Running on HOPE
If it were not for the outcry for help from Megan Searfoss, the owner of Ridgefield and Darien Running Company, fellow runners Sophie and Caitlin would not have been joined together in the name of life.
Sophie is a former Ridgefield Running Company employee and found out about Caitlin's need for a liver donor from Searfoss about a year ago. "Caitlin reached out last year as she desperately needed a living liver donor. Ridgefield Running Company shared her need with our community of runners," she explains.
It was January 16 when Caitlin walked into Ridgefield Running Company and joyfully exclaimed to Searfoss, "They found a match!"
Searfoss had an inkling it was Sophie. After she called her and confirmed, at the request of Caitlin, she connected them. "In the most amazing hook up ever - I connected Caitlin and Sophie via text!"
This past Tuesday Caitlin received the ultimate gift - a liver from former Ridgefield and Darien Running Company employee, Sophie.
Searfoss offers thanks to all who stepped forward to help Caitlin. "We are proud to have made the connection," she said.
Searfoss added, "We have no doubt they will be crossing finish lines together soon. Runners, you get it."
And, just in... someone who read Megan's story on social media called Ridgefield Running Company and anonymously (she just said from Running Mother) purchased two gift cards for $200 each so Sophie and Caitlin could go into the store to purchase running sneakers - together!
*Image courtesy Megan Searfoss, Ridgefield Running Company Facebook Page.