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A local non-profit organization’s is hoping to hit a “home run” for organ donation July 10 at Life Connection of Ohio Night at Fifth Third Field, when the Mud Hens will take on the Columbus Clippers at 6 p.m.
The first pitch will be thrown out by 6-year-old Jake Saunders, of Oregon, who received a life-saving liver transplant two and a half years ago. Before his transplant, Jake’s disease prevented him from walking, talking and eating normal food.
Thanks to the generosity of a donor family, now, the youth is able to communicate, play T-ball and enjoy his favorite activity – eating a bag of peanuts while cheering on the Mud Hens.
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Jake Saundrs and his mom, Angela Saunders.
(Photo courtesy of Life Connection of Ohio) |
The National Anthem will be sung by Natalie Knowlton, formerly of Toledo and now of Otsego, Mich. Last month, Natalie celebrated the 17-year anniversary of her life-saving heart transplant, which she credits for giving her the chance to get married, raise her three children and lead an active life.
Life Connection of Ohio, an organ procurement organization based in Maumee, will have volunteers and staff on hand at the game with information and organ donor registration cards. Also making an appearance will be the Green Chair, the star of Life Connection of Ohio’s latest awareness campaign.
Currently, there are more than 111,000 people on the National Transplant Waiting List. Of the more than 3,400 Ohioans waiting for a life-saving transplant, 237 people await a kidney at the University of Toledo Medical Center.
The good news: One person has the power to save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of 50 more through donation.
For more information about organ and tissue donation, contact Life Connection of Ohio at 419-893-4891. To register as a donor, visit www.DonateLifeOhio.org.
Jake Saunders and his mom, Angela Saunders (Photo courtesy of Life Connection of Ohio)
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