15th Annual Donor Network West Foundation Run/Walk will honor organ donors and inspire hope for those still waiting

Community members are invited to stride for hope in San Ramon, California, to raise funds needed to enhance services for organ donor families and transplant recipients.

SAN RAMON, Calif., Sept. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 700 participants are expected to make strides in support of patients and families impacted by organ donation at the 15th Annual Donor Network West Foundation Run/Walk. Organ donor families, transplant recipients, living donors, hospital partners and supporters will complete a 5-kilometer route starting at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 13 at Bishop Ranch located at 2700 Camino Ramon in San Ramon, California. Community members and families are invited to create teams or join as individual participants by registering online at DonorNetworkWest.org/5k-run-walk.

Each step taken during the 2025 Run/Walk contributes to enhancing resources for donor families, transplant recipients, research and education initiatives. This year's event will honor and celebrate the legacies of several organ donors, including Tyree Jackson, a Santa Clara, California resident who had a passion for teaching children at his local gymnastics gym. After losing his father and stepfather, Tyree was spurred to action to join the organ donor registry. In 2022, Tyree died in a pedestrian accident at age 22.

Through organ donation, he saved the lives of four individuals, including Isabelle Estrada, a 16-year-old who has been given a second chance at life after receiving Tyree's heart. For the first time, Summer Eyo, Tyree's mother, will meet Isabelle and her mother, Heather Harr during a private meeting Friday, Sept. 12. Summer, Heather, Isabelle and her sisters will walk together at the Run/Walk event in honor of Tyree's memory and legacy of generosity.

"I have so much pride and admiration for Tyree," Summer said. "He was a giver. It's just who he was."

Presented by Blue Skies Transplant, the Run/Walk will feature 36 teams, 20 business sponsors, and special entertainment from DJ D Sharp, the official DJ of the Golden State Warriors. Donor Network West President and CEO Janice Whaley, PhD., and former San Francisco 49er and Donor Network West Foundation Executive Director William "Bubba" Paris will address participants, highlighting the importance of supporting donor families and transplant recipients through community-driven events like this one.

"The Run/Walk continues a community-driven tradition that brings people together to recognize the impact of organ, eye and tissue donation," said Whaley. "It inspires hope for those who are waiting for a transplant, while honoring those who gave the ultimate gift of life. Our community, hospital partners and passionate employees and ambassadors bring this event to life each year, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow to meet the needs of those we serve."

Through events like this, the Donor Network West Foundation bolsters healing and restorative services for those impacted by organ donation. Every step taken at the Run/Walk will be made with purpose––to provide hope for the more than 100,000 people nationwide waiting for a life-saving transplant.

Those interested in learning more about organ donation or in joining the registry can visit DonorNetworkWest.org.

Photo caption: The 15th Annual Donor Network West Foundation Run/Walk contributes to enhancing resources for donor families, transplant recipients, research and education initiatives. This year's event will honor the legacies of several organ donors, including Tyree Jackson, a Santa Clara, California resident who saved the lives of four people through organ donation. Tyree's mother, Summer Eyo, will lead Team #BeLikeTyree at the Run/Walk alongside her son's heart recipient, Isabelle Estrada.

Media note: Please contact Jena Esposito, [email protected], 702-513-0606, to speak with Summer Eyo, Heather Harr, and/or a Donor Network West spokesperson at the event. A 2024 Run/Walk video is available here.

About Donor Network West and the Donor Network West Foundation
Donor Network West saves and heals lives by facilitating organ and tissue recovery for transplantation and research. Established in 1987, Donor Network West is designated and certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB), is a member of the Organ Donation Alliance and is an official Donate Life organization. Donor Network West is federally designated to serve 45 counties in northern California and northern Nevada, Donor Network West partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the state-authorized donor registries to help increase donor registration.

Donor Network West Foundation was created in 2023 to amplify the work of Donor Network West. The Foundation's mission is to support donor families and transplant recipients, to fund clinical innovation and research, and to educate our communities about the power of organ and tissue donation. For more information or to make a contribution, visit DonorNetworkWest.org/Foundation and follow us on social media: @mydnwest.

SOURCE Donor Network West Foundation