April marks National Donate Life Month, a time dedicated to shining a light on the life-saving power of organ donation. Across the nation, individuals and communities come together to honor donors, celebrate recipients, and raise awareness about the critical need for more people to register as donors. Organ donation has the potential to give the ultimate gift: a second chance at life.  Let’s take time to learn, share, and inspire others to make this life-changing commitment. 

This month we are thrilled to spotlight the incredible story and journey of Mark and Lynn Scotch, both living kidney donors. In early 2020, Mark Scotch, met Hugh Smith, a former horse jockey, at a brewery in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Despite having just met, their conversation led to an extraordinary bond. Hugh shared his struggle with kidney failure caused by decades of excessive ibuprofen use, leaving him reliant on nightly peritoneal dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. Inspired by Hugh’s story, Mark made a life-changing decision on the spot—to donate one of his kidneys. Mark was not a compatible match for Hugh but instead became a “voucher donor” through the National Kidney Registry Voucher Program. This innovative program allowed him to donate his kidney to a compatible recipient elsewhere while granting Hugh priority on the transplant list. 

Together, Mark and Lynn have since dedicated their lives to advocating for the importance of organ donation, leading them to create the inspiring “Organ Trail” initiative. This initiative helps to raise awareness through remarkable endurance challenges proving that it is possible to return to full health after donation. Since 2025, Mark and Lynn have completed five bike rides across the United States, covering 21 states and over 8,100 miles!  

In May 2023, at age 67, Mark donated a portion of his liver. He was matched with a seriously ill 9-month-old baby girl. Selena Rose Hill was sent from Phoenix children’s Hospital to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for the life- saving donation. At 67 years old, Mark was amazed that he could donate part of his liver, defying the expectations about age and organ donation. 

This April, Mark will embark on another ambitious journey, biking from Los Angeles to Denver, with a stop through Phoenix, AZ.  Join us in following and celebrating his progress as he passes through our city. As details of his visit are being finalized, he invites anyone to join his ride for any amount of distance and share the mission of raising awareness, and inspiring action for organ donation. Whether you’re up for pedaling alongside him or simply want to show your support from the sidelines, there’s a place for everyone to be part of this courageous inspiring event.

For more information/updates about Mark & Lynn Scotch’s story and upcoming route details, please visit https://www.markscotch.com/.  For questions you can reach Mark via email at ml.scotch@nkdo.org or call (678) 488-1996. Let’s come together to encourage and support his mission!