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
-
Pacers hope home cooking energizes push to even series with New York
Getting to this point certainly didn’t occur through happenstance. The young Pacers have provided a difficult challenge for the second-seeded Knicks.Indiana Forest Alliance asking Indianapolis to preserve urban forests
The Indiana Forest Alliance is asking the city to dedicate $6 million to preserving as many acres of urban forest as possible.Indianapolis looks to address pedestrian safety with 'Vision Zero' plan
Many Indianapolis pedestrians and cyclists have been growingly concerned with road safety in Indianapolis.1 shot, killed at CVS Pharmacy on Indy’s southeast side
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the CVS located at 8405 Southeastern Ave. on reports of a person shot at around 5:30 p.m.