DONATE LIFE ORGAN DONATION AWARENESS-NORTH DAKOTA

Grateful Family Travels Country With Message

Juli McDonald

7/26/2010

Between work commutes and taxiing around to family activities, some parents might feel like they live in their cars. But, for the Greiner family, their vehicle did become more like home this year, as they travel the country with an important message. The message they`re spreading is about organ donation. Mike Greiner received the gift of life, but there are still 108,000 people across the country still waiting for life saving organs. Hopping back into the car is business as usual for the Greiner family. This past April, the family sold their house and set off across the country to promote organ donation in all 50 states. The decision came after Mike received life saving organ donations after suffering with kidney problems since he was 11 years old. It`s been an adjustment for the family, but all four members feel strongly about their message. "Eighteen people die a day and that doesn`t have to happen," said 10-year-old Chloe Greiner. "Those 18 people do not have to die." Both Levi and Chloe are home-schooled as they travel. The kids will complete seventh and fifth grades from their minivan and have learned other ways to patiently pass the time. "I have a DS, my sister, so I just use whatever I have," said 12-year-old Levi Greiner. "I feel so fortunate because Mike did receive a kidney and a pancreas. I could be looking at a situation where I`m a single mom right now and my kids don`t have a dad," said Sheri Greiner, Mike`s wife. "It means the world to me that he`s here with us." "Our visit to North Dakota we`ve found some of the most kind, the most patriotic people we`ve met on our journey," said Mike. "This is our 13th state. There`s nothing more American than helping your neighbor." Mike received his organ donations from a 21-year-old girl who passed away. The Greiner`s explain saying thank you to the girl`s family isn`t enough, and this journey is a tribute to that generous girl`s legacy. Tomorrow, July 27, is the day the Greiner`s have challenged North Dakota to register the most people as organ donors. You can learn more and make the choice to register by visiting mystatecares.com.