1997 DEDICATION TO DELANEY CORBITT

The 1997 Relay is dedicated to Delaney Corbett, a precious 2-year-old who has been waiting for a kidney transplant since birth. Delaney is one of more than 50,000 people in the US, including 2,000 children, waiting for organ transplants.

Just before birth, a blood clot formed adjacent to one of Delaney's kidneys causing permanent damage. Just after birth, the blood clot increased in size damaging her second kidney. Now Delaney faces each day with only one kidney functioning at 10% of normal. She has had dialysis once, a process involving circulating her blood through a machine which filters waste products her kidneys can no longer remove.

Although she tires easily, Delaney goes about her daily activities with a glowing smile. The build up of waste products in her blood causes her to be lethargic at times with nausea and vomiting. Delaney's parents are prepared to begin dialysis again if necessary.

Mike Corbitt, Delaney's father, sold his company in southern California and moved his family to the Bay Area to seek medical care. Although many have never run a race before, Delaney's family and friends will run 197 miles from Napa to Santa Cruz as "Team Delaney."

Please join The Relay in partnership with the California Coalition on Organ Donation promoting awareness about the importance of organ donation. Delaney's small size presents special challenges in finding an appropriate donor. Please think about becoming a donor and communicate your wishes to your family.

"Whoever saves a single soul, it is as if he saved an entire world."