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HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson Stops By the U.S. Transplant Games

Rose D’Acquisto

On the last day of the 2004 U.S. Transplant Games, Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson honored donor families and athletes by making a special guest appearance at the University of Minnesota Campus. A long-time advocate of organ and tissue donation and transplantation, Secretary Thompson generously pulled an all-nighter so he could show his support for the Games with a quick stopover in Minneapolis.

First on Secretary Thompson’s afternoon agenda was a visit to the Donor Family Quilt, which was on display at the Radisson Metrodome hotel. After a warm welcome, he was given a brief history of the quilt and listened intently to several families about their loved ones’ quilt patches. As he spoke to all the donor families who had gathered to meet him, he had tears in his eyes. He expressed his deep sorrow for their loss and thanked them for their generous spirit. He told donor families he wished more Americans thought like them—that they were the true heroes of the games. He shook hands and embraced people, his words obviously heartfelt.

Meanwhile, outside the hotel, Team Wisconsin had gathered to greet the former Governor of Wisconsin. As Secretary Thompson walked through the hotel doors, athletes and donor families cheered him on. They presented him with a hat and a shirt, making him an honorary member of Team Wisconsin. As the group posed for photo, Secretary Thompson said, “Everyone say Wisconsin Cheese,” as they all smiled broadly.

Secretary Thompson’s visit to the Games concluded at the University Recreation Center, where a volleyball game was taking place. The game stopped instantly as a surprised group of athletes quietly and respectfully gave Secretary Thompson the floor. As he spoke once again, this time to room full of transplant recipients, he told them he wished that all of America could see them at the Games, as they were living proof of the success of organ donation. He also reiterated the need to increase awareness, especially with the growing waiting list, and how events like the Games provide opportunities to get the word out about organ donation. With final handshakes and hugs, Secretary Thompson left, leaving an impression through his meaningful presence at the Games.