U.S. Games
At the Transplant Games, It's Not Just a Game of Golf
By Jim Gleason
The day before the big golf game, Mike and Paul stood looking over the long line of donor quilts on display at the Games Convention Hall. Both are veteran transplant recipient golfers in Pittsburgh to enjoy the golf competition on Monday. But this was Sunday, the day to enjoy the many other events at the Games. As they stood there, strong feelings of emotion flowed through them both as they reflected on stories behind each quilt square—the many lives lost, both young and old. In death came the gift of life to the likes of the two of them (Paul a double lung recipient of 15 years, Mike a kidney recipient 30 years ago, and again 24 years ago). As they quietly stood feeling the moment, a mother came over to ask if their donors were on the quilts, inviting them to come see her own son’s square. Elizabeth shared that her son had received a heart at the age of 11 and was now 24 and competing at the Games. Then she introduced them through the quilt square to that donor, then 10 year old Tommy Weiss, and to his mother, Donna, who was now standing with them. Together they shared the strong emotions that you can only imagine as you read this account of that chance gathering.
The next day, Mike and Paul, playing their round in the Games’ golf event, both frequently feel that donor connection. How different golf is when playing with others who share their own realization of how precious each day of life is, who feel the heightened awareness that comes with the transplant experience. This year, the players were grouped by handicap, and Paul says there were no medal hopes that often drive the fierce competition found in golf play at home. Instead there was a spirit of comradeship among the players, allowing each to thoroughly enjoy the fun of the game and the shared stories of their transplant experience.
Paul and Mike recalled the river cruise from the previous night with the “Quarter Century Club” where a videotape captured many memories and stories from these transplant veterans—who each have survived more than 25 years post transplant. Paul went on to explain his play on the Pittsburgh National course, “Its fun to compete, but that’s not the reason I’m here.” When prompted, he went on to explain, “After 15 years, I tend to forget as I work and live a normal life what all this took.” Now he recalls the sacrifices of the donor family, his caregivers and medical support staff—and renews those earlier feelings all over again. And of course there are the friendships and chance encounters that create yet another very special Transplant Games memory, hopefully to be repeated again in 2010.
