My Eighth Dash for Donation

I’m excited to be a part of my eighth Dash for Donation! I became involved in the race in 2004 to honor my liver donor, Jordan.

I was born with a rare genetic liver disease and always knew I’d need a transplant. Once I was in college, my health became progressively worse and I was listed for a new liver. Thanks to my hero, my donor, received a transplant in February 2001.

Since then, I was able to graduate from college, buy a home, marry my husband, Ben, and work fulltime at the OSU Wexner Medical Center! None of this would have been possible without Jordan.

Since then, the Dash for Donation has become an annual opportunity to celebrate life with my family and friends!

What I look forward to every year is creating a bigger and bigger team. “Team Jordan” is a tribute to my donor and it has grown every year. This year, I expect to have 50 or more people walking and running alongside me to promote organ and tissue donation awareness.

After each race, I love to hear the stories from my friends and family members who participated. They are always touched by the “sea of green,” signifying those who have been personally touched by organ and tissue donation.

It’s wonderful to see so many people come out for such a great cause, to support life! But what means the most to me is having Jordan’s family there with us. They come every year to honor their son and I hope that know I organize this team every year as a way to say thank you for the incredible gift of life.

I hope you’ll join me on July 14 at the Dash for Donation in downtown Columbus! If you don’t have a connection to donation, then join “Team Jordan” when you register and be a part of this awesome day with me and my donor’s family!

- Morgan Mersy, liver recipient