Organ donor rides for life Bicycle trek to Michigan promotes awareness, raises funds for cause

The Argus Leader

Photo: Tony Kampmann, who donated a kidney to his wife in 2008, is riding his bicycle from Elkton to Grand Rapids, Mich., to compete in the Transplant Games this summer. / Elisha Page / Argus Leader

Tony Kampmann will be traveling a little lighter than usual when he rides his bicycle all the way to Grand Rapids, Mich., this summer.

It’s not the cargo limitations of a mountain bike, however, that have the Elkton man feeling light of foot.

Kampmann helped save a life four years ago when he donated one of his kidneys to his wife and mother of his two children. Now, he’s using his love of cycling to spread the word about the life-saving power of becoming an organ donor.

On July 12, Kampmann will embark on an 883 mile trek to Michigan for the Transplant Games, a multisport festival event for athletes who have had transplant surgeries and living donors.

“I’ve ridden in other charity rides, but I always thought about doing my own,” he said. “I learned about the Transplant Games two years ago and decided to do it.”Along with a goal to raise $1,500 for Donate Life South Dakota by the time the Transplant Games start July 28, Kampmann hopes to dispel misconceptions people might have about being an organ donor and encourage more people to sign up the next time they renew their drivers license.
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