Hey everyone, I shared earlier on social media, but decided to copy this to Freddie's CaringBridge too as many of you have followed Freddie's story for years from all over the U.S. Just because we have never met in 'real life' or you aren't on social media or we aren't "friends" on Facebook or Instagram, I wanted you to still see this opportunity to continue to be in Freddie's corner as we spread his message of the blessing of organ, tissue and eye donation. This seems like a good place to also remind you all that April is Donate Life Month. Please consider marking "organ donor" on your drivers license AND making your wishes known to your loved ones so that in your passsing one day, they'll be confident in your wishes.
Here's what I shared a bit earlier on FB and IG:
On May 8th I’m hoping you’ll join me in the Virtual Green 5K to support the Iowa Donor Network, walking, running or donating in memory of Freddie and his donor Steve.
We all knew “Freddie’s Fighters” as a slogan to show him we were standing behind him in solidarity in his health battles, but I’ve decided to keep that as a team name as we’re still fighting for Freddie’s cause for organ, eye, and tissue donation.
The Green 5K is held annually to honor the lives of organ and tissue donors, celebrate the lives of recipients, recognize those waiting for a life-saving transplant, and supporting organ, eye and tissue donation. We always loved the atmosphere on race day - it’s very special and uplifting! But due to concern around COVID, it will be virtual again this year. You can still make it extra special as you unite with family and friends in your own neighborhood, dress up in all the green, and join the opening ceremony virtually on May 8th on Iowa Donor Network's FB page!
If you’re in Des Moines, Zion and I will be wearing our green and walking the paved trails in Greenwood park at 10:30. You can join us if you’d like. Greenwood was one of Freddie’s favorite places to take us for a hike and to ride single track trails on his bike. This happens to be the park where we got married too.
(enter Greenwood Park off 45th and Grand, follow to the back and park by Ashworth pool)
On May 8th, if you walk, run, skip, hop, or stay at home but donate in his honor and you share a photo, please use the hashtags
#freddiesfighters and
#VirtualGreen5K The funds raised by the Freddie’s Fighters Team from the Green 5K will support Iowa Donor Network programs and iniatives and help save more lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.
I’ll share Freddie’s link below so you can join his team page. The price to join will be on this link (if you want the cooling neck gaiter & 5K finisher medal, race bib, etc., register by April 8th. All race packets will be mailed to you) On his page you can also pledge money by clicking the "Donate Now" to help me reach my goal for the Iowa Donor Network! PLEASE SHARE THE WORD for me by sharing his link or copy/pasting this message.
If you are on FB, please be sure you have clicked the 2021 Virtual Green 5K page for more details. And if you don’t already follow the Iowa Donor Network Facebook page you should consider doing that too. You’ll see the virtual opening ceremonies there.
HONOR those who have given the gift of life
CELEBRATE lives saved and healed
SUPPORT those waiting for a life-saving transplant
RUN or WALK for organ, eye and tissue donation
*Along with this post you'll see some old pics I found of us at the Green 5K. You’ll see one is a glimpse of a beautiful arrangement of lawn signs at the actual event to honor donors or those have received the gift of life. You can see Freddies in the background. Ive also shared a photo from this "Circle of Life" from a friend who ran in honor of Freddie a couple years ago.
