Jackson, Blanton join Mayorthon
Donation awareness is the purpose
By Nathan R. Huff
The emphasis on the Millennium Mayorthon is definitely on "Mayor," but local mayors Steve Blanton of Los Gatos and Suzanne Jackson of Monte Sereno will run or walk, at least a short distance, in support of organ and tissue donations.
The event, organized by the American Red Cross and American Society of Transplant Surgeons, involves mayors from coast to coast. Youngsters who are alive today because of organ transplants will accompany the mayors on each leg of the journey. The goal is to gain massive media attention for the 70,000 people on waiting lists for organs.
The Millennium Mayorthon begins on April 16, with San Francisco mayor Willie Brown starting the ceremonial relay. Some 5,913 miles, 21 states and 1,500 towns and cities later, the baton will reach Washington, D.C., mayor Anthony Williams.
Each mayor will travel, by foot or bike, an average of 3.7 miles. Jackson and Blanton will easily travel a combined 1.5 miles on April 19, from 3:55 to 4:45 p.m.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
