THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 17, 1996 TAG: 9608170008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 38 lines
On July 29, Carl Lewis stepped onto the long-jump runway one last time, earning his ninth gold medal and securing his place in history as the most-decorated American track-and-field star of all time. His endurance and success can be described as no less than heroic.
That description also applies to his work off the track. Despite the demands of training and athletic stardom, Lewis' efforts to promote organ and tissue donation have made him a champion to more than 46,000 Americans - and 900 Georgians - who are awaiting life-saving organ transplants.
Since 1990, Lewis has been more to our cause than merely a spokesperson. He co-founded the Wendy Marx Foundation for Organ Donor Awareness. He served as co-chair of the U.S. Transplant Games. He formed the U.S. Sports Council on Organ Donation. His donor-awareness programs, public-service announcements and videos have touched millions of Americans.
And in Georgia alone, nearly 500,000 donor cards featuring Lewis are being distributed to hundreds of locations, including grocery stores, department stores, retail and restaurants. The card features a personal message from Lewis, his photo and signature, as well as an organ-and-tissue-donor pledge card on the back.
In short, no athlete or celebrity has done more for organ donation and transplantation than Carl Lewis. While he may have achieved much-deserved hero status on the track at the Olympics, he's been a hero in our eyes for years.
For a Carl Lewis donor card and more information on organ and tissue donation, call 1-800-477-MICK or The Georgia Coalition on Donation at 404-266-8884.
LISA TUNNELL, chairman
The Georgia Coalition on Donation
Atlanta, Aug. 6, 1996
Editor's note: Lisa Tunnell received a life-saving kidney transplant in 1986. by CNB