July 20, 2022

6th annual Second Chance 5K brings awareness to organ donation

Event to be held Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022

After receiving a heart transplant in 2015, Craig Smith knew he wanted to honor his donor by raising awareness for organ, tissue and cornea donation in Pennsylvania. In 2016, he founded his non-profit, Second Chance Fundraising, along with his best friend, Derek Partsch. The annual 5K is an event that allows Smith to raise money for CORE (Center for Organ Recovery and Education) and to discuss organ donation with community members.

“There are so many people waiting on the transplant list. Organ donation saves lives and our goal is to make sure people understand how important it is to sign up to be a donor,” said Smith.

The 5K will be held Saturday, Aug. 13 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Berwind-Wayside Festival Grounds in Sidman, Pa. The registration fee is $25 for ages 18 and up. Children up to age 17 can register for free. All runners will receive a gift bag and additional door prizes will be given out after the race.

The event will also include a basket raffle from 9 a.m.-1p.m., 50/50 chances and gift card giveaways. Food will be available to purchase from Rayne’s Backyard BBQ as well. Second Chance Fundraising has been able to donate thousands of dollars from the 5K over the years to CORE and Smith was named the Donate Life America Volunteer Service Award winner in 2020.

He mentioned that this year’s race will feel different without his mother, Laurie Smith, who passed away in 2021.

“She was my biggest supporter and she loved this event. My mom also became a hero because she was a cornea donor. I hope that we get a huge turnout and everyone can celebrate second chances and giving the gift of life,” he stated.

For more information about the 5K or to donate to Second Chance Fundraising, please visit secondchancefundraising.org.

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Katie Hanlon

publisher@mainlinenewspapers.com