From left, 2nd Chance Trail Ride’s Fae Irvine and Multiple Organ Recipient Patty Crawford at the Vermilion Super 8 on March 14. Photo Angela Mouly
Second Chance Trail Ride received their first recipient signature in their ‘150 in 150’ book showing that organ and tissue donation works at the Vermilion Super 8 on March 14.
Kidney and pancreas recipient, Patty Crawford, signed the book as the organization is attempting to gather 150 organ and tissue recipient names before Canada’s 150th Birthday on July 1.
Upon completion, the commemorative book will likely be displayed in one of the medical offices in Edmonton that recipients visit. Aside from a significant awareness outreach, the signatures gathered will create a very necessary support network.
The 2nd Chance Trail Ride Committee is currently working on obtaining more subsidized apartments in the St. Joseph’s University Dorms.
“Apartments are a big deal; allowing patients not to have to walk on icy roads after surgery or attend physiotherapy. Many times during physiotherapy, patients bond for life in that room,” said Recipient, Patty Crawford.
Crawford has spent the past three years in and out of the hospital on the waiting list for medical appointments and surgeries; including stays at the apartments while on dialysis, and as a kidney and pancreas recipient. She recommended talking to your family about what they want regarding organ donation.
“You have resigned yourself to die and accept that you are going to,” said Crawford about the challenges she faced in the earlier part of her journey to recovery.
Crawford is now thrilled with the opportunity to volunteer for 2nd Chance Trail Ride who had supported her during her transplants.
“You think of your donor at every special moment,” said Crawford who was recently elated to be able to watch her nephew play hockey for the first time.
The 2017 2nd Chance Trail Ride will begin on May 13, at 11 a.m. in Lindbergh, followed by a catered meal, a live and silent auction, and a dance in Elk Point. The trail ride is open to everyone with participant tickets costing $30, and evening tickets costing $25. For those looking to donate to the live and silent auctions, you can contact Lindon Nelson (780-614-1773) in Vermilion, Ellen Sewart (780-724-2273) in Minburn, or Patty Crawford (780-646-3778) in Elk Point.
Anyone wanting to obtain more information on the trail ride or the recipient book can contact Fae Irvine at 780-724-4027 or search ‘2nd Chance Trail Ride’ on Facebook. The ‘150 in 150’ book will be available to sign at the 2nd Chance Trail Ride on May 13, as well as at the Ponoka Stampede June 27 - July 1.
“Each year, the trail ride grew and grew. Last year we saw 318 riders and outgrew our facilities, so we are moving to Elk Point this year.
We couldn’t put any of these events on without the community. I would like to thank Vermilion Super 8 Assistant Manager, Sandy Mackay for letting us host the signage campaign event here,” said Committee Member Fae Irvine.”