In a world where selflessness often takes a backseat, there are those who emerge as beacons of hope and compassion. Steve Mura, a father, husband, amateur runner, and coach with New York Road Runners, is one such individual. His recent act of donating a kidney to his next-door neighbor has not only given someone a new lease on life but has also ignited a passionate advocacy for organ donation. Steve’s life was also transformed by his decision to become a living organ donor, motivating him to embark on awe-inspiring physical challenges, shattering misconceptions about organ donation, and giving him a new sense of gratitude for the life and health he has.
Finding Running and Conquering Marathons
For Steve Mura, running wasn’t always a part of his life. In adulthood, he stumbled upon the joy and liberation that comes with lacing up his running shoes. Embracing the challenge, Steve trained diligently and set his sights on conquering marathons. He reminds us that while running a marathon has become increasingly common, it is not easy and its difficulty should not be underestimated! Steve shares his experiences of the arduous yet rewarding process of preparing for a marathon, illustrating how running can be both a personal triumph and a source of inspiration for others: a full athletic life can be lived after donating an organ!
Balancing Work and Passion
Steve’s love for running extends beyond his personal pursuits; he is also a coach with New York Road Runners where his hobby has become his job. As a runner, working in the running world may seem like a dream but challenges present when running becomes your only identity. Fortunately, Steve navigates this potential concern by using running for a purpose bigger than himself: raising awareness of organ donation and coaching others to their own running goals. Steve’s unwavering dedication to both his career and his personal goals demonstrates the profound impact that finding purpose in one’s work can have. He discusses how coaching others has enriched his life and fueled his desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those around him.
Living Organ Donation: A Gift of Life
Steve’s story took an extraordinary turn when he decided to become a living organ donor. Motivated by the opportunity to transform someone else’s life, he selflessly donated one of his kidneys to his next-door neighbor. Contrary to common misconceptions, Steve shares how living organ donation doesn’t permanently affect the donor’s life. In fact, he is thriving post-surgery, back to his pre-surgery physical shape and fitness level. Steve aims to debunk myths and raise awareness about the tremendous impact living organ donation can have on both the donor and the recipient. To further promote his cause and push his own limits, he has embarked on incredible physical challenges. From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro to running marathons, while educating other cultures along the way, Steve uses these adventures as platforms to raise awareness about organ donation and encourage others to consider becoming organ donors.
Gratitude: A Driving Force
Throughout his journey, Steve’s appreciation for life has grown exponentially, something that was especially noticeable when traveling through different cultures and villages in Africa on his journey up Mount Kilimanjaro. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude for all things, big and small. From good health to the simple pleasures of food, shelter, and economic stability, Steve has learned to cherish life’s blessings. His newfound gratitude fuels his advocacy and serves as a reminder to us all to appreciate the beauty and opportunities that surround us each day, and to live life to its fullest!
Steve Mura’s inspiring journey as a father, husband, runner, coach, and living organ donor showcases the incredible power of giving. Through running, coaching, and his selfless act of donating a kidney, Steve has touched the lives of many and challenged misconceptions about organ donation. By combining physical challenges with advocacy, he continues to inspire others to embrace the joy of giving. Ultimately, Steve’s story reminds us of the profound impact we can have on the world when we embrace compassion, gratitude, and the pursuit of a life filled with purpose.