When Danny Ernstes learned that kidney disease would put him on dialysis for dozens of hours each week, his ability to live a normal life stopped. The only way back to that life would be a kidney transplant.
The Fairland, Indiana, resident’s quest to receive a new kidney to save his life is shared in a new documentary film now available to watch for free on Tubi and on subscription platforms Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Google Play.
Driven to Save Lives” follows the emotional journeys of four Indiana families within the motor sports community. Through stories of loss, hope and healing, the film, created by non-profit Indiana Donor Network and its in-house marketing team, highlights the lifesaving impact of saying “yes” to becoming an organ and tissue donor and, ultimately, save lives.
“Every heartbeat tells a story of courage, community and the race we’re in daily to save lives,” said Executive Producer Taylor Sweeden, who led efforts to make “Driven to Save Lives.”
Sweeden is the sister of late dirt-track, IndyCar and NASCAR driver Bryan Clauson, whose story is featured in the documentary. Clauson died after an on-track accident in 2016. He saved five lives through organ donation and helped save and heal dozens of others through tissue donation.
Clauson’s legacy lives on through Indiana Donor Network, the federally designated organ recovery organization that coordinates organ and tissue donation in Indiana and transplantation throughout the U.S. Its Driven2SaveLives program educates thousands of race fans throughout the U.S. each year about organ and tissue donation, encouraging fans to learn the facts about donation and choose to sign up to be a donor.
“I’m always in search of meaningful stories. I’m grateful for the vulnerability of the families and their stories shown in this film,” said Aaron Winneroski, who served as director of videographer and editor of the film.
More than 104,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. In the U.S., a new person is added to the transplant waiting list every nine minutes. Each day 17 people die because a donated organ wasn’t available in time.
Despite age or medical history, anyone can sign up to be a donor at DonateLifeIndiana.org.
Indiana Donor Network's mission is to save and enhance the quality of life through organ and tissue donation and transplantation. Its vision is to be a leader in organ and tissue recovery.
Founded in 1987, the organization coordinates donation in 85 of the state’s 92 counties and serves transplant hospitals throughout the U.S.
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