He rode for love... and to prove to the world he can do what once seemed impossible!

By Amanda Barnum
Collegiate Volunteer
Theta Alpha - Northern Michigan University

I just met an AMAZING couple in the hallway: Sean and Virginia O'Rourke! About a year ago, he received a kidney from his wife, and he tried to figure out how he could spread the word about organ donation to give something back to Virginia.

Thinking back to a cycling trip they took together in 2000 from Seattle to Boston, Sean decided to complete a ride from the state of Washington (starting June 13) to Madison, Wisc., (arriving Thursday, July 29 at 11 p.m., completing a "century ride" of more than 1000 miles). All of this to compete in the Transplant Games!

He competed today in both the 5K and 20K cycling race (and, as a side note, he has a ton of interesting stories from his cross-country ride)! He also competed in the 5K run and 100-meter swim for the virtual triathlon.

I had to share this wonderful couple's story - because it says so much about love and the power of organ donation and transplantation to transform lives. Turns out, they've received a lot of press on his journey to the Games! To learn more, check out these websites:

• CycleforOrganDonation.com
• KRTV Interview