LONGWOOD, Fla. — The GR8 to DON8 race wrapped up its 15th year, raising more than $130,000 for organ donors and their families.

What You Need To Know

  •  April is National Donate Life Month

  •  Roughly 900 runners ran this year's GR8 to DON8 5k and 8k races in Longwood

  •  The race benefits OurLegacy, an organization focused on raising awareness for organ donors and recipients

Runners signed up for either a 5k or 8k race benefiting OurLegacy. The federally-designated organ procurement organization helps families in 10 Central Florida counties.

Tammy Lee ran the race in honor of her son Dylan, who went into cardiac arrest and died in 2021. She says her son saved three lives by donating his kidney and liver.

“I have learned a lot about donations since we’ve been on this road three years and there’s a lot of myths out there people don’t understand,” said Lee.

Lee says she has found support through other mothers who lost their children.

Laura Dawkins started the Brookestrong Foundation after her daughter, Brooke, was killed in 2014. Dawkins says her daughter’s organs gave life to four people and sight to two others.

“It’s emotional. There’s the sadness, but then there’s also the silver lining in all of this,” said Dawkins.

The GR8 to DON8 race in Longwood celebrates not just organ donors, but also recipients who are grateful to have a chance at life. Organizers say roughly 900 runners signed up this year.

“I’m so grateful. I’ve had an extra 12 and a half years so far, lot more to come,” said Rachel Humphrey, who received a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2012.

April is National Donate Life Month. OurLegacy organizers say 17 people die each day waiting for an organ. More than 5,000 Floridians are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant.

Organizers say the donation tab will remain open after the race. Click here for the link.