Stories of hope

One local biker who has been touched by Live On. Ride On. is Aaron Shirk. Each year he promotes the campaign with his “Duane Shirk Memorial Poker Run” to honor his father, who gave the ‘Gift of Life.’  Here’s what Aaron has to say about his father and what riding means to him:

I lost my father, Duane Shirk, in August of 2008, at the age of 50. He was a registered organ and tissue donor, a hard worker, and a wonderful father and grandfather.  He was the kind of person who knew everyone, and who never expected anything, but always was willing to give anything he could. Because of my dad’s giving spirit and his gift through tissue donation, I am now a registered donor too.

I bought my first motorcycle when I was 18, and after riding a few different motorcycles the next few years, I sold my first bike to my dad. He had not ridden a motorcycle in a number of years, but was happy to be back on the open road, riding with friends. Each year, we honor his life and legacy with a memorial poker run. He “lives on.”

Aaron generously donates the proceeds of the run to Lifeline of Ohio’s Live On. Ride On. campaign in honor of his father’s gift. Thank you Aaron for sharing your story and for your donation to help further the campaign, ensuring those waiting for a life-saving transplant have the opportunity to “live on.”