Midstate firefighter walks Donor Dash in full gear to benefit organ donation

As a veteran, volunteer firefighter and soon-to-be EMT, Christian Seymour of Cumberland County was already considered a hero in the eyes of many. On April 24, 2022, he took a stand on something else to benefit the community: organ donation. 

Christian walked the Donor Dash 3K in Philadelphia while in full firefighter gear, which weighs 280 pounds. The race benefits the Gift of Life Transplant Foundation, and he did it all in honor of his mother, Lisa Hathaway Seymour, who gave the amazing gift of life. Christian created Team Iris, named after Lisa’s favorite flower, for the race, raising $531.

“It’s going to be in honor of my mom when she passed away last June and was an organ donor,” Christian said prior to the race. “It’s something I want to do in memory of her.”

Christian credits his mom with his greatest ambitions, as she was the one who supported him from childhood through his military and firefighting journeys. He wanted to show his support for all the years of support she gave him, and he sees participating in the Donor Dash in full gear as a way to carry the weight that was once upon her shoulders.  

Lisa’s passing in 2021 spurred Christian to become actively involved in voicing support for organ donation. And while her death was tragic for the family, her decision to donate helped provide five recipients and their families with a second chance at life. 

“Now they won’t carry that weight because they have a second chance,” he said.