Our good friend Antonio was in a terrible biking accident a few years ago and one of the things that he attributes to saving his life is the San Francisco General Hospital. He’s started his own fun run taking place in San Francisco this September to give back to the hospital who gave him so much- his life!

Antonio (right) and Dr. Campbell (left), who saved his life

Follow us on twitter @3030run and Like us on Facebook!

What made you want to create the 30/30 run?

Well, I created this event because in 2010 San Francisco General Hospital saved my life. I was riding my bicycle on my way to work, and got into a terrible wreck. I hit a rock in the road, lost complete control of the bicycle and flew through the back window of a parked car. I cut my neck open (24 cm), slicing my jugular vein and lost 5 liters of blood on the scene. I was rushed to the San Francisco General Hospital where, on the second day on the operating table, I had a stroke and nearly died.

This year, I’m turning 30 and I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for the amazing work they did for me at SFGH that day. So rather than doing something garish for my 30th birthday (i.e. spend way too much money in Vegas), I wanted to do something to show my gratitude to the hospital and give something back. So I’m organizing a 30k fun-run, while trying to raise $30k for SFGH’s Foundation. I’m calling it “The 30/30 Run”. 30 years, 30k run, raising $30k…The 30/30 run. The race itself is on Sunday September 28, 2014 @ Ft. Funston.

I’ve created a website for the event where users can register for the run and/or donate directly to the foundation. All donations are processed through the hospital’s GoFundMe page, so they are getting 100% of the donations. My goal is to get 1,000 people to donate $30 each to support this vital city institution and to keep SFGH thriving for all San Franciscans who may need Emergency Medical Services and the other incredible, life-saving, services they provide.

If people aren’t able to run themselves, how can they donate?

It’s super easy! MANY people are saying “Antonio, there’s no way that I’m going to run 30k with you (18 miles)…BUT I’d be happy to donate $30 to your cause” and all you have to do is go to 3030run.org and follow the directions for donations. Now, there’s also options for running half that distance (15k ~ 9 miles) or if you want to volunteer to help the event (being at water stops for runners, handing out finisher medals, cheering runners on, etc).

What’s one thing people should know about the San Francisco General Hospital?

San Francisco General Hospital is the only trauma hospital in the city and one of the best in the country. Meaning if you have a traumatic injury, there is literally no other place in the city, and in the bay area, that you would want to be!

What’s one thing people should know about you?

Rather than doing something for myself for my birthday, I completely recognize that I wouldn’t be alive today if it wasn’t for SFGH. The 30/30 Run isn’t being funded by any corporate sponsors, or any angel donors, all of the costs are coming out of my pocket. More importantly, all of the donations, literally, ALL OF THE DONATIONS, go directly to the hospital’s foundation. I’m not getting reimbursed for my own costs. My site (3030run.org) is merely a conduit between two parties: donors and the foundation. All of the donations are processed through the hospital’s GoFundMe page and is a tax-deductible donation. Just go to 3030run.org for all of the details.