and do regular actions following donation,” Baude mentioned.
Every of the runners is a “Kidney Donor Athlete” and a part of the One Kidney Club in Colorado.
Patty Graham began the primary membership in Colorado about 5 years in the past after donating one in every of her kidneys. She mentioned there are actually greater than 30 One Kidney Golf equipment around the globe.
“The buddies I made by this course of have been the most effective mates I’ve made in my life and I simply needed to maintain assembly extra kidney donors,” Graham mentioned. “We discover methods to attach. We discover methods to unfold the message about donation and get the phrase out about one kidney. You’ll be able to share your spare.”
It’s a message she mentioned they’ll be sharing as they race within the Denver Colfax Marathon runs.
— to kdvr.com
