U.S. Games
- National Kidney Foundation 2008 U.S. Transplant Games Celebrate Triumph of Body and Spirit
- Attendee Lora Wilson Feels the Emotion at the Games Opening Ceremony
- Thousands Gather at the U.S. Transplant Games Opening Ceremony
National Kidney Foundation 2008 U.S. Transplant Games Celebrate Triumph of Body and Spirit
Cheers filled Pittsburgh's D.L. Convention Center when more than 1,300 transplant athletes from all 50 states paraded proudly into the arena to kick off the National Kidney Foundation 2008 U.S. Transplant Games. Held every two years since 1990, the 2008 Games have attracted more than 6,000, including transplant athletes, their families and friends, living organ donors and families of donors.
Amidst applause, actor Larry Hagman of “Dallas,” a liver transplant recipient, and Catherine Herridge, a national correspondent for FOX News and a living liver donor, entertained the audience as hosts and speakers. Despite light-hearted moments, the evening communicated both the celebratory aspect of lives saved through organ transplantation as well as the monumental gift each saved life requires—that of an organ donation.
The climax of the evening occurred when the donors and donor families entered the hall and the thousands in the audience rose to their feet and applauded.
“This is a celebration of family and of life,” said Catherine Herridge. “That spirit of celebration fills this convention center and fills our hearts, too, as more than 1300 transplant athletes step out and step up to a fuller life.”
The emotional event included recognition of living donors and their families. One woman, Trine Engebretsen of Miami, Florida, was only two years old when she received a liver transplant from 18-month-old Amanda DeLapp. Earlier today, Trine, now 26, fulfilled a life-long dream when she met Amanda's mother and sister, Alisha and Keisha DeLapp from Mayfield, Kentucky, for the very first time. Also on hand was Dr. Thomas E. Starzl, Pittsburgh's pioneer surgeon, renowned as the “Father of Transplantation,” who performed Trine's life-saving operation 24 years ago.
While personal stories were shared and new bonds created, inspirational songs were performed by transplant recipients, donors and family members.
The ceremony concluded with the official lighting of the torch. The 2008 U.S. Transplant Games have officially begun!
See photos from Opening Ceremonies
Attendee Lora Wilson Feels the Emotion at the Games Opening Ceremony
By Lora Wilson
My favorite part of the games is the opening ceremonies. They are the exciting culmination of two years of fund raising and planning. The teams are endlessly and delightfully creative in capturing the spirit of their home regions in colorful clothing, wild headgear and fun props.
As the opening song said, “We are Fam-i-ly.” This is where we come together as a family of transplant recipients, living donors and donor families to celebrate the miracle of transplantation, to honor the generosity of donor families and to focus attention on the critical need for organ donors. The ties that bind us together are invisible, yet strong. We are all passionate in our support of organ donation, and we want the world to know.
I had the privilege of walking at the end of the living donor group, just in front of the donor quilts. Each square represents a life and a loved one. I am always moved by the fact that everyone remains standing until the last donor family member enters. In recognition of their immense sacrifices, Team South California started a chant of “Thank You,” which echoed through the auditorium.
Actor Larry Hagman, of “Dallas” fame, reminded us that transplantation is the ultimate recycling. It is a shame to waste healthy organs and tissues when so many wait for their gift of life. And of course, he delighted the crowd once more by encouraging us to show our scars—our badges of honor. We have been transformed—made stronger and better—as a result of the trials that we’ve overcome.
The opening ceremonies capture all of the pageantry, the drama and the passion of the games and its family of participants.
See photos from Opening Ceremonies
Thousands Gather at the U.S. Transplant Games Opening Ceremony
By Rose D'Acquisto
As we stood in line waiting to enter the arena, I was holding a side of a panel of the national donor family quilt. Two of the newest quilts were selected as the lead in for the donor families at the Games. Backstage, I spent time looking at the patches on the quilt. There was a patch with a photo of a young woman with a beautiful smile. A tearful woman came up and placed a finger-kiss on the patch—the photo was of her daughter, Mandy. There was a handsome soldier dressed in desert camouflage standing in front of a U.S. flag. There was another patch that looked like a whimsical monster, mouth wide open; a snake winding around its head. I wondered about the stories behind each and every patch—70 patches sewn on each quilt panel. I wondered how many tears and laughs went into the making of these hand-made memorials.
The stage manager motioned us to move ahead, onto the brightly lit stage. Then… thunderous applause. From every corner of the arena, athletes and their families, along with transplant professionals, stood and cheered.
Last night, at the Opening Ceremonies, every single donor family member received 7,000 “thank you’s” for the gift of life given by our loved ones. It’s because of them we are here to celebrate at the Transplant Games.
See photos from Opening Ceremonies
