Running to Remember

It's been 10 years this week since Jim's young cousin Ben was killed in a car accident. Although the 23-year-old's life was taken, others were saved because of it.

This evening, nearly 100 people ran to remember Ben, including John, the man who received some of Ben's organs donated after the crash. This is the second year Jim and I have joined Team Koppa (Running to Remember Ben) in the Capital City 5k for the National Kidney Foundation and Organ Donation.

We don't do it just because we have the Orange Dot on our driver's licenses. We do it to support family.

As Ben's mother, Jim's cousin Kathy, shared recently, "It is hard to believe we are coming upon the 10-year anniversary in the loss of such a wonderful and loving son. Ben touched the lives of so many in such a positive way. We still remember and talk about him in our daily lives. He gave the greatest gift – of a better life for others with the donation of his organs. Everyone should be signed up to be an organ donor."

Kathy, husband Jeff and daughter Jennifer had a goal of having the largest team at this year's event, to have amazing support network of friends and family in matching red t-shirts. Did they accomplish that? Stay tuned.

One of the cool features of this event is that although we meet at the Alliant Energy Center, we are shuttled downtown to a start by the capitol building. Pretty cool with 1,200 participants this year!

Also on hand is Dottie, the orange dot mascot, who is pictured here with Ben's mom Kathy.

 Before the starting gun, we also get team photos (plus our own selfies).

Jim was walking it today but I was running it again with his cousin Nancy. We paced each other last year and did OK.

You know today was slower if we could stop to take selfies along the route, which is beautiful along Lake Monona.

Despite some walking during our run. and temperatures at least 10 degrees cooler than last year, we were a hot sweaty mess when it was done. But we survived it!

Jim made very good time walking it.

And last but not least were Ben's dad Jeff (front left), his Grandpa Lyle (Jim's uncle) in the middle, and Ben's donor recipient (far right). What a cool show of support!

When we got back to the finish at Goodwin Park, there was a display of special messages on some orange flags.

No. 22 was Ben's sports number and, therefore, the number on the back of our team's shirts.

Speaking of Team Koppa...

Yes, we did get the largest group participation award, 94 members! Here are Ben's parents, sister Jennifer and her husband. Very impressive. I hope we continue the momentum into next year.

And maybe by next year, both Nancy and I will be on the same page with running skills so we can run the whole thing!

#capitalcity5k #bebraveandsave