Today, March 23, 2013 was the Annual Laura's Run.  This event directly benefits the Lung Transplant Program at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix.  It is always amazing to see the amount of people that are impacted by transplantation..There were people there from all over the valley and for that matter all over the state.  Laura, whom the event was named after, did not have her lung transplant here in Phoenix because at that time, there wasn't a thoracic transplant program available..Laura received her after transplant care in California.   Six years ago, St. Joseph's began their transplant program.  The proceeds from this 5K, run/walk/doggie trot/ and kids dash, go directly to the transplant program at St. Joes.  An amazing amount of time and effort goes into this event.  The weather this time of year is always so nice, not too hot, and the sun is shining.  I just stand in total awe of God's creation as I watch, feel, and experience the emotions of everyone at this event.

As this event approaches each year, it is always a time of reflection for me. Some of our friends are no longer with us at this event, it is a strange feeling. I know they too, were thankful for being given this second chance in life. Just a chance of life again...Two of our friends have been blessed with a second (and Third) chance of life twice.   They are both doing well after their second lung transplants..Yes, that is right, their second one.... I think of the new friends we have been able to make too. People who are just now experiencing breathing without lugging oxygen tanks and tubes all over the place and the joy they have is a wonderful sight.   As the race was beginning, the announcer was giving a brief history of the transplant program at St. Joes.  I was totally shocked when it was said they have completed 188 transplants, and that St. Joes has one of the highest success rates in the nation.  It is an amazing team of medical professionals.  It is ever growing, so much so that us "Old Timers" sometimes can't keep up with the changes.   Where we were 6 1/2 years ago to where we are now has been miraculous journey.   The things that Marty has been able to do because of his transplant are unbelievable compared to what his medical condition was in November 2006 through half of 2008.

Thank you to all organ donors.  If you could just see the gratitude and joy in the people's lives who have had an organ/tissue transplant, it is worth signing that little card to register.  Thank you also to the Donor Network of Arizona and the New Life Society for having your Donor Registration booth set up today.  These people volunteer their time going to events to get the importance of donor registration out there.  Most of the people who work these booths are transplant recipients or members of a donors family.  These are some amazing people too...

Thank you Laura Hart Burdick Foundation for all you do for St. Joseph's Lung transplant program..
Check out

www.laurahartburdickfoundation.com   for more information regarding Laura.

DON'T FORGET THAT APRIL IS 

NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH.....