Justin Wilson and Bryan Clauson each saved five lives. The two drivers suffered fatal injuries in racing accidents about a year apart, and the donations of their organs helped others stay alive. Stefan Wilson began the movement in honor of his brother, and after Clauson’s death, Bryan’s family brought the movement to a higher level.
The documentary Driven2SaveLives tells the story of the organ donor movement in Indiana in a touching, personal way. The movie premiered this week at the Heartland international Film Festival last weekend to a sold out audience on Saturday.
The story mainly centers around Clauson’s family, who give organ donations a huge push. Clauson’s sister Taylor McLean now works for the Indiana Donor Network, and she is listed as one of the film’s producers.
The film tells the story of the Clauson’s, who found comfort when they learned Bryan had registered as an organ donor. It also shares the stories of two organ recipients, and of a father whose grief after the death of his son was somewhat soothed by the donation of his son’s organs.
The BC 39 midget race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was created to honor Bryan, and the donor network has a large presence there, signing up organ donors.
Danny Ernstes’s kidneys were failing. he needed a kidney transplant to avoid a lifetime of dialysis, which prevents a person from having a normal life. His doctor suggested he get a kidney from a living donor. Thus began a nearly two year wait to find a match.
Cade Frey’s life ended at 18, and his father Mike took solace in the fact that cade had registered as an organ donor when he received his drivers; license. Mike continues to work tirelessly to help people sign donation pledges.
Jess Schnur received a lifesaving liver transplant, and the film shows a touching meeting with her donor’s mother. Jess now volunteers for the Indiana Donor Network at events.
The racing footage is brief, as it should be. This film is not about the racing. There are some scenes that are difficult to watch. The most emotional one for me was when he Clausons met the man who received Bryan’s heart. Bryan’s mother listened to his heart beating through a stethoscope.
The film festival runs through this Sunday. While there are no more theater showings, the movie can be streamed virtually by visiting Heartland FilmFestival.org. It must be ordered begun to be viewed and by this Sunday. Once started, you have three days to complete watchiung.
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 