Walk raises awareness of organ donors and recipients

FORT WAYNE, Indiana (WANE) — Supporters take the family of an organ donor for a walk on Saturday to raise awareness of how donations can save lives.

The annual Walk to Save Lives began in 2009 after 19-year-old Jennifer Spurgeon of Fort Wayne died in a fire. She was a registered organ donor, and those donations ended up saving the lives of three people — two kidney recipients and one liver recipient.

“Jennifer’s life didn’t stop that day. She continues to make a difference,” the organizers said.

Spurgeon’s mother, Rhonda Berger, shares her story before the walk to raise awareness of organ donation, transplantation and financial support for recipients and donor families.

All participants will receive a giveaway and honor bib to wear during the walk, which begins at 10 a.m. on the Purdue Fort Wayne campus.

Organizers said more than 1,100 Hoosiers are currently awaiting a life-saving organ transplant. The walk features stories from donors and transplant recipients, as well as children’s activities, music, food and more.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Indiana Donor Network Foundation, supporting Hoosier transplant recipients and families of donor heroes.

Sign up as a donor on the organization’s website.