Running for life — a cancer survivor’s Donor Dash journey

As a registered nurse, I’ve spent my career caring for others during their most vulnerable moments. In 2014, I found myself on the other side of health care when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and needed bilateral mastectomies.

During my reconstructive surgery, I received AlloDerm, a tissue donation that helped my body heal through one of the most challenging times in my life. That gift from a generous donor became part of my recovery and allowed me to be here today, watching my daughters grow and thrive.

The healing process required three surgeries and with each milestone, including reaching my 10-year cancer-free anniversary, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the profound impact that tissue donation can have on someone’s life. Experiencing donation firsthand gave me an entirely new level of respect and gratitude for donors and their families.

This experience has made me a more empathetic nurse and passionate advocate for donation. It’s why I’m participating in the Donor Dash at Denver’s Wash Park on July 20. This event brings together transplant recipients, donor families, living donors, and community supporters to celebrate the gift of life while raising awareness about the critical need for donation.

If I could speak to my donor’s family, I would tell them how their loved one’s gift helped me heal during one of the hardest times of my life. Their decision to say yes to donation gave me the chance to still be here for my daughters and to serve others through nursing.

The Donor Dash is a celebration of second chances. I encourage everyone to consider registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor. Visit DonorAlliance.org to learn more. Your decision to donate could be someone’s second chance at life.

— Amy Connell, Frederick