Indiana Donor Network film Driven to Save Lives to debut at 2024 Heartland International Film Festival

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Driven2SaveLives educates thousands of race fans each year about organ and tissue donation. The Indiana Donor Network program encourages fans to learn the facts about donation, talk with their family, friends, and loved ones about donation, then make the choice to sign up to become a donor.

This year, Indiana Donor Network created a film, Driven to Save Lives, featuring stories of real Hoosiers within the racing community who have a connection to organ donation and transplantation.

The film will make its world premiere during the 2024 Heartland International Film Festival on Oct. 12 at the Tobias Theater at Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Road, Indianapolis.

“We hope this film resonates with people and shows them the real-life impact one person can have through organ and tissue donation,” Executive Producer Taylor McLean said. “These are stories of real people facing real circumstances, stories that show heartache, fear and gratitude from everyday fans in the racing community and across all communities. This film can save lives.”

In Driven to Save Lives, audiences will discover the untold stories woven into the fabric of the racing world – stories of hope, survival, and legacy. These are stories of families in frightening and inspiring circumstances, communities bound by hope, and lives hanging in the balance.

Viewers will experience the gripping reality of living on the edge of hope and despair, where a transplant is the only road to life. They will feel the profound sorrow transformed into a legacy of pride by those left behind and learn of the gratitude and gravity felt by a transplant recipient, knowing the second chance at life is possible because of someone else’s loss.

“Every heartbeat tells a story of courage, community and the race we’re in daily to save lives,” said McLean, who not only led efforts to make Driven to Save Lives a reality but also leads the Driven2SaveLives program as senior marketing specialist at Indiana Donor Network.

McLean is also the sister of late dirt-track, IndyCar and NASCAR driver Bryan Clauson.

As an accomplished U.S. Auto Club and IndyCar driver, Bryan Clauson endeared himself to dirt track racing fans throughout the U.S. with a competitive yet playful personality.

His time as a driver, son, and brother was tragically cut short when he died after an on-track accident in 2016. In the hospital saying their final goodbyes, Bryan’s family learned he had signed up as an organ and tissue donor. Bryan saved five lives through organ donation and helped save and heal dozens of others through tissue donation.

His final act of compassion was the catalyst for the Driven2SaveLives program. His family shares what Bryan’s legacy means to them in Driven to Save Lives.

In the film, audiences will meet others whose lives have been affected by organ and tissue donation.

When Danny 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. With the clock ticking, will he get the lifesaving transplant he needs?

When Cade’s life was cut short, his father, Mike, and his family were left questioning how to move forward. Amid tragedy, Cade’s choice to be an organ donor provided healing that no one expected. Cade’s selfless decision has helped his family face grief and keep his memory alive.

A genetic disease left Jess needing a new liver, and she was fortunate enough to receive a lifesaving transplant. Presented with the chance to meet her donor’s family, she was excited and apprehensive. Jess wondered, how could she explain the impact of her restored life to someone who is reeling from the grief of the loss of their loved one?

“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, writer, director, director of photography and editor of the film. “I’m deeply thankful to have spearheaded a project that has the potential to reach a wide audience and, ultimately, contribute to saving lives.

About Indiana Donor Network
Indiana Donor Network is the federally designated organ recovery organization that coordinates organ and tissue donation in Indiana and transplantation throughout the U.S. The non-profit organization serves as the vital link between donors and patients waiting for lifesaving organ transplants, healing tissue and corneas to restore sight. Indiana Donor Network serves 85 of Indiana’s 92 counties. Its team of nearly 400 dedicated professionals is committed to saving and healing lives through donation and transplantation, championing the cause through education and outreach and supporting donor families in their time of need. For more or to sign up as a donor, visit Indiana Donor Network online.

About Heartland International Film Festival
Heartland Film is a nonprofit arts organization that runs the 11-day Heartland International Film Festival in October, the Academy Award️-Qualifying Indy Shorts International Film Festival in July, the Truly Moving Picture Award and other year-round programs. Based in Indianapolis, Heartland Film was founded in 1991 with the mission to curate, promote and celebrate thoughtful and engaging films from diverse perspectives. Over the years, Heartland Film has presented $3.5 million in cash prizes – the largest total amount awarded by any film festival in North America – presented more than 200 studio films with the Truly Moving Picture Award and showcased more than 2,000 feature and short films, including 10 Oscar️-winning short film titles. For more, visit Heartland Film online.

About Driven2SaveLives
Driven2SaveLives, an Indiana Donor Network program, raises awareness about organ and tissue donation within the racing community and inspires fans throughout the U.S. to sign up to become donors. Launched in 2016, Driven2SaveLives brings together advocates for donation, including NASCAR winner Ryan Newman, IndyCar driver Pippa Mann, and others, to educate race fans about donation, encourage conversations about donation decisions, and inspire audiences to sign up to be donors. Driven2SaveLives also features an Ambassador Program where anyone can join the team and help spread the word. For more, visit Driven2SaveLives online.