Raising awareness for organ and tissue donation
July 3, 2007, Toronto – In a move to raise awareness about the need for organ and tissue donation, living liver donor Robert Crawford and his recipient Marilyn Olivo-Crawford are reminding Canadians about their Cross Canada Motorcycle Ride today. Set to begin July 23 in St. John’s, Newfoundland with stops at 19 Canadian cities, the ride is designed to deliver a message to communities not only to sign their organ donor cards but to speak to their families about their wishes.
They also want to raise urgently needed funds to purchase equipment for transplant centers. The target is to collect $100,000 to be distributed to centers across Canada.
“Every 3 days a Canadian dies due to the lack of available organs,” said Robert Crawford. “We want Canadians to know they can make a difference by signing their donor cards and talking to their families about their wishes – it’s important for every Canadian to understand that they can save a life.” In Ontario alone, there are some 1,800 people on the waiting list for a life-saving transplant.
On September 26th, 2005 a Robert donated 67% of his liver to his sister in law Marilyn. The surgery was done at Toronto General Hospital and it was a success.
“I don’t know what I would have done without Robert’s generosity because I know the typical waiting time for a kidney/liver is more than 6 years,” said Marilyn. “I was extremely lucky and now it’s my turn to give back. I want this country to understand that they need to do more than sign their card and put it in their wallet – they need to have the discussion with their loved ones about their wishes. That discussion can save someone’s life.
Robert and Marilyn will be riding two motorcycles across Canada over 4 weeks; covering almost 8,000 Kms. Stops include (St. John’s NL, Sydney & Halifax, NS. Fredericton NB. Quebec City & Montreal QC, Lyndhurst, Toronto, Oakville, Sudbury, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay ON, Brandon MB, Regina SK, Medicine Hat, Calgary AB, Kamloops & Vancouver BC).
The riders will be meeting with mayors and media representatives along the planned route. Rallies and events are also planned to help promote the message.
Both donor & recipient family members are involved and playing key roles in the planning and organization of this ride. The donor’s 9 year old son, Jacob will be riding with Robert & Marilyn.
Special thanks to:
Trillium, Gift of Life Network, Toronto General & Western Hospital Foundation, TD-Canada Trust, Charley Boorman: Long Way Round – Book & DVD, Canadian Motorcycle Champion: John Williams, Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group, Jackman Foundation, Bell Canada, Rotary Clubs of Canada.
Supporters and corporate sponsors are needed to help with this project. All corporate sponsors will have their names included in Media Releases and “Cross Canada Ride” information packets. For more information please contact;
Additional sponsors are still required to help off-set the expenses for this trip. This is a great opportunity for groups or corporations to get valuable national media exposure and help a very worthwhile cause. The name & logo of all the major sponsors will be included in media releases and in the Cross Canada Ride information packets. Event Needs: Air Travel, Shipping People to help organize media and local contacts in all provinces, Food & Lodging, Promotional Items.
Robert E. Crawford 416-353-2106
Carolyn S. Crawford 905-465-2499
Marilyn Olivo-Crawford 613-928-2563
Donations: TD-Canada Trust: “Cross Canada Ride” Acct: 307093, Branch: 2456
Mail cheques, payable to:
“Cross Canada Ride”
2487 Wyatt Street
Oakville, ON L6L 2M7
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Sign Your Donor Card & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
4 comments:
This is amazing! Congratulations guys! I can just imagine how busy you've been sinece March getting ready. I have a 10yer old daughter who I know would LOVE to have an opportunity like this!! We'd love to do something for you here when you get to Toronto. I'm the recipient of a live-liver transplant, 7mths ago! Pat, my donor is setting up the Life A Year charity that Merv has on his site too. How can I contact you to see what we can help with. My email address is: allison.cassidy@sympatico.ca.
Thanks again to Merv for all he gets done!!!!! I wouldn't have know about this if it wasn't for him.
More later.
Donating a portion of your liver to a person who desperately needs a liver transplant is one of the single most unselfish acts a person can make. Because the surgery isn't being performed under emergency and/or extreme conditions, the success rate of transplants from living donors is high.
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