Several weeks ago, The Honker featured a local ride sponsored by the T4T organization – Trails for Transplants. Since then, we have visited with the originator of the organization, Roger Hille of Mandan, North Dakota.
Roger and his wife Julie have three children and five grandchildren, two living in North Dakota and one in Colorado. Their sonin- law has had two liver transplants – “without that gift of life”, says Roger, “we would not have the grandchildren we have.”
He served as the Northwest District Bridge Engineer for the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a number of years. Since retiring from the Minnesota Department of transportation, they moved to Mandan, North Dakota where they built a home on land they purchased years ago. He continues to do Bridge Engineering in North Dakota.
The T4T idea was born after a discussion between Roger and Ashley Peterson of Warren, MN. Her brother had passed away in a traffic accident and her family became close friends with her brother’s heart recipient. Roger’s personal incentive was his son-in-law that had two liver transplants. “We were both horse enthusiasts,” said Roger, “and decided to ride from Warren to my land near Mandan (314 miles) raising awareness for the need of organ donors.” Their goal was to raise $3,000 to assist organ recipients in need of financial assistance. So these co-founders of Trails4Transplants had created an organization that took on a life of its own with hundreds of people involved or donated.
“We are proud of the successes built by Trails4Transplants,” said Roger. The organization is 100% volunteer, so all donations go to worthy causes without deducting any administrative charges.”
They have funded renovations to the Gift of Life House in Rochester, MN, a facility where organ donors and recipients stay at a reduced cost, and they have given a number of individual grants to organ transplant recipients. “The fellowship of the members and participants is inspiring as we have travelled and continue to travel across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana,” said Roger. “The donors and donations continue to motivate our group to continue our outreach.”
The T4T is hoping to expand their outreach to other states as well. “One of the most important pieces of information we have learned,” Roger said, “is that in addition to checking the box to be a donor on one’s driver’s license, it is important and imperative that family members know your intent to donate and give the gift of life to others.”
When asked what things the group enjoys the most on their rides, Roger said “stopping by nursing homes and assisted living centers on their horses and singing old songs and enjoying the residents’ smiles.”
And of course, being very grateful for donors helping in their outreach efforts.
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What T4T has achieved so far…
•2575 miles total traveled through 4 different states – ND, SD, MT, MN
•125 days in the saddle
•355 total riders from 12 different states- ND, SD, MN, KS, ID, WA, CO, FL, SC, LA, MT, IA •60 volunteers from 8 states- ND, MN, SD, MT, FL, CO, KS, LA
•51577 horseback miles logged
•115 cities and towns
•3K Facebook followers
•$368,000 raised to spread awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation, honor donors, and support organ recipients T4T Membership Trails4Transplants is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated and registered in the State of Minnesota. The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable or educational purposes, and is governed by a Board of Directors.
The mission statement and purpose is “to alleviate major health issues by raising awareness for the need of organ, eye, and tissue donations and to promote donor registration for said donations and to perform such other duties and obligations as may be deemed necessary for the public good and in compliance with the by-laws of the corporation.”
The bylaws of the corporation require a standing membership list complete with contact information.
All members interested in the objectives for which the corporation has been formed shall be eligible for membership subject to the following requirements: A) Complete a membership application B) Be 18 years of age or older C) Be in agreement with the purposes of the corporation There is no personal liability of members for corporate obligations.
T4T Ride Testimonies
“I laughed so hard for so many days during the ride that I couldn’t tell what hurt worse…..my stomach muscles from the laughter or the blisters on my butt.” —Jim Johnston, T4T Volunteer “Through their (recipient and donor family) stories, I know God’s presence was with us, touching our hearts tremendously. I know my eyes have been open to the importance of being a donor. This (T4T) experience has left and imprint on my heart forever. I will also be mindful of those in such need through my prayers. The most amazing part of this entire journey has been witnessing such a gathering of people for such an awesome cause—-a gift of life.”
—Julie Kilgore, T4T Rider
“I was okay with donating my organs and tissues after I pass, but there was something about donating your eyes that sorta creeped me out. That all changed when we went through a town and a lady stood on the side of the road gesturing for me to come over to her. She said she had a cornea transplant and now she could see because of a generous donor. I get it now. I’ve changed my mind” —Anonymous Rider “Damp and cold? It doesn’t matter. We ride forward for the cause. Conversation among the riders is utterly priceless. Singing, telling jokes, a spontaneous unscheduled dismount, and more laughter. I was awestruck by the people’s compassion for life, horses, and friendship” —Sue Helm, T4T Rider “Everyone needs to have T4T on their bucket list. Period.”
—Theresa Newell, T4T Rider
“No ordinary trail ride for sure! Many miles, rodeo queens, news reporters, city mayors, organ recipients, donor families, countless onlookers, police escorts, new friends made, old friends getting closer, elderly coming out of nursing homes to watch, and kids jumping in the streets at the site of numerous riders making a grand entrance into town. What a cause to ride for!” —-George Johnson, T4T Rider and Donor Dad
“My life has been spared because someone chose to be a donor. Participating in Trails4Transplants is one way to honor my donor and help countless others who are still waiting for a life-saving transplant”
—David Hanson, T4T Rider, Volunteer, & Grateful Liver Recipient T4T Membership Trails4Transplants is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated and registered in the State of Minnesota. The corporation is organized exclusively for charitable or educational purposes, and is governed by a Board of Directors. The mission statement and purpose is “to alleviate major health issues by raising awareness for the need of organ, eye, and tissue donations and to promote donor registration for said donations and to perform such other duties and obligations as may be deemed necessary for the public good and in compliance with the by-laws of the corporation.” The bylaws of the corporation require a standing membership list complete with contact information. All members interested in the objectives for which the corporation has been formed shall be eligible for membership subject to the following requirements: A) Complete a membership application B) Be 18 years of age or older C) Be in agreement with the purposes of the corporation Visit T4T online at https://trails4transplants.org/ for more information.
