Focus on organ, eye, tissue donation behind 315-mile run across Iowa

The runners spending their weekend stepping off the miles on a statewide, 315-mile journey on Highway 6 all had their reasons.

“Organ donation is huge,” said Paxton Bennett of Des Moines at about four in the morning Sunday near Marengo. “Can't beat the scenery in the country. The stars, the weather is perfect. Good times.”

Kelly Jensen of Toddville didn't have stars as her ceiling. Late Sunday morning, Jensen ran under the Sunday sun near West Liberty.

“13 years ago, my mom passed away waiting for a heart transplant,” said Jensen as she chugged away in the midst of an eight-mile stretch.

The My Angel Foundation is the inspiration for this 48-hour effort, the Celebrate Life Relay that pushed east from Council Bluffs to the Quad Cities. Ted Cochran is the motor behind the motive.

“I received the gift of life on August 29, 2006 with a kidney transplant,” said Cochran, 31, as he sat behind a large, white van on Sunday morning, following the runners east on the highway. “I am blessed to have my mother as my donor.”

Since getting that operation, Cochran said he has worked to raise awareness for organ, tissue and eye donations throughout the state.

The relay itself was split into various teams, with a runner taking a seven or eight-mile leg before “handing off the race” to another and resting in the omnipresent white van.

“We have a lot of people who like to push their limits, to go further,” said John Hindley of West Des Moines as he was on a break in the middle of the night in Marengo. “I'm doing okay but I know I'll crash soon.”

The route allowed plenty of city visits, between Des Moines, Iowa City and the Quad Cities. Yet most of the time and most of the miles were spent along the rural stretches between rolling hills and farmland.

The organization's website states a total of 54 runners participated in the journey. Cochran said this is My Angel Foundation's first statewide event to draw in more attention for organ donation.

A bright, green bracelet marked ‘Iowa Donor Network' is wrapped around Cochran's left wrist. He said it is reminder of what this day and this project were all about.

“It's been so inspiring.”

-Chris Earl, KCRG-TV9 News