Sunday, April 19, 2009

In Honor of Tara O'Brien (of Fairmount)


I was bound and determined to go for another bike ride this morning, only to be completely frustrated to see that some sort of marathon madness was taking place on West River Drive. This usually makes it impossible to ride. So I went around the museum and rode on Kelly Drive, with the other madness of some rowing regatta. As I got closer to Falls Bridge I could see that the other side of the River was totally empty - so I took my chances and came back on the other side. It was relatively quiet until about half way back - and then there were more and more runners.
As I passed a group I saw a sign on some one's back that said, "In memory of Tara O'Brien". At first I rode past - but then I decided I had to go back and find out more about this.
Tara O'Brien was killed in 1996 at the age of 24 by a drunk driver. She left two daughters behind and donated 7 organs. Turns out this 5K,10K run/walk was to benefit Organ Donor Awareness
If you have not discussed organ donation with your family - please make your wishes known to them. This is not a fun subject to talk about, but if your family knows what you want, it will be so much easier, if, God forbid, they find themselves in a position where it is necessary to make that choice.

1 comment:

Walt Walden said...

Wow, that's a little scary to see your name like that. But organ donation is an important life saving thing to know about.