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 annual Strut 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
-
Defending Indy 500 champion Alex Palou fastest on first day of practice
All 33 drivers got on the track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first day of practice for the Indianapolis 500.
Ted Nugent to perform at Brown County Music Center in July
Brown County Music Center will be hosting Ted Nugent, who is making a tour stop on July 23 in Indiana.
Indiana State Fairgrounds to host 2nd Indianapolis Pizza Festival
Many of Indiana’s top pizzerias will come together on October 17 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Indiana State Fair’s second Indianapolis Pizza Festival.
Court spares Trump from paying $83 million defamation award to E. Jean Carroll
The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed to a request by one of Trump's lawyers that it let the president delay the payment to E. Jean Carroll.