Donor Dash brings together great loss and the gift of life

May 24, 2003, was a normal day until an officer arrived and told me there had been an accident involving my 24-yearold daughter Jill. As I listened to the doctor explain her injuries, I was just waiting to hear when I could take her home. When he said that her injuries were non-survivable, I understood that taking her home would never be an option. Jill and I had previously spoken about organ donation, and I knew donating her organs was what she wanted.

To honor Jill, each year I walk the Donor Dash with my team, Jill Connett’s Fighting Snappers. We’ve walked the race for 16 years and will walk again on Sunday. It’s an opportunity to honor those like Jill that have given the gift of life, but also to inspire others to say yes to signing up to be a donor and meet others touched by donation and transplantation.

While walking the course in 2008, my team saw a woman with a picture of Jill pinned to her shirt. Her name was Carole and she was Jill’s liver recipient. After Carole crossed the finish line, we hugged and cried. Carole and I are now great friends and advocate for organ donation together.

People wonder why I share my story and continue Jill’s team. No amount of blue T-shirts will ever bring my daughter back, but I look at it like this: No parent should have to bury their child. If sharing my story inspires one person to say yes to becoming a donor, then it’s worth it.

Melody Connett, Englewood