2nd Chance Trail Ride sheds light on importance of organ transplants/donation

The rigours of an organ transplant is something that many wish they would never have to go through. But it’s a fact of life, one that the 2nd Chance Trail Ride Society has been trying to help with for a dozen years.

This Saturday is their annual ride and dinner event at the Allied Arts and Leisure Centre in Elk Point.

Morris Irvine received a double-lung transplant in March 2011 after a bout with COPD that forced him on oxygen for three years.

Shortly after that, the 2nd Chance Trail Ride Society was born, in hopes to help others get back in the saddle.

“It’s for all transplants whether it’s liver or a kidney. Whatever transplant you desire, we help people out with $1,000 or what have you,” said Irvine.

“We got six apartments in Edmonton with Goodhearts that we subsidize. When you have a lung transplant or liver transplant, it’s three months you’re in Edmonton, so you know what the costs can be.” 

On Saturday morning, riders will meet in Lindbergh for a ride at 11:00am and march along Iron Horse Trail to Elk Point. A parade is scheduled in town at 3:30pm.

That evening the dinner and dance, plus live and silent auctions will commence. Margaret Lidstone, a transplant coordinator from the University of Alberta, will be on hand to speak.

Annually, the 2nd Chance Trail Ride Society raises about $70,000 a year, much of which is generated through this fundraiser.

Over the years, they have helped support locals and western Canadians from as far as British Columbia and Manitoba get assistance, 40 plus a year.

Canadian statistics show there are over 4,300 people currently waiting for an organ transplant and a donor list that is very small.

The need, the feds say, is critical.

“Talk to your family. Become an organ donor and talk to your family first, make sure that they know what you want to do,” said Irvine, as information on how to go through the process is on the society’s website. 

Tickets are still available and can be found at Ranchman’s in Bonnyville, Elk Point Realty, St. Paul Floral Enchantment, or online through Cathy Ockerman.