5K to benefit transplant patients prepares for 20th year

SPRINGFIELD Ill. (WAND) — The Alan G. Birtch, MD, Transplant Services at Memorial 5K Run/Walk will take place Sept. 19 at Southwind Park in Springfield, according to a release from Memorial Health.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the run/walk starts at 9 a.m. at Hope Pavilion.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Transplant 5K. Proceeds benefit Springfield Memorial Foundation's transplant funds, which help with lodging, prescriptions, education and program development for organ transplant patients.

“This popular annual event continues to show the incredible power of community support in helping our transplant patients and families during their most challenging times,” said Valerie Krohe, RN, nurse manager, Acute Dialysis, Apheresis and Transplant Care.

Registration is available by clicking here. Sign up in encouraged by Sept. 4 to be guaranteed an anniversary T-shirt. Participants can also register the day of the event starting at 8 a.m.

The transplant team manages care for about 350 post-transplant patients through a partnership involving Springfield Memorial Hospital, SIU School of Medicine and Springfield Clinic. Since its first transplant in 1973, the program has completed more than 1,175 procedures.