The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) awarded Bill and Leslie Carruth the 2024 Lisa Schaffner Community Advocate Award for their exceptional work promoting organ donation awareness and fundraising for community programs. The Carruths began their advocacy after losing their daughter Alexandra (Allie) in 2017 and deciding to donate her organs, transforming their personal tragedy into a community mission.
Less than a year after their loss, the couple established the Allie Cat Run & Festival in Meridian, Mississippi, which has become an annual community event. This initiative has raised more than $500,000 for community programs and contributed to a 7% growth in the local donor registry, creating potential life-saving opportunities for those needing organ transplants. UNOS CEO Maureen McBride, Ph.D., stated that the Carruths embody what Lisa Schaffner stood for and have courageously turned the unimaginable into something deeply meaningful, ensuring Allie's memory helps save more lives.
The Lisa Schaffner Community Advocate Award, formerly known as the National Donor Memorial Award for Excellence, was renamed in 2021 to honor Lisa Schaffner, a former UNOS employee and passionate advocate for organ donation and transplantation. The award recognizes individuals demonstrating exceptional commitment to promoting organ donation. The Carruths received their award during the 2024 Tree of Life ceremony on December 16, an annual tribute to organ donors and recipients. More information about the ceremony is available at https://unos.org/treeoflife.
This recognition highlights the crucial role community advocates play in addressing the ongoing need for organ donors, as demand continues to outpace supply. The Carruths' work helps dispel myths and misconceptions about organ donation, potentially encouraging more individuals to consider becoming donors. Their impact extends beyond their local community, contributing to broader national conversations about organ donation importance. Their experience demonstrates how personal tragedy can be channeled into societal good, inspiring others to take action. Additional details about their story can be found at https://unos.org/allie-carruth.
The Carruths' advocacy serves as a powerful reminder of organ donation's transformative potential, honoring their daughter's memory while providing hope to families facing similar circumstances. By creating the Allie Cat Run & Festival, they have established a lasting legacy that continues to save lives and inspire community engagement in organ donation initiatives across the nation.
