1999 DEDICATION TO PAUL MCVETTY

Through Organs 'R' Us, The Relay promotes awareness about the critical shortage of organ donors. The transfer of the baton from runner to runner symbolizes the transfer of an organ from donor to recipient. The 1997 and 1998 Relays were dedicated to three-year-old Delaney Corbitt who waited since birth for a kidney transplant. We dedicate the 1999 Relay to our friend and Organs 'R' Us founding member, Paul McVetty, who has waited for a liver transplant for almost three years. Paul has endurance training that many athletes do not understand because he trains daily to face a life threatening illness.

PAUL'S STORY
After developing extreme lethargy in 1992, Paul was diagnosed with Hepatitis C, which infects more that five million Americans. Over the next four years, the virus destroyed Paul's liver. Since the virus can incubate for 25 years, it is likely that Paul became infected while using intravenous drugs as a teenager. In addition to being drug free for over 20 years, Paul has worked with others struggling to lead healthy lives as a counselor for teenagers in drug rehabilitation programs and supporting AIDS patients through the Shanti Project.

Although he can no longer run, Paul promotes awareness about the shortage of donated organs as a dedicated Organs 'R' Us volunteer. "I want to give now to the community so that I feel good about receiving when someone donates their liver to me," Paul explains with a glowing smile. Paul and his loving wife Minda, are in the process of adopting their first child and Minda is being evaluated to donate part of her liver to Paul.

DELANEY'S STORY
After her kidneys were damaged by blood clots before birth, Delaney's body ran a marathon daily just to survive. Miraculously, on August 29, 1997, Delaney received a gift of life from seven-year-old Alexandria who was struck by a car while riding her bicycle. Knowing that Alexandria's organs would save other children, the Cotti family brought life from tragedy through donation. On September 20, 1997, while runners crossed The Relay finish line, President Clinton signed a Relay shirt for Delaney at Stanford Hospital.

ORGANS 'R' US
In 1997, 1998 and 1999, Captain Kelly Olmo (age twelve, liver recipient) led the Channel 5 Organs 'R' Us Kiddie Pede to victory in the Bay to Breakers. Centipede members Paul, Delaney, Samantha Blair (age seven, liver recipient) and others represent 60,000 people (including 2,000 children) in the US waiting for transplants. Sadly, of those waiting, half will die before an organ becomes available.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
Since half of the commitments to donate organs were rescinded by family members after a potential donor's untimely passing, increased awareness, education and family discussions are necessary to solve this medical crisis. Join Organs 'R' Us sponsors Providian Financial, Channel 5, SangStat, Anomaly Design, ColorTone Digital and Nordstrom in promoting organ donation. During the race, cheer for Team Organs 'R' Us/SangStat Grafters and offer support to Paul, Delaney, Kelly, Samantha, the Cotti family, Nancy Fox (heart lung recipient) and others. Paul is quick to offer kind words and a big hug. Talking with Paul will change your life. Please save a life by considering donation and communicating your wishes to your family.