Bayville Man Runs 100-Mile 'Ultra Marathons' To Raise Tissue Donation Awareness

BERKELEY, NJ — Training for a regular marathon is hard enough, but Bayville resident David Cavanaugh takes it a step further. He's lacing up his running shoes and pushing his physical and mental limits to support the Sharing Network Foundation and raise awareness about the importance of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, NJ Sharing Network said in a news release.

Cavanaugh, a 44-year-old who has spent 16 years working in the tissue donation field, has taken on "ultra marathons" - endurance races that often span 100 miles - as a personal mission to support NJ Sharing Network's work.

“Running 100 miles is painful, but it’s nothing compared to the pain felt by people waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant,” Cavanaugh said. “My goal is to raise both funds and awareness so that more lives can be saved. There are more than 100,000 people in the U.S., including nearly 4,000 in New Jersey, waiting for lifesaving transplants.”

On Aug. 9, Cavanaugh will compete in the Eastern States 100 in Pennsylvania, widely recognized as one of the toughest 103-mile trail races on the East Coast, including more than 20,000 feet of climbing and technical terrain. He will then compete in the Wild Goose Trail Festival in Hewitt, NJ, in late September, continuing a year of nonstop endurance racing.

Cavanaugh has already raised more than $1,700 for the Sharing Network Foundation and continues to build momentum with every race. His passion for the cause is deeply rooted in his 16-year career with MTF Biologics, a nonprofit dedicated to saving and healing lives through tissue donation. As a trusted partner of NJ Sharing Network, MTF Biologics plays a role in helping patients in need.

“My professional work focuses on helping ensure that donated tissue is safe and effective for transplant,” said Cavanaugh. “But I’ve also seen how important it is to raise awareness in our local communities about organ and tissue donation. That’s why I run – to spark conversations, inspire action, and support NJ Sharing Network’s incredible mission.”

Cavanaugh’s personal journey adds another layer of meaning to his efforts. After facing struggles with addiction in his teens and early twenties, Cavanaugh made a life-changing decision to turn things around. He took up running, gave up cigarettes, and gradually trained his way from 5Ks to marathons to ultra races - even finishing his first 100-miler in just over 28 hours.

Cavanaugh has also been a regular at NJ Sharing Network’s annual 5K Celebration of Life events, where he has earned age-group medals. He continues to inspire others through his story of transformation, perseverance, and purpose.

To learn more about David’s journey or support his fundraiser, visit: www.SharingNetworkFoundation.org/dave-runs-for-a-cause

To register as an organ and tissue donor or learn more about NJ Sharing Network’s mission, visit www.NJSharingNetwork.org.