Long Hill transplant recipient and donor advocate sets sights on 2013 NYC marathon

Echoes- Sentinel
LONG HILL TWP. â€" When Hurricane Sandy hit New Jersey Monday night, Oct. 29, its ensuing destruction led to the cancellation of the New York City Marathon, and postponed the goal of liver transplant recipient David Bird of Long Hill Road to run in the marathon.

He said he totally understands, and that he has set a new goal of running in next year’s marathon.

In the mean time, he will continue his effort to encourage everyone to sign up to be an organ donor.

“It is disappointing that the marathon was cancelled, but it was clearly the right decision.,” he said. “The focus needs to be on getting help for the many needy people in the area.

“I'm very thankful to all the people who contributed to my fundraising effort to help the New York Organ Donor Network raise awareness of the need for more registered organ donors.

“I'm thankful for the opportunity to have trained these months for the race, setting personal milestones. I never thought I would ever run a half marathon, let alone be ready and confident to take on the big race on the world's greatest stage. With the 2012 race scrubbed, I'll mark my ninth year of life after my liver transplant by running the New York Marathon in 2013.”

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