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Transplant, bereavement and other organ donation professionals are entrusted with the care of patients and families throughout the organ donation and transplantation processes. While this responsibility, during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives, can be bittersweet, seeing them enjoy the fullness of life at the Games can refresh, renew and reaffirm the importance of all that you do!
But, you don’t have to wait until you get to the Games to see the fruits of your labor. Each participant in the Games is part of an official National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games® Team representing his or her state or region, which is organized by a local Team Manager. Games team members are categorized as Primary or Support Members. Transplant Professionals are Support team members. For more information on how you can get involved with your local team, please contact the Team Manager for your area.
Here are some ways you can be a part of the Games, right now in your local community:
“Just being there was rewarding and reminds me why I work in the field I do.”
— Charlotte Wong, Professional, Team Kentucky
“My transplant nurse sought me out at the swimming pool and stayed the whole day to cheer me on. I had the opportunity to give her one of my gold medals in front of a large audience to thank her for her care 12 years ago.”
— Bob Skaggs, Transplant Athlete, Team New Mexico
“The Donor Recognition Ceremony was especially moving. I also really enjoyed being able to volunteer for the workshops for donor families to make quilt squares & memory books.” — Patricia Black, Professional, Team Northern California
In recognition of the important roll that they play in the lives of transplant candidates, recipients, donors and donor families, transplant, bereavement and other organ donation professionals march in at the start of the Opening procession under the Donate Life America banner. The opening line up for the procession is the perfect opportunity to meet and greet your peers from transplant centers, organ procurement organizations, and other related organizations
The Living Donor Recognition Event is our time to recognize the generosity and spirit of our nation’s living donors. Join us for an afternoon of readings, music, and special tributes.
The Donor Recognition Ceremony is a chance to honor deceased donors and their families. Organ and tissue transplant recipients will share reflections on how transplantation changed their lives. The Ceremony will feature inspiring performances about the gift of life, a video of donors and more.
Patches of Love: The National Donor Family Quilt commemorates deceased organ and tissue donors. The entire Quilt will be displayed at Monona Terrace during the Games, which is one of the few times the Quilt comes together in its entirety. Everyone is invited to the Quilt Pinning to see new quilt squares added to Patches of Love, The National Donor Family Quilt. As each new Quilt patch is “pinned” to the Quilt, donor family members will have an opportunity to share a few words about the meaning of their Quilt patch. The Quilt is an opportunity to honor deceased donors. Participants are encouraged to “come and go” as needed.
The Coffeehouse is an open–mic forum for donor families, living donors, recipients and professionals to share a few words about their experiences. Participants can relax over dessert and coffee and share personal thoughts, stories, poems, songs or other creative expressions. You are invited to share something about the transplant experience through the eyes of a transplant or bereavement professional.
Walk, jog or run! Join us at your own pace, in the name of organ & tissue donation at the 5K Race for Organ, Eye & Tissue Donation Awareness, a road race for transplant recipients, family members, friends, transplant professionals, living donors, donor families and the local community. There is a separate registration and fee for Games’ non–athletes and the public who wish to participate in this event.
FORE! Open to all Games registrants, the Donor–Recipient Golf Outing is a friendly game of golf that involves all members from the transplant community. Prizes will be awarded for Best Ball, Longest Drive and more! Lunch included. There is a separate registration and fee for Games’ registrants who wish to participate in this event.
The Closing Ceremony is the official ending of the Games, which features a video highlighting the weeks’ events. Awards are also presented in recognition of the achievements of Games participants prior to and during the Games. Visit the Recognition and Awards page to nominate a recipient, donor, donor family or professional from your hospital or organization. The Ceremonies are immediately followed by music and dancing at the Farewell Party.