LifeShare Foundation to Host Annual 5K Fundraiser
for Organ and Tissue Donation
Oklahoma City, OK – On Saturday, September 21, more than 500 Oklahomans will visit Lake Hefner’s Stars and Stripes Park to participate in the LifeShare Foundation’s annual Little Red Heart 5K and Walk. The Little Red Heart 5K’s mission is to celebrate life, honor those who were donors, pay tribute to those who received, offer hope to those who continue to wait and remember the lives lost waiting for the gift of life.
At the event, registrants can either participate in a USATF Certified 5K race or a one mile walk in support of the LifeShare foundation. Family-friendly activities will take place across the park, with a special Kid’s Zone to include face painting, photo backdrops, a playscape and more.
Those who would like to attend the Little Red Heart 5K and Walk can sign up at LittleRedHeart5K.org. Pricing will increase after September 20. LifeShare would like to thank this year’s Champion and Hero Level race sponsors: Jeff and Lori Blumenthal, James Avery, Global Transplant Solutions, Private Jets, Trust Company of Oklahoma, Aidan’s Legacy, The Heinen Family, the Chickasaw Nation, and Paycom.
This year’s event features a Memorial Mile to recognize donor heroes. Among those who will be remembered and honored for their compassionate gift are:
Aidan Hooper
Eight-year-old Aidan Hooper wore his heart on his sleeve. If you had a chance to talk to his friends, schoolmates, and loved ones, you would hear each and every one of them say, “Aidan was my best friend.” The 8-year-old never knew a stranger and would say “Yes!” to any and everything, just to spend quality time with those around him.
When he unexpectedly passed, Aidan’s family knew he would want to be a donor. After his family connected with LifeShare, he was able to donate his heart valves to 18 month and six-month-old little girls and give them the gift of life.
Aidan’s family started Aidan’s Legacy to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.
Kolby Crum
At sixteen, Kolby was known to be a hardworking and encouraging leader. Younger students at school looked up to him, and for a good reason. He cared for and loved others deeply. Kolby aspired help others in life and had planned to pursue a degree in psychology while attending university on a cross-country scholarship.
When he was getting his driver’s license, he registered to be an organ donor. He knew he could give hope and life to others through this compassionate action. Through the gift of donation, he was able to save the lives of two others.
Shelby Johnson
Shelby had a vibrant personality, and her smile and laughter could light up a room. She genuinely loved and accepted people just as they were and made friends everywhere she went. The moment Shelby came out of the Tag Agency after taking her driving exam, she proudly exclaimed, “I did it! I’m an organ donor!” She was thrilled to share her decision with her loved ones.
Eighteen short months later, a tragic car crash took Shelby’s life. Because she shared her decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, she was able to save four lives.
Stacy Hadley
Stacy had an infectious laugh and contagious smile that made everyone around her feel like a friend. She was a joyful person and could be counted on to help with anything. She was always the first to lend a helping hand or give a hug of comfort. Stacy was uplifting and made those around her incredibly happy.
When Stacy’s life was taken by an automobile accident, it was no surprise to her loved ones that she was a registered donor. Through her compassionate decision, Stacy saved six lives.
Eva Young
During a routine 19-week ultrasound, a doctor discovered that Royce and Keri’s daughter, Eva, had developed anencephaly and wouldn’t survive long after delivery. The family decided to continue the pregnancy, and chose to name their daughter ‘Eva Grace’, which means giver of life.
Their goal was to bring Eva to full-term, welcome her into this world, and let her give the gift of life and hope to another family. Although the Young’s miss Eva daily, they cannot deny the significance of her tiny life and her effect on the world.
At the event, registrants can either participate in a USATF Certified 5K race or a one mile walk in support of the LifeShare foundation. Family-friendly activities will take place across the park, with a special Kid’s Zone to include face painting, photo backdrops, a playscape and more.
Those who would like to attend the Little Red Heart 5K and Walk can sign up at LittleRedHeart5K.org. Pricing will increase after September 20. LifeShare would like to thank this year’s Champion and Hero Level race sponsors: Jeff and Lori Blumenthal, James Avery, Global Transplant Solutions, Private Jets, Trust Company of Oklahoma, Aidan’s Legacy, The Heinen Family, the Chickasaw Nation, and Paycom.
This year’s event features a Memorial Mile to recognize donor heroes. Among those who will be remembered and honored for their compassionate gift are:
Aidan Hooper
Eight-year-old Aidan Hooper wore his heart on his sleeve. If you had a chance to talk to his friends, schoolmates, and loved ones, you would hear each and every one of them say, “Aidan was my best friend.” The 8-year-old never knew a stranger and would say “Yes!” to any and everything, just to spend quality time with those around him.
When he unexpectedly passed, Aidan’s family knew he would want to be a donor. After his family connected with LifeShare, he was able to donate his heart valves to 18 month and six-month-old little girls and give them the gift of life.
Aidan’s family started Aidan’s Legacy to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.
Kolby Crum
At sixteen, Kolby was known to be a hardworking and encouraging leader. Younger students at school looked up to him, and for a good reason. He cared for and loved others deeply. Kolby aspired help others in life and had planned to pursue a degree in psychology while attending university on a cross-country scholarship.
When he was getting his driver’s license, he registered to be an organ donor. He knew he could give hope and life to others through this compassionate action. Through the gift of donation, he was able to save the lives of two others.
Shelby Johnson
Shelby had a vibrant personality, and her smile and laughter could light up a room. She genuinely loved and accepted people just as they were and made friends everywhere she went. The moment Shelby came out of the Tag Agency after taking her driving exam, she proudly exclaimed, “I did it! I’m an organ donor!” She was thrilled to share her decision with her loved ones.
Eighteen short months later, a tragic car crash took Shelby’s life. Because she shared her decision to be an organ, eye and tissue donor, she was able to save four lives.
Stacy Hadley
Stacy had an infectious laugh and contagious smile that made everyone around her feel like a friend. She was a joyful person and could be counted on to help with anything. She was always the first to lend a helping hand or give a hug of comfort. Stacy was uplifting and made those around her incredibly happy.
When Stacy’s life was taken by an automobile accident, it was no surprise to her loved ones that she was a registered donor. Through her compassionate decision, Stacy saved six lives.
Eva Young
During a routine 19-week ultrasound, a doctor discovered that Royce and Keri’s daughter, Eva, had developed anencephaly and wouldn’t survive long after delivery. The family decided to continue the pregnancy, and chose to name their daughter ‘Eva Grace’, which means giver of life.
Their goal was to bring Eva to full-term, welcome her into this world, and let her give the gift of life and hope to another family. Although the Young’s miss Eva daily, they cannot deny the significance of her tiny life and her effect on the world.