Athlete Bios
Amy Saylors, 50
Lancaster, S.C.
As an avid swimmer and a volunteer swim instructor, 50-year-old Amy Saylors is well-prepared for the three swimming events she will be competing in during her second World Games event. After receiving a kidney transplant from her sister in 1998 and two subsequent pancreas transplants in 1999 and 2000, she is mercifully healthy and ready to participate as part of Team USA.
As she trains and practices for the 2009 World Games, Amy works hard to educate others as she speaks from experience at a number of civic events, schools and churches to spread the word about the importance of organ and tissue donation.
“As long as people are willing to listen and have questions, I am always happy to share my story,” Amy explains.
In addition to her World Games participation, Amy has been healthy and lucky enough to be an essential part of four National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games in the past, where she has wracked up a total of two gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.
Bob Watson, 61
Cattaraugus, NY
As an employee at a casino near his home town, Bob Watson often spots local gamblers triumph and celebrate their winnings. While he is on the other side of it all at work, he is a winner in his own personal way—he is a kidney transplant recipient and former dialysis patient who is now healthy and ready to compete in the shotput event at his third World Games.
As a competitor in six National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games in the past, Bob has taken home a number of metals and made his teammates proud. He is excited, but even more important to him than competing in the Games is his mission to spread the word about his situation and educate those around him about organ donation.
“I want everyone to be able to get an insight into our world, what we are about and what we have experienced,” Bob says. “The Games do that. Everyone should understand the importance of organ donation and helping the transplant community.”
Janet Dennis, 54
At 54, Janet Dennis is discovering her hidden athletic abilities. Until her heart transplant in July of 2005, she did not participate in any physical activity besides walking.
Once she stepped foot on the track and bought herself a Speedo, however, Dennis's newfound talent emerged. She has already racked up a gold medal, a silver medal and three bronze medals in two National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events since receiving her transplant. and is now training to compete in a swimming event and two track and field events at this year’s World Transplant Games.
“Before my transplant, I had never been sick. I had never even been in the hospital since I was born,” Janet explains. “My goal is not only to remain healthy myself, but to be a ‘poster adult’ for transplantation, as I show the world that organ transplants really do work, through my active participation in sports competition!”
Glen Brashear, 62
Harker Heights, TX
Many people on the brink of retirement dream of sandy beaches or escaping to warmer climates. Some hope to try new hobbies, like sailing or knitting. At 62, soon-to-be retiree Glen Brashear has a different ambition. He plans to devote most of his newfound time to inform those around him about the importance of organ donation.
Brashear has led a particularly active lifestyle since he received a kidney transplant in December of 2000-- a gift from a deceased donor, whose family he hopes to meet one day. Since the transplant, he has participated in two National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events and two World Games events, earning a gold medal and two silver medals along the way. He is now ready to compete in golf, bowling and lawn bowling in the 2009 World Transplant Games.
“I have always tried to spread the message about the importance of organ donations as much as possible,” Brashear says. “If I can convince one person to become a donor who wasn’t thinking about it before, I have made an impact.”
Mike Lane, 32
Midwest City, OK
Despite being diagnosed with diabetes 23 years ago, Mike Lane has always been incredibly active, playing basketball, bowling and walking in his free time. His physical activity was interrupted in 2004, however, when diabetes caused his kidneys to fail. He began dialysis treatment and it was more than two years before he finally received a kidney transplant in June of 2006.
Mike's kidney disease only slowed him down temporarily. Since the transplant, he has picked himself up and stepped back onto the bowling lanes, regaining his athletic prowess one pin at a time. He competed in a variety of bowling events at the National Kidney Foundation 2008 U.S. Transplant Games last summer, and he is prepared to bowl once again at this summer’s World Transplant Games. He has plants to start shooting hoops very soon as well.
Mike’s main aspiration for the future is to get as many people as possible involved in the organ donation process and to help others on the national transplant waiting list, using his own experience as a tale of inspiration.
“I want to make more transplant recipients aware of the Transplant Games, and on the other end, get as many people signed up to become organ donors as possible,” Mike says of his mission. “Most importantly, I want to use my involvement in the Games to show everyone that the gift of life really is successful.”
Colette Jordan, 49
Lisle, IL
Colette Jordan thinks she is one lucky woman. Although some may dwell on the unfortunate fact that she was sick enough to need a liver transplant on October 26, 2008, Colette chooses to focus on how blessed she was to have spent only five days on the transplant waiting list, receiving her liver transplant just after midnight on Halloween night.
“I believe I had a divine intervention,” Colette explains. “I was in the hospital five times in six months before the transplant, but that doesn’t matter. I was lucky to get this transplant so soon after I found out I needed it.”
Having already competed in the National Kidney Foundation 2008 U.S. Transplant Games, Colette is now ready to show her stuff on the international stage as she prepares to compete in bowling and track events at the upcoming World Transplant Games. As she trains, she also spends time as an advocate, using her own personal story to spread the word about the importance of organ donation.
“I am committed to helping people understand that one organ donor can help save many lives,” Colette says.
Cheryl Rainford
Amherst, MA
As a freelance journalist and volunteer for eight different charitable organizations, it is a wonder that 39-year-old Cheryl Rainford has any time on her hands to train for the upcoming 2009 World Transplant Games. Cheryl spent nearly a year on dialysis treatments before receiving a kidney transplant from a high school friend in 2002 and she is determined to make the most of her gift.
Already a seven—time gold medal winner at three separate National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events, Cheryl is training hard for the cycling competition and 3K road race at this year's World Transplant Games.
“I am inspired by everyone around me—my donor, my husband, my friends and especially other transplant atheletes,” Cheryl says. “I thrive off of inspiring others and encouraging people to become organ donors.”
Brian Barndt, 41
As a swim instructor and former competitive swimmer, 41-year-old Brian Barndt is truly at home in the pool. In 1990, he was forced to give up competitive swimming when he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and heart failure. Barndt continued to swim for fitness and was eventually told that he would need a heart transplant in order to survive.
In 2005, just six weeks after receiving a life-saving heart transplant, Barndt dove head-first back into the pool and began training for the National Kidney Foundation 2006 U.S. Transplant Games, where he won three gold medals. After competing in the 2006 and 2008 U.S. Transplant Games, he is now preparing to swim in various events at the upcoming 2009 World Transplant Games.
“My goal is to win a gold medal for Team USA in Australia and set a world record,” Barndt says of his aspirations. “I eventually want to write a book and share my story to encourage, inspire, challenge and motivate others, even if they aren’t living with a chronic condition.”
David Anderson, 53
West Sacramento, CA
At 53 years old, David Anderson can recall word-for-word the frightening news his doctor delivered to him in September of 2005.
“David, you have three weeks to live,” his cardiologist revealed grimly, thoroughly shocking David and forcing him to ponder the unthinkable.
This wasn’t the first hardship David had suffered. Amazingly, he had survived seven heart attacks, two strokes and a seven-way heart bypass surgery before receiving this news. His cardiologist told him he did have one option for survival – a heart transplant.
Against all odds, David was fortunate enough to receive his heart transplant just in time on July 27, 2007. “Luckily, I only spent 22 days on the waiting list,” he recalls. “Once I completely healed and my body accepted my new heart, I felt like a new man.”
David plans to show the world just how hard his new heart is working by participating in this year’s World Transplant Games as part of Team USA, competing in table tennis and volleyball. He aspires to share his transplant experiences and successes with others.
“My wife and I really hope to meet my donor’s family soon,” David says. “Until then, I hope my experiences can bring hope and encouragement to others, so I plan to share them with anyone who will listen.”
Denise Neely, 47
Palmyra, PA
If you were to ask 47-year-old Denise Neely who inspires her, she would probably go on for quite some time about her numerous family members who offer their support and love every day. If you listen carefully, however, her tone softens when she gets to talking about her brother and gracious kidney donor, Tom.
“My brother Tom gave me a second chance at life when he donated his kidney to me,” Denise recalls with emotion. “He is my number one reason to keep this kidney healthy and respect this precious gift.”
Having participated in three National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events and taken home a number of medals, Denise is somewhat of a transplant athletics veteran. She is gearing up to compete in this summer’s World Transplant Games, participating in various cycling and track events, and aspires to break a world record by training hard.
“The best part is knowing I will get to see my sons and grandbabies grow,” Denise says. “I love sharing my own personal success with others at the Games.”
Ian Kamphuis, 18
Glen Ellyn, Il
Eighteen-year-old Ian Kamphuis has endured more hardship than most of his young peers. He has already received two separate kidney transplants—one was a gift from his father when he was just 22 months old, and the other came from a deceased donor five years later.
“I was so physically ill for my first seven years of life that I couldn’t play any sports as a kid at all,” Ian says.
Since his successful transplant, Ian has become quite the athlete, participating in three National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games and two World Transplant Games events and racking up more than ten medals along the way. Now he is training for his third World Transplant Games event, where he will compete in tennis, volleyball and golf. He looks forward to sharing his transplant experiences at the Games while going for the gold.
“This has been a huge part of my life since birth,” Ian says of his two transplants. “I enjoy talking about my experience—it’s a way to let others know about organ transplantation. Plus, it’s fun!”
Hilary Hoagwood, 28
Washington, DC
Unlike some of the participants in the upcoming World Transplant Games, Hilary Hoagwood of Washington, DC can say she has not only had one transplant, but two, making her current state of good health and participation in the Games especially remarkable.
“I aspire to participate in many more Games and to continue improving in all my sports,” Hilary says. “I would like to see many more athletes participate in the Games.” Hoagwood has already participated in one World Transplant Games event and two National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events herself, taking home a number of medals in swimming and slalom events.
In addition to training for the Games, Hoagwood is a member of the Speakers Bureau of Washington Regional Transplant Community as well as a spokesperson for the National Kidney Foundation of the National Capital Area. She gives presentations, raises funds and promotes public awareness, educating people and encouraging everyone she can to sign up to be organ donors.
“The Games are important, but what is most important to me is to see an increased number of people register to be organ donors,” Hilary explains. “I would like to see a greater understanding of transplantation and ultimately, for the waiting list to be eliminated.”
Bryan Wentzell, 34
Portland, ME
Bryan Wentzell knows a little something about resilience. An avid hiker, backpacker and skier, he has proved that nothing can hold him back from the outdoor sports he loves—not even a diagnosis of kidney disease, tiring dialysis treatments or a kidney transplant.
In between dialysis treatments for over four years, he worked as a full-time ski instructor. After receiving a kidney transplant, Wentzell immediately got back on his feet and traveled to Alaska to work as a hiking guide for four months. He then participated in a National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games event and three World Transplant Games events, racking up four medals along the way. He is now ready to once again show his victory over kidney disease by competing in cycling events at the upcoming 2009 World Transplant Games in Australia.
“I am currently fundraising and trying to promote the cause,” Wentzell says. “I love telling my story and am happy to do it as long as people will listen.”
Laurie Nimmons, 48
A true athlete, 48-year-old Laurie Nimmons is out to prove that a kidney transplant can’t hold her back. As an avid golfer for as long as she can remember, she says she has been training her entire life for her participation in this year’s World Transplant Games.
Having received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor back in 1992, Laurie has already claimed a number of medals from four different National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games and one past World Transplant Games event, settling for nothing less than gold.
“I won gold medals in every golf event I’ve competed in at past [Transplant] Games,” Laurie beams. “I am so lucky to be able to do this, to go to the Games and show just how much this precious gift has helped me.”
In addition to playing like a pro, Laurie shares her gift for the sport with others by giving frequent golf lessons in her area. She also spends free time raising the awareness of those around her about organ donation, knowing firsthand just how lifesaving a transplant can be.
“I want to show the world the amazing things organ donation can do for a person,” she says. “It enables people to continue their lives, do what they love to do, and live a second chance to the fullest.”
Joe Kratzer, 49
Bellbrook, OH
When it comes to sporting events, Joe Kratzer says he would “rather be a participator than a spectator.” And quite a participant he's been, taking home a total of more than 26 medals in seven World Transplant Games and eight National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events.
This June will mark the 20th anniversary of Kratzer’s kidney transplant, donated to him by his younger sister on June 6, 1989. He is celebrating by preparing for his seventh World Transplant Games event, where he will be competing in cycling, shot put, discus, softball throw and javelin events.
“I am sure my life could have been different; fewer health issues, fewer surgeries and whatnot, but in general I know how fortunate I am,” Kratzer says. “I have a beautiful wife, great friends, and now, I have great health, too. Most importantly, I was given a second chance to make the most of what I have.”
Joseph DiSanto, 15
Hillsborough, NJ
At fifteen years old, Joseph DiSanto is full of more wisdom and gratitude than most people twice his age, thanks to a diagnosis that changed his life when he was just eleven. It was then that doctors told him he had dilated cardiomyopathy, or an enlarged heart, even though he had no symptoms and felt fine. He was forced to trade everything he truly loved—playing baseball, basketball and football—for rest and heart medication.
“Giving up competitive sports at that age was really hard,” Joe recalls.
Ten months after his diagnosis, he went into cardiac arrest. He was put on a heart machine for three months until he was strong enough for a transplant and on July 8th he received the gift that changed his life—a new heart.
Jill Morton, 49
Coral Springs, FL
Jill Morton has two reasons to visit Australia this summer. First, she wants to continue her medal-winning streak as she participates in her third Transplant Games event. She is gearing up to compete in tennis, golf, track and softball events and has been training for the past six months in preparation.
The second reason to visit Australia is that the country is the home of someone very near and dear to her—her kidney donor.
“My donor was just a Good Samaritan, donating to me when she didn’t even know who I was. Now we are friends for eternity,” Jill explains.
Inspired by her donor’s strength and kindness, Jill is doing all she can to make the best of her second chance at life by helping others in need.
“I love to tell the wonderful story of the unknown donor from Australia to help others and encourage organ donation,” she says. “Everyone that hears my story is touched deeply with the miracle of this unselfish gift.”
Lacey Wood, 19
Placerville, CA
At just nineteen years old, heart and kidney transplant recipient Lacey Wood has made major strides in raising organ donation awareness and promoting the cause both in her home state and around the country. Having received a heart transplant at just eighteen months old and her kidney transplant as a gift from her brother in the summer of 2006, Lacey knows personally how successful organ donation can be.
In addition to speaking publicly on the issue, she helped start the organ donor registry in California by speaking at the state’s capitol. She is now working on getting another bill passed in Illinois to help fight insurance companies from switching transplant patients’ medication without physician approval. Lacey currently attends classes at DePaul University in Chicago, where she will soon earn a degree in communications, so she can eventually pursue organ donor education as a career.
“My dream job would be to travel around the world, spreading the word about organ donation and transplantation,” Lacey says of her goals. “There are so many amazing and inspiring stories, and I want to share them with the world.”
Despite all of her advocacy efforts, Lacey still has time to train for the volleyball, bowling and softball throw events in which she’ll be competing at the upcoming World Transplant Games. Lacey is a veteran participant, having competed in seven previous Transplant Games events.
When asked who inspires her, Lacey is quick to boast of her brother, whose gracious donation of his kidney has allowed her to live a normal life and advocate for the cause.
“My brother inspires me because of the unselfish gift he gave to me—my life!”
Matthew Criscuolo, 64
Darien, CT
Every Thanksgiving since receiving his kidney transplant, Matthew Criscuolo sits down and writes a letter to his donor family, thanking them for their gracious gift that saved his life. After five years, he received his first response, kicking off a correspondence that would lead to a wonderful relationship.
Once the lines of communication were open, Matthew sent his donor family a gold medal he earned at his first National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games event. He has since won a total of 32 medals at five National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events and four World Transplant Games events, and is now training to compete in swimming events at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia.
“My goal is to honor my donor family for giving me the ultimate gift of life by continuing to compete in the Transplant Games,” says Matthew. “I also want to make people aware of the importance of organ donation, and the first step toward doing that is to live my own life to the fullest. I am a very lucky man.”
Holly Werlein, 24
Gaylord, MI
Holly Werlein did not know she needed a liver transplant until after she received one. In fact, it was a strange coincidence that saved her life and provided her with the liver transplant she didn’t know she needed, after waiting only eight hours.
“I happened to be in the right place at the right time,” Holly explains. She was visiting Cleveland Clinic for a different, unrelated appointment when her mother noticed that her eyes were tinted yellow. While she was somewhat unconcerned, her doctor got busy testing her liver enzymes and before she knew it, her short doctor visit turned into a month-long stay at the hospital.
“I woke up from surgery with a new liver,” Holly says of her unusual situation. “When the doctors found out I needed the transplant, my mother and I only had to wait eight hours. I was very lucky—not like so many people who have to wait months or even years for an organ to become available.”
Aside from Holly’s current state of good health, another positive thing came out of her transplant as well. After receiving the transplant, she wrote to her donor family, thanking them for the incredible gift they gave her. The mother of her donor responded, noting that since she knew her decision to donate her son’s organs had helped to save a life, she too decided to check the organ donor box on her driver’s license.
Now, Holly spends her time fundraising and educating those around her about the importance of organ donation. She is training hard to compete in track and volleyball events in the upcoming World Transplant Games, where she will show off just how well her new liver works.
“I think I survived so that I could help promote organ donation,” Holly says. “I want to experience as much as I can and help others get the same chance, too.”
Jennie Pitman, 33
Indianapolis, IN
Jennie Pitman, of Indianapolis, Indiana, calls her donor family her angels. This vivacious transplant recipient knows that without their gift, she would never have received a second chance to pursue her lifelong passion – ice skating. As a twirling and leaping toddler, ice skating had always been a big part of her life, and as she got older, Jennie trained to become a competitive figure skater.
Jennie, who has Crohn’s Disease, endured many surgeries due to complications associated with the disease, but never imagined that she would be faced with liver failure.
Two summers ago, she learned that she was going to be the lucky recipient of a liver transplant.
“I was in complete shock,” Jennie recalls. “I was getting the most amazing gift I could ever receive from a family who just made a very hard decision at the most difficult time in their life.”
Once she recovered, Jennie went back to coaching young figure skaters and hockey players, and aims to bring the joy of skating to other transplant recipients.
“The Transplant Games prove that anything is attainable,” Jennie said. “It gives us, the transplant athletes, the opportunity to celebrate life and, in a small way, thank our donor families.”
Jennie looks forward to competing in the World Transplant Games after participating in her first National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games event in 2008.
Emily Biondi, 24
Baltimore, Maryland
“I’m sort of a preacher and poster child for transplantation,” says Emily Biondi, 25. “My doctor calls me when young patients need a transplant and I go and talk to them.” With a light smile and runway beauty, Emily not only speaks and supports, but she also sings for the cause that has saved her life.
Several years ago, kidney disease temporarily derailed her college career when extreme fatigue sent her home to her parents’ care. Eventually, doctors discovered kidney failure. Emily underwent a blood transfusion and began dialysis. At 19, she needed a kidney transplant. Her father came to the rescue, with “Lefty,” Emily’s pet name for his donated kidney. Lefty has not only saved Emily’s life, but transformed it. Since the transplant, she has been a large supporter of the National Kidney Foundation, helping researchers to develop ways to improve the treatment centers for kidney dialysis patients, talking to kids who are about to undergo transplant surgery and speaking on behalf of organ donation.
In addition, Emily has racked up medals at the National Kidney Foundation’s Olympic-style U.S. Transplant Games while her father Norman watched with pride and bemusement. “This was a girl who refused to go out for high school sports because of that sweating thing,” he reports wryly. Emily hopes to add more medals to her collection this summer when she travels to Australia to compete in the 2009 World Transplant Games.
In addition to the medals, Emily had the honor of singing at the closing ceremonies of the National Kidney Foundation 2008 U.S. Transplant Games. “It was a fun place to shine and to show that people with organ transplants they don’t have to give up. They can live great lives!”
Ryan Zinn, 35
Columbus, OH
For a few incredibly anxious weeks during his early teenage years, Ryan Zinn wasn’t focused on finding a girlfriend or getting on his school’s sports teams like the rest of his buddies—he was more concerned with receiving a life-saving heart transplant so he could grow up to be a healthy adult. On September 26, 1988, Ryan received his transplant and has since participated in seven World Transplant Games and nine National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games events.
“My goal is to live another 20 years with the same transplanted heart,” Ryan says with hope. “I try to spread the word in any way that I can that transplantation and organ donation works.”
Ryan has certainly spread that word in a big way, as he has claimed over ten medals at the World Games and over 25 medals in the U.S. Games, proving his heart transplant can’t hold him back. He is now ready to compete in a variety of track and volleyball events at this year’s World Games.
William Klahn, 55
Iowa City, IA
For over forty years, William Klahn has dabbled in a variety of physically-trying activities, including competitive swimming, biking, rock climbing, mountain climbing, kayaking and volleyball. His current job as a personal trainer requires him to stay in great shape.
But William doesn’t take his health and fitness for granted. In the spring of 2005, he was forced to put the breaks on his active lifestyle when his doctor presented him with a frightening diagnosis. William was told he had liver cancer and would need a transplant to save his life.
Luckily, William received a new liver later in that year, and he has since participated in two National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games event. He is now ready to show the world what he’s got at the 2009 World Transplant Games.
“I try to lead by example... by behaving like a champion and through my sports triumphs, I trying to encourage people to donate organs,” William explains. “The more I win, the more I have a voice. I believe the reason I am still alive is to promote organ donation and transplantation, and I will continue this endeavor until my last breath.”
Barbara Breckenridge, 66
Buffalo, NY
After receiving a kidney transplant on July 31, 1999 from a deceased donor, Barbara Breckenridge went on to win eight medals at four National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games events. She is now training for her first World Transplant Games event, where she will be competing in a number of track and field events. "I have told my story many times and will continue to do so whenever I can," Barbara says. "I want to continue to promote organ donation and to encourage other patients and their families with my own experience."
Christopher Ramadon, 29
Three Rivers, MA
Having already taken home a gold medal from the 2008 National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games, two-time kidney transplant recipient Christopher Ramadon is ready to show his stuff at his first World Transplant Games event. He is grateful for his wonderful fiancé, his two year old son and his ability to live a normal life after his transplants. "I want to share my story because I'm glad to inspire, answer questions and be a role model to those who are entering this world of transplantation," Chris explains.
David Simmons, 55
Evanston, IL
David Simmons owes his life and current state of good health to his wife. Maureen stepped up and donated her kidney to him in October of 2003, and thanks to the selfless gift she gave him, David is now able to live normally and healthily. Having already participated in two National Kidney Foundation US Transplant Games events, he is now training to compete in his second World Transplant Games event. Inspired by the other transplant athletes he has met at the Games, David is a man with many aspirations for the future. "I hope to stay healthy, to continue to attend Transplant Games events and to travel as much as I can."
Gabrielle Steiger, 22
Huntingdon Valley
At just 16 months old, Gabrielle Steiger received a liver transplant that saved her life. She is a resilient young woman, currently training to compete in volleyball, track and field events at the upcoming World Transplant Games. This is hardly a first for Gabrielle, however-- she has already participated in three World Transplant Games and five National Kidney Foundation US Transplant Games events, racking up a number of personal and team medals along the way.
Not only does Gabrielle show off her athletic abilities at the Transplant Games, but in her spare time, she uses her own transplant experience to educate others about transplantation. She is a volunteer for the Gift of Life Donor Program and she set up a student organization dedicated to promoting organ donation and transplantation at her alma mater, Pennsylvania State University.
Now that she has graduated from Penn State, she has big dreams for her future. "I would love to get a job that relates to my major study of International Relations," she explains.
Ray Velasco, 46
Alameda, TX
Having won a remarkable 102 medals at 18 separate Transplant Games events, kidney transplant recipient Ray Velasco is no stranger to post-transplant competition. Now training for swimming events at the upcoming World Games, Ray hopes to earn more medals and showcase the success of his kidney transplant, graciously given to him by his younger sister in December of 1993.
In addition to swimming, Ray enjoys windsurfing, surfing and jogging. He swims in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon every year and also participates int he National Kidney Foundation Surf Pro competition in Florida.
"I have experienced hardships, but I will talk to anyone about my positive experience with transplantation," Ray says of his desire to spread the word about the importance of organ donation. "I can still play sports and live a healthy life."
Robert Juneau, 39
Marietta, NY
When Cystic Fibrosis threatened Robert Juneau's life, it was clear he would need a double lung transplant to survive. Once he received this, he slowly but surely got back on his feet and took steps toward returning to his normal activities and living his life to the fullest.
Robert participated in the National Kidney Foundation 2008 US Transplant Games, from which he brought home a gold medal in table tennis and a silver medal in badminton-- but for him, the medals weren't the highlight of the event.
"I randomly ran into my anonymous donor's parents on the streets of Pittsburgh during the National Kidney Foundation 2008 US Transplant Games," Robert explains
.He is now training for the upcoming World Transplant Games, where he will compete in table tennis and hopefully bring home more medals to add to his collection. He spends some time fundraising for the National Kidney Foundation and educating whoever he runs into about organ donation and transplantation.
Andrew Claytor, 55
Chatham, VA
Every medal that Andrew Gordon has earned at the handful of Transplant Games he has competed in since 1999, he has graciously handed over to the donor family that provided him with his life-saving liver transplant in 1995. He is now training to compete in volleyball, bowling, golf and track events at the upcoming World Transplant Games.
"I am willing to talk to anyone who wants to learn about transplantation," Andrew says of his desire to share his story. "I just want to wake up, enjoy life and help others be able to do the same."
Greg Gelinas, 50
Portland, ME
Having received two kidney transplants and a pancreas transplant, Greg Gelinas knows firsthand the great success of organ transplantation. Because of the transplants that saved his life, he has been able to participate in seven Transplant Games events and is now training to compete in swimming, track and cycling events at the upcoming World Games.
In addition to participating in the Transplant Games, he often competes in local triathlons and charity bike rides. "My goal is to be in better shape at 60 than I am at 50. I want to keep promoting organ donation in any way I can, and my own physical shape is a testament to that" Greg explains. To help spread the word about the success of transplantation, Greg plans to ride around to each and every dialysis center in Maine this coming summer.
Kim Estep-Lampley, 50
Raleigh, NC
Kim Estep-Lampley has received two kidney transplants, one of them from her mother who is now 86. She has brought home 4 medals from the National Kidney Foundation 2008 US Transplant Games, and is now training to compete in the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia. She loves sharing her story with everyone she comes in contact with.
"I am willing to do whatever it takes to further awareness about organ donation and transplantation," Kim explains. "I honor my own gift of life and want other people to be able to do the same."
Muthuswamy Govindarajan, 58
Plainsboro, NJ
When Muthuswamy Govindarajan needed a kidney transplant, his wife saved his life as she stepped up and donated her kidney to him. He has since participated in ten Transplant Games events, winning eight medals and making his family proud. He is training to compete in badminton, swimming, table tennis and track at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia.
"My family inspires me," Muthuswamy says. "I share my story for the good cause of promoting the gift of life."
Gilbert Hayes, 64
East Windsor, CT
In addition to participating in the National Kidney Foundation 2006 and 2008 US Transplant Games events, kidney transplant recipient Gilbert Hayes is generally active and is out to prove his kidney transplant can't hold him down. In addition to playing golf on a league at his home course, Gilbert promotes organ donation and transplantation as a party of Donate Life CT and a volunteer for the National Kidney Foundation of Connecticut. He has received awards for his volunteer and public education efforts, and is now training to participate in his first World Transplant Games event, where he will compete in golf and softball throw events.
"My goal is to promote organ donation in any way I can," Gilbert says. "I will talk to anyone- I have no problem promoting such a good thing!'
Anderson Irvin, 76
Milwaukee, WI
Having participated in eight Transplant Games events, heart transplant recipient Anderson Irvin has taken home at least two golds in each of the events he has participated in and has won a handful of silver and bronze medals, as well. He is now training to compete in a variety of track events at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia.
In his free time, he speaks for an organ donor network, volunteers for health fairs and promotes organ donation however he can.
"I love talking about my own gift of life," Anderson says. "I want to be able to continue to compete at the Games and spread the word in any way I can."
William Jay, 30
Knoxville, TN
When asked why he hasn't yet been in touch with his donor family, liver transplant recipient William Jay gets emotional.
"I have not yet been able to put in words my appreciation for what they did for me," William explains. Until he finds the words, William is silently honoring his donor by encouraging others to take the courageous step his donor family took and sign up to become organ donors.
William won three gold medals at the National Kidney Foundation 2008 US Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, PA, and is now ready to compete in a variety of track and field events at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia.
"The biggest difficulty is conveying to others that life after a transplant can be totally normal," William says. "I want to live a better than average life and show how successful transplantation can be."
Robert Juneau, 39
Marietta, NY
At the National Kidney Foundation 2008 US Transplant Games, double lung transplant recipient Robert Juneau not only won medals and experienced intense competition, but he was part of a coincidence no one could have predicted.
"By chance, I met my anonymous lung donor's parents on the streets of Pittsburgh at the 2008 US Transplant Games," Robert explains of the random and unexpected twist of fate.
Robert, who often fundraises for the National Kidney Foundation, is now training to compete in table tennis at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia.
Zachary Brooks, 39
Los Angeles, CA
Like any other family, Zachary Brooks' parents gave him life when he was born. Uniquely, they were also able to give him life twice more, when he needed kidney transplants to survive. His father, Stephen, stepped up and donated a kidney to Zachary when his kidneys failed in April of 1999 due to Nephropathy. In June of 2007, when that kidney failed and Zachary was in need of yet another life-saving transplant, his mother Nancy was there to provide it, donating one of her kidneys to her son.
"My parents inspire me," Zach explains. "They each gave me a gift that saved my life."
Zachary has always been athletic, participating in bike racing, soccer, track and even touring with a dance company after his first transplant. He took home four medals from the National Kidney Foundation 2008 US Transplant Games in Pittsburgh, PA, and is ready to go for the gold at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia. "I would like to compete in as many transplant games as possible and continue to be a living, breathing, speaking and acting testament to the success of organ transplantation," Zachary says of his goals.
When he is not competing in triathlons and bike races or training for the Transplant Games, Zachary works on earning his Master's degree in Applied Linguistics at the University of Massachusetts. He also volunteers for the National Kidney Foundation of Southern California, runs a youth exchange program and advocates for more federal funds for preventative programs so people can detect kidney disease early.
"Some people think I am involved in too many activities, but knowing what I know, I wouldn't have it any other way," Zach says. "I love sharing my story with others in any way I can, even if it takes up most of my time!"
Tracy Copeland, 44
Sparks, Nevada
Tracy Copeland learned about organ donation fast and furiously, and only after it saved her life. She had always checked the organ donor box on her driver’s license simply because it seemed like the right thing to do. Like most Americans, she did not understand the implications of this simple task. Nor did she know the size of the transplant waiting list, and how it would feel for a family to struggle with the best way to honor the wishes of someone who had checked that same box. Then, suddenly, she did.
Her liver failed unexpectedly for reasons that she and doctors still do not understand. She had been living a full and normal life as a wife and mother with a good job as an accountant. Then one day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that her eyes had turned yellow. A few days later, she was in a coma and placed on the transplant list. Her family gathered, but could only wait and pray. When she finally awoke, she had a new liver and a new life.
Since her transplant, Tracy, who is 44, is dedicated to sharing her experience and accomplishments as a transplant recipient. She seeks out opportunities for especially demanding sports competitions, to show how successful organ transplantation is and raise awareness for the urgent need for donors.
Her rigorous training paid off. Tracy received the Outstanding Female Athlete Award at the National Kidney Foundation 2006 US Transplant Games where she won a total of six gold medals in cycling, swimming, and track. In addition, Tracy has competed locally in extremely demanding bike rides and triathlons, all in the name of organ donation. Tracy went on to compete in the National Kidney Foundation 2008 US Transplant Games where she won a number of medals, and is now training for the upcoming World Transplant Games, where she will compete in track and cycling events.
David Burgio, 65
Lexington, KY
Prior to his kidney transplant in 1996, David Burgio was an avid swimmer. He has since proved that transplantation can't hold him back, as he has taken home a number of medals in swimming events from various National Kidney Foundation US Transplant Games events and is training to compete at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia.
In his spare time, David is active with local organ donation networks, and was recently elected to the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) Board of Directors. He aspires to maintain a healthy lifestyle and devote his spare time to organ donation advocacy activities. "I have been very blessed," David reflects. "I am thankful to be able to help others using my own experience with transplantation."
Damon Danieli, 39
Seattle, WA
The kindness of a stranger saved Damon Danieli's life. Before Damon's kidneys failed, he was incredibly athletic and especially enjoyed mountain climbing. He climbed Denali, the highest peak in North America. In 2006, however, all that was put on hold when his kidneys began to fail and he needed dialysis treatment multiple times every week. In August of 2008, a stranger decided to donate her kidney to a random person in need of a transplant. That random person was Damon, and the two have since become close friends.
"Sara, my donor-turned-friend, inspires me so much," Damon says of the woman who saved his life. "She was incredibly generous to a stranger in need."
Now, Damon is able to put his health hardships behind him and focus on what's truly important to him, like building his company, building a house and sending his kids to college. He is currently training for his first World Transplant Games event, where he hopes to earn medals in track, cycling and swimming events. "I want to share my story with everyone I can," Damon says.
Mark DeWever, 54
Portland, ME
At 54, kidney transplant recipient Mark DeWever has high hopes for the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and transplant community. "I would like to see a cure for kidney disease in my lifetime and end the wait for organ transplantation," Mark says with ambition.
To turn his goals into reality, Mark, who received a kidney from his wife in 2000, works hard to promote organ donation and CKD awareness as much as he can. He volunteers for the National Kidney Foundation of Maine, helping out at events and fundraisers. In addition to his volunteer activities, Mark has participated in four National Kidney Foundation US Transplant Games and four World Transplant Games events. He is now training to compete in the shotput ball throw and lawn bowling events at the upcoming World Transplant Games in Australia.
"We are not just athletes-- we are athletes who have gone through life-saving operations," Mark explains of his involvement in the Games and desire to spread the word. "We are people who live full lives after transplantation, so it's important we get the word out about organ donation."
Donald Ehnot, 71
Coopersburg, PA
Donald Ehnot received his life-saving heart transplant from a 19-year-old male in 1990. Now, the same heart that beat in inside his anonymous donor for 19 years has been beating inside Donald for just as long, and not a day goes by when he doesn't reflect on how grateful he is for his gift of life.
While Donald is technically retired, he is incredibly active, donating his time to promote organ donation and volunteer at the Da Vinci Science Center, where he works with children. He also enjoys spending time with his two grandchildren.
Donald has participated in seventeen consecutive Transplant Games Events and is training for the upcoming World Transplant Games, where he will compete in a number of track and field events. "I love telling my story," Donald says. "I hope to continue living an active and meaningful life, to keep trying new things, and promote the importance of organ donation."
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