Lace up the sneakers, bundle up (of course, because it’s Spring in Illinois and we apparently prefer blizzard-esque conditions over showers in April) and grab your friends….the 2007 Red Shoe Run for Donor Awareness is this Saturday, April 14th!
The competitive 5K run and non-competitive one-mile walk starts at 8 a.m. at:
Rock Valley College Educational Path
3301 N. Mulford Rd.
Rockford, IL 61114
For those that are not familiar with the Red Shoe Run, it is an outstanding annual event put together by Bobbi and Charles Smith of Rockford, Ill. In May of 2002, the Smiths’ lives changed forever when they lost their youngest daughter Carrie at the age of 28.
Carrie struggled with depression for many years, and it became important to the Smiths to provide support groups and resources to assist others. The Smiths founded Group Home whose mission is to offer hope and anticipation of recovery to people suffering depression by connecting people who are able to help and support each other.
At the time of Carrie’s death, the Smiths were also faced with another decision—whether Carrie should be a tissue donor. Following the decision to have Carrie be a donor, they became involved in the Life Goes On program which helps to promote awareness about the need for organ and tissue donations in Illinois. In addition, the Smiths called upon friends in the community and helped to found the Red Shoe Run for Donor Awareness, a 5K race that raises funds and awareness about blood, marrow, organ, and tissue donations. This event, named after their daughter Carrie’s love of red shoes, has now raised nearly $50,000.
Come out, have some fun and support donation!
-Scott
Gift of Hope Blog 