NOBLESVILLE — Race car driver Bryan Clauson loved racing and his two dogs.
Clauson died in 2016 after a crash. Because he was an organ donor, Clauson saved five lives and helped more than 75 other people through tissue donation.
After he died, his parents wanted to find a way to honor their son.
"One of his big passions other than racing was dogs," Diana Clauson, Bryan's mom, said.
His parents and the Indiana Donor Network started the annualStrut 2 Save Lives event.
This year's event had a record turnout Sunday at Dr. James A. Dillon Park. Proceeds benefit the Bryan Clauson Legacy Fund.
"It's basically a fund that helps donor families like we are with any expenses that they might incur during the 72 hours that their loved one is in the donation process like hotel stays, food, gas, anything that they might need some help with," Diana said. "We wanted to give back to families like ours and make sure that they didn't have extra burdens during the donation process."
Diana and her husband Tim Clauson were at the walk along with more than 200 people and dozens of dogs.
"Bryan was a big dog lover. He had two dogs, Chevy and Stewart, that traveled the country with him racing and really became part of what he was doing out on the road," Tim said. "When he was doing autograph signings at his t-shirt trailer, as many people wanted to see Chevy and give Chevy kisses as much as get Bryan's autograph."
Both dogs still live with Bryan's fiancée.
To learn more about organ and tissue donation or to sign up to be a donor, click here. The Clauson family also runs the Driven 2 Save Lives campaign.
RELATED: IndyCar driver Bryan Clauson gave five people a second chance at life because he was an organ donor | A snapshot of a prodigy's career cut too short: Clauson aimed to be the best | Indiana Donor Network excited about new law regarding organ donation sign up |Indiana Donor Network reports highest-ever number of organ donations in 2021
-
Taylor Swift-themed events happening in Indianapolis during Eras Tour weekend
There will be fans from all over — with and without tickets — traveling to the Hoosier state to experience the record-breaking tour. Here’s a list of Swift-themed events happening across the city.Nonprofit seeks volunteers for annual Fall Repair Fest
Homes for Good will focus this year's Fall Repair Fest on Indy's Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood.Colts players serve students meals at school to promote healthy eating
The players helped with meal prepping and served the students their lunches before hanging out with them while they ate.Market Square Arena hosted its last Pacers game 25 years ago
It may not feel like it to longtime fans, but the Indiana Pacers have now played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse for as long as they played at Market Square Arena.