It’s been nearly four years, but organizers were excited to announce that the Moose Jaw Transplant Trot will be returning to an in-person event this year. 

The Transplant Trot started in Moose Jaw in 2015. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was put on pause especially for an event that could attract people who are immunocompromised. 

“We were just been waiting for the time to be able to bring it back and I know I've already had several people talk to me who are very excited that it's finally back and that we can all gather up again,” said organizer and double-lung transplant recipient Kevyn Gadd. 

Gadd’s journey started at a young age, but in 2013 those condition began to get worse. He and his family met with doctors in Edmonton and it was decided that he needed a double-lung transplant. 

At the end of 2013, Gadd did a six-week prep program to learn about transplants and get his strength up for the procedure and recovery. He came home in February of 2014 and 14 days after returning home he received the call that they had a donor and he could have his transplant. 

He went up to Edmonton for the transplant and that’s when he and his mom first learned about the Transplant Trot. They attended the Transplant Trot in Edmonton and decided to bring the concept to Moose Jaw. 

All of the funds raised from the event go towards the Canadian Transplant Association and raising awareness for organ and tissue donations. 

“Unless you're involved in it, you almost don't really realize how many people were unaware of the certain steps, and now recently, since Saskatchewan does have an online registry, it's so much easier and just a simple process now to go online and register, but also to make sure that you do talk to your family and let them know your wishes,” Gadd said. 

This year’s event takes place at Sunningdale School on May 28. There will be a few speeches because the run gets underway at 10 a.m. There is a 3 km fun run, 5 km walk/run and a 10 km run. 

To register or to make a donation, visit mjtransplanttrot.ca.