Focus on Service:
Point of Honor 5k Raises Awareness and Funds for Organ Donation
The streets of Lynchburg, VA were filled with life on April 2, 2011 when more than 400 runners and walkers showed their support for organ and tissue transplant. The annual Point of Honor 5k has grown since its inception in 2008 with 168 registrants. The race was the brainchild of race director Kevin Shroyer, a resident of Lynchburg who wanted to honor his daughter Korinne, an organ donor who saved the lives of five people. Shroyer, an avid runner, traveled the country promoting organ donation through the sport of running and can often be seen running marathons in clothing bearing organ donation messages.
LifeNet Health staff and volunteers participated in the event, which will fund initiatives in LifeNet Health Community Education, Donor and Family Services and Research and Development. In only four years, the race has raised more than $11,000 and increased awareness of organ donation among hundreds of race participants.
The Point of Honor 5k is held annually the first weekend in April to kick off National Donate Life Month. It's named for the historic Point of Honor mansion that sits along the course but the name of the event also reminds us that the "point" of the race is to "honor" organ donors and recipients. The festivities include a 1-mile children's race as well. Every year, the race has been blessed by the presence of organ donation recipients, living donors, and donor family members. This year, nearly 75 supporters of a liver recipient dominated the crowd wearing T-shirts bearing the name "Team Trey," for Trey Green.
LifeNet Health thanks race director Kevin Shroyer and all of the participants, volunteers and sponsors who made the event so successful!
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