The fourth annual Stinson Organ Donation Awareness 5K/10K Run and Family Stroll takes place at 9 a.m. Feb. 9 beginning at the CHRISTUS St. Michael Imaging Center, 2500 St. Michael Drive, Texarkana, Texas. The family stroll begins shortly after the runners start. Race awards will be presented at 10 a.m.
The entry fee is $35 per person. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Stinson Organ Transplant Awareness and Support Foundation, whose mission statement is "To educate and increase awareness for the need for individuals to register as organ donors and provide financial aid for those currently awaiting organ transplant and/or immediate post-transplant."
"We assist those in the process of receiving an organ and in the aftermath that follows," said Shari Hallisey, board president for the foundation. "There's aftercare for those who've received an organ, and all of that is expensive. If you're awaiting a transplant, there are trips back and forth dialysis, supplied, insurance deductibles that have to be met."
The foundation has helped three people so far, a different person each year, but they hope to help more.
"In the past we've only been able to help one person a year, but that's not our ultimate goal," said Susie Stinson, foundation secretary. "We are not yet in a position to help four or five people a year and we want to get there."
Event organizers hope to get support from sponsors so that they can make a bigger impact on the community.
"That's one of the reasons we count on assistance from sponsors. If we can get some sponsors, that's where we can make a financial impact," Hallisey said.
In addition to fundraising, the foundation also has a mission to raise awareness of the need for people to register to become organ donors.
"You'd be amazed at the number of people who aren't organ donors," Hallisey said. This is just a healthy, fun way to educate people about it. It's important to register. When I die, I can't take any of this with me, so when I die, don't bury my perfectly good organs. Donate them to someone."
Participants can sign up at RunSignUp.com. Any person or business interested in sponsoring the event can call Stinson at
903-319-6537.