Katie Caples was driving home on April 18, 1998 when she was killed, this Ride for Life is all about organ donation education.
The 9th Annual Katie Caples Ride is this Saturday, April 20, 2013. With a variety of options, you have your choice of walking, a fun ride, an 18 mile ride, 36 miles, 62 miles or a 100 miles ride! All of this is done to recognize the Kate Caples Foundation organ donor education program.
Although only 17, Katie Caples touched more people than most do in a lifetime. Her ultimate act of generosity was the decision to become an organ donor. A decision that would save lives – literally.
Katie was driving home on April 18, 1998 from a March of Dimes walk in Jacksonville when she was struck on the driver side of her SUV and killed. She provided the gift of life to five recipients (age 9 to 62) and enhanced the lives of dozens more because of her decision to be an organ donor.
Katie Caples Foundation
The Katie Caples Foundation was formed in 1998 following the death of Katie. The Foundation is committed to organ donor education to increase the number of registered organ donors and eliminate the wait for individuals in need of a transplant.
Katie Ride
The Katie Ride was created in 2005 to raise awareness about organ donation and support the Foundation’s education program. The ride provided an opportunity to create media attention and communicate the impact Katie had as an organ donor. The community embraced the ride and the rest is history.
The fully-supported ride caters to cyclists of all abilities and includes a fun-ride, 18 miles, 36 miles, 62 miles, 100 miles and an off-road option. In 2009, a 5K and 10K walk were added as another option for participants to support the cause. All funds raised through the annual event support the Foundation’s organ donor education program.
Education Program
In 2004, the Katie Caples Foundation selected LifeQuest Organ Recovery Services as its partner to implement an organ donor education program. LifeQuest is the area’s organ procurement organization serving 36 counties in northern Florida. LifeQuest utilizes the nationally acclaimed Decision:Donation program developed by the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to introduce organ donation at the high school level.
The Katie Caples Foundation is a recognized 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation registered in Florida. Tax ID: 59-3580838
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment below or subscribe to the feed to have future articles delivered to your e-mail and get the latest Amelia Island News, business, tourist activities and videos every morning!
You can also choose to follow SearchAmelia on Twitter to get your daily updates!
