Event honors donors, transplant recipients, and those still waiting for the gift of life

Donor Alliance, the federally designated organ procurement organization serving Colorado and Wyoming, is proud to announce the 27^th annual Donor Dash 5K. The event will take place at Denver's Washington Park on Sunday, July 19, 2026, beginning at 8 a.m. The Donor Dash continues to be one of the region's most heartfelt community gatherings, bringing together thousands of runners, walkers, families, and advocates to reflect on the profound impact of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

"At Donor Alliance, we witness every day how one person's decision can save and heal countless lives. The Donor Dash brings our community together to honor those remarkable heroes, remember loved ones, and celebrate the extraordinary impact of donation. It is a moving reminder that compassion has the power to live on for generations," said Jennifer Prinz, president and CEO of Donor Alliance. “We invite Coloradans and Dashers from across the country to join us, whether you are a donor family, a recipient, someone waiting, or someone who believes in the power of spreading hope to others."

This year’s event includes several ways to participate and represent who you are dashing for, including:

• Dashboard Videoboard tributes displaying photos and personal messages from the community near the main stage and start line. These tributes will run throughout race morning, honoring, celebrating, and recognizing the stories and inspiration that define the Donor Dash community
• Honorary signage recognizing donors, living donors, recipients, and those awaiting transplants
• Event program and ribbon ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m., featuring community stories and colorful ribbons representing every connection to the donation journey

Among those attending will be liver recipient Jenna McKinlay. After years of being sick, Jenna received a life-saving liver transplant in August 2024 while still in her 30s. Today, she's grateful for the chance to watch her three sons grow up. While she was recovering, she inspired her own brother to register as a donor. When he passed away unexpectedly, his decision came full circle, as he went on to save multiple lives himself.

The event's flag bearers will also represent the many sides of the donation and transplantation journey:

• Scott Pinkney, Donor Family Member/Liver Recipient: At 49, Scott received a life-saving liver transplant after decades of undiagnosed Hepatitis C. This past December, he also became a donor family member when his loved one passed away and gave the gift of tissue donation.
• Hilda Chavez, Kidney Recipient: Hilda received a life-saving kidney transplant in 2017 after her kidneys failed. Following her experience, she recognized a significant gap in information about kidney disease and organ donation within the Latino community. She founded Guerreras Latinas to educate and support patients navigating similar journeys.
• Ellie Paulson, Living Donor: Inspired by an NPR article, Ellie became a non-directed living kidney donor, giving her kidney to a stranger in his 30s. She calls it the best day of her life.
• Savanna LeDoux, Supporter: Savanna is a passionate advocate for organ donation and a dedicated volunteer with Donor Alliance, working to advance the mission of saving and healing lives across Colorado.
• Steve Rico, Transplant Candidate: For the past two years, Steve has remained on the transplant list, waiting for the call that a kidney is available. Like so many candidates, his story is one of patience, hope, and the life-changing difference a donor can make.

Registration is open through July 16, with race-day registration available from 7 a.m. A Diaper Dash for children 3 and under follows the main event and begins at 9:15 a.m. The post-race expo features educational resources, exhibitor booths, and a children's activity area.

To register for the event or volunteer, visit the Donor Dash event page. To register as an organ, eye, and tissue donor or learn more, visit DonorAlliance.org.

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.

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The Donor Dash brings our community together to honor those remarkable heroes, remember loved ones, and celebrate the extraordinary impact of donation.