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“It was so wonderful. I will remember this as one of the best experiences of my post transplant life. I intend to attend forever…”
-Paula A. Caudill, TEAM KENTUCKY, Athlete
“The people that had their transplants a lot longer than me showed me that I have a long life ahead of me if I’m willing.”
-William Mangan, TEAM PITTSBURGH, Athlete
“The sportsmanship is awesome! I saw a swimmer give his gold medal to another swimmer who barely had the strengh to finish her event. He jumped in and guided her the rest of the way and then at the closing ceremonies he came to our section and sat next to her, said good-bye until 2010 and then slipped the medal from his neck and put it on hers! Now that’s why I keep coming back. That and the chance to thank the donor families!”
-Deborah Ramsey, TEAM ILLINOIS, Athlete
“It was a most valuable healing experience for us. It gave us so much hope, healing and passion for moving forward in our lives after our loss. The sadness and loss will always be there for us but attending the Games and seeing such enthusiasm and life helped us feel grateful that our son had the opportunity to give the Gift of Life.”
-Mary Jo Rozmenoski, TEAM WISCONSIN, Donor Family
“I have never felt so embraced by total strangers - Athletes and recipient families walked up to me and thanked me for just "being" a donor family - It was very overwhelming and rewarding - Also a very safe place to express feelings of loss and love with others. The whole experience for me was just wonderful - Thank you so much for doing what you do!!”
-Tara Donnelly, TEAM ARIZONA, Donor Family
“This was my first Transplant Games since my son’s death. Wasn’t sure how I was going to react and deal with the experience but went with an open mind and heart. After our first bus trip to the convention center, strangers on the bus were thanking me for making the donation of my son’s organs, (even though they didn’t go to them) but knowing without people like me and hundreds, thousands, millions others like myself, they, might not be alive. I lost a son and that will never change, but I have changed the lives of 6 people who received Jimmer’s organs and numerous other people who received muscle, tissue, bone, etc. I can now make a difference by bringing awareness to organ transplantation to make a difference in a greater way.”
-Jill Burbank, TEAM PHILADELPHIA, Donor Family
“I came home realizing that my family grew to thousands. Thank you for putting on such a beautiful program for both the donor families and the recipients. I saw how important it is to educate the public on donating organs whether it be while you are living or when you pass on.”
-Vicki Niles, TEAM LIBERTY, Donor Family
“This experience, by far, was the most humbling and rewarding experience of my life. I donated my kidney to my father in 2006 and 2 years later seeing him compete was incredible. Running the 5k was a accomplishment for myself. It was incredible seeing everyong running/walking for such a good cause. The camaraderie of all the atheletes, familes, supporters was unbelievable. One of the most life changing experiences of my life. I will never miss a Transplant Games as long as I can.”
-Marie Antonette Eraso, TEAM NORTH TEXAS, Living Donor
“My daughter, Courtney Williams, participated in basketball, badminton, and bowling. Courtney and her teammates played basketball the first night and moved on the next round the following night. The next day Courtney played badminton and ended up in the afternoon playing for a medal. The young lady she was playing against for the bronze was having lots of trouble with her asthma and needed to take a break every other birdi. Courtney talked with her judge, who was so nice (Vince), and ask if she could forfeit the game to keep the other girl from getting too tired. Vince said it would be her decision, but would cost her the medal. Courtney expressed her wishes to come to the games to make memories and friendships not to win medals. My proudest moment was seeing my daughter give up her medal for something far more special, a friendship.”
-Dee Ann Williams, TEAM MISSISSIPPI, Living Donor
“I really appreciated the APPRECIATION I was given as a living donor - it was very gratifying to know how much it was appreciated by people I do not know. I loved the fellowship and common bond we have that makes it possible to discuss our experience in a way that is not otherwise available.”
-Vivien Keith, TEAM NEW MEXICO, Living Donor
“We, my sister and I had a tremendous time bonding with other donor/recipients from around the country. To see the love, and respect as people spoke to and with others they've never known and then to depart knowing you now have hundreds of "family friends", who know your experience and can relate was powerful.”
-Robin Ferguson, TEAM PHILADELPHIA, Living Donor
“Just being there was rewarding and reminds me why I work in the field I do.”
-Charlotte Wong, TEAM KENTUCKY, Professional
“I was in awe of the power of the athletes and the generosity and kindness toward all donor families.”
-Georganna Kelly, TEAM VIRGINIA, Professional
“It was an honor to be surrounded by donors and recipients. It gave me reassurance as a transplant coordinator that what I do is valuable! To see donors and recipients celebrating life together was a honor. A memory I will treasure for the rest of my life!”
-Ashley Bird, TEAM GEORGIA, Professional
“As a transplant professional it reinforced why I do what I do. It was inspiring to see the athletes and heart warming to see the love and gratitude given to the donor families.”
-Jill Wilke, TEAM WISCONSIN, Professional
“It was our first games with our Donor Family who we met just this year on the 7th anniversary of my husband’s heart transplant. It was great sharing the games with them. It made it even more special than other years.”
-Ellen, TEAM NORTHEAST NY, Supporter
“Inspired my husband to send his medal to his donor family. We have not met, but are communicating.”
-Mary Lou Bolger, TEAM PHILADELPHIA, Supporter
“What was so great was when we were at the swimming event, seeing our team manger on her hands and knees crawling along with the teammates to give them all she had to help them reach the end. Also to see other managers and team members cheer on other teams and members was great.”
-Elaine Gay, TEAM ALABAMA, Supporter
“It was wonderful to see our athletes healthy and competing; it was life-giving to see the joy on donor families faces, even though they had tears as well.”
-Lenora Waller, TEAM NORTHWEST, Supporter
" I hadn't realized how active many transplant patients are and can be. I was really moved by the folks working alongside me."
- Bonnie Charles, Volunteer, 2008 NKF U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh
"The interaction with other volunteers was very gratifying as there were many areas of the transplant process from transplantees, families, donors and medical staff. "
- Diane Beal, Volunteer, 2008 NKF U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh
"Overall, the spirit of the event was positive and the staff and participants showed a lot of energy and passion for the cause. I was proud to be a part of it."
- Justin Miller, Volunteer, 2008 NKF U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh
"It is great to see how these people do not give up and it helps me to realize that you should never give up no matter how bad things may seem"
- Emily Huebner, Volunteer, 2008 NKF U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh
"Met many lovely sweet and genuine people who shared their personal stories and were so appreciative of our help and support. As a Phi Sig sister, our philanthropy event donates to the foundation (NKF) so it’s awesome to see where our money goes and how people are effected by the foundation."
- Ashley Cooke, Volunteer, 2008 NKF U.S. Transplant Games in Pittsburgh