Neil Clark throws out the first pitch as Lori Clark observes.
A family photo from left to right includes Ian Clark, sister Natalie, mother Lori, and father Neil.
Dragons game was a 'home run' for organ donations Life Connection of Ohio's life-saving mission took over Fifth/Third Field on Saturday, June 10, for Donate Life Ohio Night at the Dayton Dragons game.
Life Connection of Ohio, the organ procurement organization in Dayton, had staff and volunteers on hand at Thursday's game to give people an opportunity to sign up to be organ, eye and tissue donors at their informational table on the plaza at Fifth Third Field. Fans also registered online inside the Donate Life Mobile Education Vehicle, the newest addition to Life Connection of Ohio's public education outreach. This unique educational experience provided interactive multimedia learning and shared stories of real Ohioans featured in Ohio's Green Chair Campaign.
The first pitch was thrown by Lori and Neil Clark, of Huber Heights, whose son Ian Wesley Clark shared the gift of life as an organ donor following his death in 2002 at age 19. Ian saved five lives through organ donation, healed 48 lives through tissue donation and restored sight to two individuals who received his corneas.
The National Anthem was performed by Natalie Cummerow, of Oregon, Ohio. She received a life-saving heart transplant 16 years ago, and has made the most of her second chance at life.
Currently, there are more than 108,000 people on the National Transplant Waiting List. More than 3,000 of those waiting are Ohioans. The organ shortage continues to grow at a staggering rate, as another person is added to the waiting list every 11 minutes. Sadly, 18 people die each day before they are able to receive their second chance at life. Thousands more people need donated tissues to cure blindness, heal burns, or repair bone, muscle or tendon injuries. The good news: One donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of up to 50 people.
For more information about organ and tissue donation, contact Life Connection of Ohio at 937-223-8223. To register as an organ and tissue donor, visit www.DonateLifeOhio.org.
