Aug. 11: Second Chance at Life event to benefit U-M Transplant Center

ANN ARBOR, MI –On Saturday, Aug. 11, the University of Michigan Transplant Center will host the seventh annual Second Chance at Life event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hines Park in Westland to promote organ donation.

This year’s event is dedicated to the memory of the U-M transplant team members who lost their lives on June 4 while working to save another.

The Second Chance at Life event will include a non-competitive 2-mile walk, a 4-mile inline skate, a 10-mile bike ride, and a 5K jog. Dogs are welcome during the walk.

Registration for the event starts at 9 a.m. and the walk, jog, bike and inline skate begin at 10:15 a.m. Lunch will follow the events.

Geared toward families, the event also will feature a clown and fire-truck tours by the Westland Fire Department. In addition, a crew and helicopter from Survival Flight, the U-M Health System’s medical transport service, will be at the event.

Pre-registration for walkers, skaters and bikers is $10 or $15 on the day of the event. A T-shirt and lunch is included in registration fees. Participants are also encouraged to get individual sponsors. Registration includes lunch.

Funds raised at Second Chance at Life support various programs at the U-M Transplant Center, including those aimed at raising organ and tissue donation awareness, research and financial assistance for patients.

About 200 people attended the 2006 event, which raised $30,000 for the U-M Transplant Center. During the past six years, the Second Chance at Life event has raised more than $120,000 for the U-M Transplant Center, in addition to educating people about organ donation.

To register, visit www.active.com and then set up a pledge card at www.firstgiving.com. A printable, mail-in registration form and pledge card also are available for download at www.michigantransplant.org and www.secondchanceatlife.org.

For more information about the Second Chance at Life event call 734-513-5187 or 734-432-2625.

Written by: Krista Hopson