Columbus Crew midfielder Bernardo Anor was honored with the Donate Life Champion Award on Sunday, October 28, prior to the club’s MLS regular season finale against Toronto FC. Anor received the Award for advocating organ and tissue donation and supporting Crew partner Lifeline of Ohio.
“I am honored to receive this award,” said Anor. “It means a lot to me and I am very thankful to be involved with a great organization such as Lifeline of Ohio.”
Anor is a two-time tissue recipient, having suffered a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament in 2008, his sophomore year at the University of South Florida, and again earlier this year, in a match against Sporting Kansas City on July 14. Both injuries required surgery and he received tissue from a donor to repair his knee.
Anor has been a strong supporter of organ and tissue donation and was a part of this year’s “Heroes on and off the Field” campaign, a partnership between the Crew and Lifeline of Ohio, designed to inspire fans to become heroes off the field, by registering as organ and tissue donors.
Donate Life America created the Donate Life Champion Award to recognize select figures from the athletic community who have provided significant support for organ, eye and tissue donation. Donate Life America honored 61 recipients with the award in its inaugural year, including PGA pro and heart recipient Erik Compton, snowboarder and liver recipient Chris Klug and retired NFL player and donor father Ickey Woods.
There is an additional community event this week as the Crew will have a booth at the Columbus International Festival, Saturday and Sunday. A Crew player, to be determined, will be on hand to sign autographs and greet fans on one of the two days. Details of this event are below.
Additionally, following the tragic death of Columbus Crew midfielder Kirk Urso in August, Urso's family decided honor their son's legacy by giving the gift of tissue. At that time, Lifeline of Ohio released the following statement: "Kirk Urso was truly a hero on and off the field. He not only touched lives as a member of the Columbus Crew, but he will continue to impact others through his gift of tissue donation." The Columbus Crew, Bernardo Anor & Lifeline of Ohio are proud to partner and encourage others to be a hero on and off the field like Kirk Urso.
Crew events in the community
What: Columbus International Festival
When: Saturday and Sunday Nov. 3-4 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Where: Veterans Memorial – 300 West Broad Street, Columbus, 43215
About: The Crew will have a booth at the event promoting the Black & Gold to area residents from all over the world. A Crew player will be on hand to sign autographs and greet fans at a time to be determined.
