Spread awareness about organ donation

On Aug. 29, 2006, at the age of 28, I received the most loving, compassionate and selfless gift from my mother, the “gift of life” by the way of a kidney transplant. My mother so lovingly and unselfishly donated one of her kidneys to me so I could have a chance at a healthier and extended life.

With a passion to honor my mother's gift, become an advocate of the cause that saved my life and to dedicate my second chance at life by giving back, I founded My Angel Foundation in January 2007.

On Aug. 27, My Angel Foundation will hold its second annual C.A.R.E. East 5K & 10K Run and Walk in North Liberty to spread awareness about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation by commemorating the lives of organ, eye and tissue donors, celebrating the lives of organ, eye and tissue recipients, and recognizing the lives of those waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

Currently, there are more than 600 Iowans and more than 111,000 men, women and children nationally waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. On average, 18 people die every day while waiting for organ transplants, and every 11 minutes, another name is added to the waiting list.

Whether you run, walk, wheel, volunteer, cheer or make a charitable donation, it's a great way to support this life-changing cause.

To register online or to learn more about My Angel Foundation, visit www.myangel

foundation.org.

Ted Cochran

President,

My Angel

Foundation

Waukee