What do you call something with 36 legs and 18 wheels? Intermountain Donor Services calls them the UFOs and that is exactly what spectators at the Weber State University Women’s Basketball game on February 14, 2008, reported spotting during half-time. The IDS Unicycling for Organs (UFOs) team performed at half-time on Valentine’s Day, hoping that people will have a ‘heart’ and sign up to be an organ donor on the Utah Donor registry at www.yesutah.org.

The UFOs Team

The UFOs consists of 18 unicyclists between the ages of 13 and 21. They not only ride the unicycles, they hop, jump, spin and juggle. They are pretty amazing to watch. Two of the team members were also in a commercial to encourage people to think about the option of living kidney donation.

Most of us ride a bike with two wheels; this team has made it obvious that it is possible to ride and do tricks with just one wheel. Most of us also have two kidneys, but a person can live a healthy life with just one kidney. Something to think about next time you see someone on a unicycle!

Right now, there are 313 people in the state of Utah who are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant. Over 1/3, or 138, of those on the Utah waiting list are waiting for a kidney transplant. The option of living kidney donation can reduce the long waiting period and create hope.

Watch for the UFOs to be performing at parades, our annual 5K race in August, and other events along the Wasatch Front. They will be at the St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 15 and at the Moab Munifest (www.moabmunifest.com) on March 28-30. These youth are learning early how easy it can be to help others. If you haven’t already signed up to be an organ donor, please log on to www.yesutah.org and register now. Organ donation saves lives.