LIVE OAK, Fla. — Diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease when she was 15, Candi Hinson knew they would need a transplant in the future.

On Saturday, the Chipley resident and her hero and childhood friend Becky Raulerson took part in the Be a Hero Family Fun Run/Walk 5K at Heritage Park & Gardens.

The run was sponsored by the Suwannee County Tax Collector’s Office to benefit Donate Life Florida, with approximately 75 racers participating.

Hinson and Raulerson were joined by their children Hannah Hinson, Carly Ann Raulerson and Zebb Raulerson as part of that crowd.

They were easy to spot, all decked out in Wonder Woman and Superman costumes.

But Becky Raulerson had already proven to be a hero several years ago.

Hinson’s doctor told her four years ago, after she had tried to live life to its fullest following the diagnosis as a teenager, that it was time to start the transplant process.

When her husband could not donate to her, Raulerson wanted to be tested.

“She wasn’t going to ask me,” Raulerson said. “God told me I was going to be a match.”

The transplant happened on April 16, 2015.

“I felt like a new person and she felt awful,” Hinson said.

Also on hand Saturday was Carol Sue Quillen, who was cheering on the racers. She is a recent kidney recipient.

She was on the transplant list for six years before finally receiving a match.

“Organ donation changed my life,” Quillen said.

According to Donate Life’s Carol Denton, there are roughly 115,000 children and adults waiting for organ transplants in the United States.

Denton received a $5,500 check from the Suwannee County Tax Collector’s Office following the walk with the proceeds raised during the month of April, which is Donate Life Month.

“We have exceeded last year’s contributions to Donate Life,” said Chad Wainwright, of the Tax Collector’s Office.