Lincoln, Nebraska (June 23, 2011) – The president and founder of the Society for Organ Donor Awareness (S.O.D.A.), David Landsberg, will take a unique approach to spread a valuable message about the need for increasing the number of registered organ, eye and tissue donors this summer when he rides his bicycle 50 miles in all 50 states, finishing his ride in 50 days.
David is partnering with Donate Life America and on July 4, he will begin his “Donors Rock Ride” in Austin , Texas and complete his journey on August 23 in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma . His mission is to educate individuals and raise awareness about the need for more donors and register new donors in every state. The ride has never been done before by any cyclist, let alone by a kidney transplant recipient.
David Landsberg is a walking miracle and received a kidney transplant in July 1999 from a young boy who tragically lost his life. Landsberg is now paying it forward by reaching out to the country in a way that he hopes will display his passion and determination, and encourage others to become a part of the solution for this public health crisis that has more than 110,000 Americans waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Prior to receiving his transplant, Landsberg became the only person without kidneys and a spleen to train and compete in a triathlon, which he completed in May 1999.
“I try to live every day like I am earning the right to have this kidney and honor someone else who gave it to me,” said David Landsberg, founder of the Society for Organ Donor Awareness. “A six-year old boy lost his life, and his parents were so gracious to give me a second chance at mine. I am always grateful for an opportunity to share my story and become an inspiration to others looking for hope.”
Each of the 50 rides will take place in the state capital, and the public is invited to watch and even participate as he rides across America . Local Donate Life affiliates will help with the ride and individuals can choose to join their state donor registry, make a tax-deductible donation to S.O.D.A., and/or ride alongside Landsberg for all or part of the 50 miles completed that day.
David is scheduled to ride the Antelope Park Trail in Lincoln on Saturday, August 6 at (7 a.m.). Riders are asked to meet in the parking lot south of Auld Center in Antelope Park (A St. & Memorial Dr.) David will be joined by fellow transplant recipients, medical professionals, and others interested in raising awareness about the benefits of organ donation.
For more information, please contact Lisa Carmichael lmcarmichael@cox.net.
About the Society for Organ Donor Awareness
The Society for Organ Donor Awareness (S.O.D.A.), is dedicated to educating the public about the need for life saving organ and tissue donation. Demonstrated through bicycle, endurance events and heart-warming stories from transplant recipients, the organization hopes to show the full, useful and productive members of society what recipients can become after transplantation. By creating the inspiration and motivation for people to register as organ donors, S.O.D.A. changes lives and increases organ and tissue donation. For more information, visit www.societyfororgandonorawareness.org.
About Donate Life Nebraska
Donate Life Nebraska is the local affiliate of the national Donate Life America, a not-for-profit alliance of national organizations and local coalitions across the United States that have joined forces to educate the public about organ, eye and tissue donation. For more information about Donate Life Nebraska and how to sign up for the Nebraska state registry, visit http://donatelifenebraska.org/.
