Published: October 08, 2008 11:11 am         

Riding with a purpose: Points of Life cyclists make stop in Kosciusko

On a warm afternoon, 12 cyclists turned off the Natchez Trace Parkway in hopes of spreading a message. The riders are part of the seventh Five Points of Life Ride, a program of LifeSouth Community Blood Centers, and are ready to tell you the importance of giving blood and being an organ donor.

Richard Brinker, of Palaka, Fla., said he has given 16-gallons of whole blood and is a long-time organ donor.

He said giving blood is such an awesome experience because you could save someone’s life.

In fact, he learned about the ride while giving blood.

During their 2,000-mile bike ride, they will be talking about the five different lifesaving donations – blood, apheresis, marrow, organ/tissue and cord blood.

Rider, Nancy Ireland, of Denver, Colo., said she sees the impact of organ donation every day as a heart-transplant coordinator.

She said we all have the power of being able to give the gift of life.

“Eighteen people die everyday waiting for an organ transplant,” Ireland said. “We have the power to change lives and save them.”

The ride will end on Oct. 29 in Cedar Key, Fla.

To learn more about the ride and how to save lives go to www.fivepointsoflife.org.