Meet Leon Duran

September 2009 — Leon has been a volunteer with the Foundation for over a year. He’s been a great help with several projects and was our lead volunteer at Team Transplant’s tent during Elephant Rock. Leon is fun, dependable, and friendly. If you don’t know him already, you should look forward to meeting him in the future!

How did you become involved with the American Transplant Foundation?

“I am not a living donor, nor am I a recipient, but I am a big music fan! I attended the Crosby, Stills & Nash concert where I saw Heidi giving her introduction speech before the concert and was moved by what she and Governor Ritter had to say. The next day I looked up the ATF website and contacted Heidi about volunteering. The rest, as they say, is history!”

What has been your favorite volunteer event, project, or opportunity and why?

“I think this year’s team for the Elephant Rock Ride was my favorite event so far. It was fun being there at the beginning as Heidi and Katie described what they envisioned and watching it grow into the fantastic Team Transplant. I had the opportunity to work with other great volunteers, hear some very touching organ donation stories, meet some of the AWESOME Team Transplant members and learn a lot about the world of biking.”

Leon with his daughters Kianna (12), Gabriella (9) and Isabella (6) at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO. Leon says, ” It’s where Sherry and I got married and also where I’ve been known to hunt ghosts!”

What are you looking forward in the next year?

“Watching ATF grow; it’s like a snowball rolling down a hill becoming bigger and bigger. I love watching the Foundation increase its visibility and involvement in the world of organ donation.”

Do you have any special talents or interests that people don’t know about?

“Where do I start?! I’m a major Star Trek fan, love ghost hunting and I’m crazy about all sorts of music.”

Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share?

“I just want to thank Heidi and Katie for the unique volunteer opportunities that they have let me be involved with; they are truly wonderful and talented people and I look forward to working along side all the other great ATF volunteers and learning all about you!”