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Thousands Take Part In 19th Annual Donor Dash

By Al Novack

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The combination of sunshine and mild spring temperatures was ideal for the 19th annual Gift of Life Donor Dash.

Several thousand people registered to take part in Sunday's event aimed at raising money to help spread awareness about the importance of organ donation.

Organizers split the event into four categories -- a walk, a kids run, a 5K and 10K run. Many donor recipients and their families registered, wanting to say thank you to their organ donors, those people who made it possible for them to live and to participate in this type of activity.

"I would not be here without the selfless decision of my donor, his family and so many other donor families that choose to make such a gift," said Brin. "I just want to show them, rather than tell them how grateful I am for the gift that I received."

For some people, the gift was a kidney. For others, it meant a new heart or a new set of lungs.

"This is a miracle, and we want to share it with so many people," said one mother. "Gratefulness is understated for the gift that so many donor families give, and we just want to make them aware of our gratitude and spread the word."

Click here for more information about the Gift of Life Donor Program:

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