Annual 5K run/walk event supports life-saving mission of organ, eye and tissue donation

The 26th Annual Donor Dash 5K, hosted by Donor Alliance, the nonprofit facilitating organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming, will take place at Denver's Washington Park on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 8 a.m. This inspiring 5K run/walk is one of Colorado's most meaningful community events, bringing together participants from across the region to honor organ, eye and tissue donors, celebrate transplant recipients, and recognize those who continue to wait for life-saving transplants.

"The Donor Dash encapsulates the heart of our mission – bringing our community together to recognize the incredible, life-saving impact of donation and transplantation," said Jennifer Prinz, president and CEO of Donor Alliance. "This event creates a powerful space where we can honor the generosity of donors, celebrate the resilience of recipients, and inspire more Coloradans to consider the life-changing decision to register as donors."

This year's event features multiple meaningful opportunities for participants to honor, celebrate, and recognize those impacted by donation:

• Dashboard tributes: Participants can submit photos and messages that will be displayed continuously on videoboards near the main stage throughout race morning, creating a visual celebration of lives touched by donation.
• Honorary signage program: Memorial signs honor loved ones who left lasting legacies through their gift of life; Inspirational signs celebrate current recipients and those awaiting transplants; Living donor signs recognize individuals who have provided lifesaving and healing gifts.
• Ribbon ceremony: Following the race, the on-stage program begins at 9:30 a.m. and features inspirational stories while recognizing the diverse connections within the organ, eye, and tissue donation community with colorful ribbons. Participants can collect their ribbons near the finish line or at the designated Ribbons Tent in the expo area.

This year's post-race ceremony will include a video highlighting the personal journeys of remarkable advocates whose lives exemplify the power of donation:

• Amy Connell, tissue recipient: Following her breast cancer diagnosis in 2014, Amy received Alloderm tissue during her reconstructive surgery. Now over 10 years cancer-free, Amy credits the tissue donation with helping her heal through a difficult time. As a registered nurse, she says the experience deepened her empathy and respect for donors. Amy is dashing to honor her donor and celebrate being here to watch her daughters grow.
• Doug French, liver recipient: After living with Hepatitis C for decades, Doug’s illness eventually left him in need of a liver transplant. Doug received a life-saving transplant in 2015 and considers it to be his greatest gift.
• Gaby Landeros-Williams, sister of a donor: Gaby’s sister, Diana tragically passed away in a car accident when she was just 16. The Landeros family decided to donate Diana’s organs to honor her memory and help others in need. Thanks to Diana’s gifts, three people were given a second chance at life. Gaby is dashing to honor the legacy of her sister.

Registration remains open for individuals through Thursday, July 18, with race day registration beginning at 7 a.m. The 5K run/walk starts at 8 a.m., followed by a special Diaper Dash for children 3-years-old and under at 9:15 a.m. Post-race activities include an expo area featuring donation education resources, exhibitor booths, and a children's play area.

Detailed event information, registration, and volunteer opportunities are available on the Donor Dash event page. Coloradans interested in registering as organ, eye and tissue donors can visit DonorAlliance.org to learn more.

About Donor Alliance

Donor Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and healing lives through organ and tissue donation for transplantation in Colorado and most of Wyoming. As a federally designated organ procurement organization – one of 55 in the U.S. – Donor Alliance serves more than 6.3 million residents and more than 100 hospitals. Donor Alliance walks alongside the family during the organ recovery process and ensures their loved one’s gifts are safely received at transplant centers in a timely manner. Donor Alliance also facilitates tissue donation to save and heal more lives across our community.

In addition, the organization maintains partnerships with hospitals and manages the Donate Life Colorado and Donate Life Wyoming registries, which are symbols of the cause. Through Donate Life, Donor Alliance educates residents on the lifesaving benefits of donation, inspiring them to register. For more information, please visit DonorAlliance.org.

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"The Donor Dash encapsulates the heart of our mission – bringing our community together to recognize the incredible, life-saving impact of donation and transplantation," said Jennifer Prinz, president and CEO of Donor Alliance.