Do you remember in 1997 when a 12 year old boy named Ryan Tripp set out from Salt Lake City heading for Washington DC on a riding lawn mower? On this trip, besides setting a world record, Ryan raised over $15,000 for a young girl who need a liver transplant. He also became known throughout the United States as ‘Lawn Mower Boy’.

To quote Ryan, “The trip was a huge success! Whitnie received her transplant, becoming an organ and tissue donor became the topic of discussion at many dinner tables, and we accomplished our goal of setting the new Guinness World Record for the Longest Lawnmower Ride! After the trip was over I was invited to appear on the Late Show with David Letterman. One of the questions he asked was, “What are you going to do next?”

Of course the question Letterman posed was the grease that got the creative wheels churning once again. In 1999 we dedicated 69 days to promote organ and tissue donation in all 50 states. At each state capital I mowed 1,000 square feet of grass and met with numerous governors to discuss the importance of saying “YES” to being a donor.”

The burning question in everyone’s mind now is, “WHERE IN THE WORLD IS RYAN TRIPP?”

Ryan is once again using his creative energy to promote the cause of organ donation! Only this time he is not mowing lawns. He is doing a summer intern at Intermountain Donor Services. He will be helping with our 5K Dash for Donation in August and driving the taxi cab during parades. He will also be making presentations on organ donation.

He is still remembered for his trek across the country at 10 mph and he is also still committed to the cause of organ and tissue donation. He states, “Truly, there are many wonderful people who understand the great effect wrought by a simple act or donation.

It seems impossible to calculate the increased number of donors as a result of “The Lawnmower Trip.” It is my hope that at least even a handful of people were directly influenced by the efforts of the many people involved in our adventure. I met with hundreds of donor families and transplant recipients, often in tears, thanking us for our efforts to help save lives.

Perhaps you never see the fruits of your labors, but that shouldn’t discourage you from making even the smallest effort to take part in this lifesaving cause. Whether you ride your lawnmower across the country or encourage a friend or family member to donate life, we are both engaged in the same great cause.”