The Organ Donor 5k held Sunday at the Delphos Jefferson High School had a Continental presence as family and friends of Dean Bidlack came out to support the cause. Dean has had an organ transplant twice. Dean was recognized at the race for having a transplant for the greatest amount of time. Dean comes in at 8 years since his first transplant. Over 230 people came out to the race.
All through the race there were facts about organ transplants. One organ donor can save up to eight lives. The same donor can also save or improve the lives of up to 50 people by donating tissues. 8 people die every day while waiting for organ transplants in the U.S., and every 10 minutes another person is added to the waiting list. The back of the race shirt listed some of the local organ recipients and honored some of the donors.
It was easy to make a personal connection to the cause as I not only know Dean but also have a niece, Kendra Kraft, who is doing amazing since her liver transplant.
–Mike Jones, Sportswriter
