Izzie's Dash for Organ Donation

The second annual Izzie's Dash for Organ Donation, in honor of former Seven Field's resident Isabelle Christenson, will begin at 9:30am (registration at 8:30am) on Saturday, June 4th at North Boundary Park,  in Cranberry Township, rain or shine.  Besides the walk, the family oriented festival will include kid’s activities and games, a magician, balloon artist, face painting, music and food .  There will be a silent auction and Chinese auction with many gift baskets and great prizes, including a signed Steeler football, hotel stays, golf packages, and many gift certificates for spa treatments, yoga classes, restaurants, and much more.  Families or individuals that choose not to walk can show up at any point until noon to enjoy the activities and entertainment for free.

Isabelle was a spunky, smart, feisty, caring, and thoughtful child. She loved Tinkerbell and the movie Annie.  She approached each day with a positive attitude and displayed a never-give-up spirit that naturally drew people to her.  During her short life Isabelle required two transplants.  In 2004, when she was only 6 years old she received a stomach, liver, small bowel, duodenum and pancreas.  In 2006, she had a kidney transplant.  Her transplants were her "Gift of Life" and even at such a young age, she was a strong advocate for the importance of organ donation because Izzie was always looking out for others.  Unfortunately, Izzie passed away at the age of 10 on August 13, 2008.

The proceeds will benefit Izzie’s Gifts of Hope Foundation which was created in honor of Isabelle Christenson, under the Community Foundation of Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio.  The purpose of Isabelle's foundation is to enrich the lives of of children and families with chronic illnesses by providing children and their families fun filled activities and outings that create normalcy and laughter during stressful times.  In addition, Izzie's Gifts of Hope Foundation will be providing scholarships to students whose lives have been impacted by either organ donation or transplantation.

Visit www.izziesgifts.org to register on-line or to make a donation.  Phone (724)591-6009 or email izziesgifts@gmail.com with questions or to become a sponsor.