Faces of the Games

BRITTNEY ANDREWS, 13 & SARA CASTRO, 13

Loveland, Colorado & Pico Rivera, California

Britney Andrews

Brittney Andrews of Loveland, Colorado and Sara Castro of Pico Rivera, California share a close friendship formed from an uncommon experience. The two girls and their families met at the intensive care unit of Loma Linda University Medical Center 13 years ago where both received heart transplants. Sara was the 85th heart transplant for a baby less than six months of age and Brittney was the center’s 86th. Together they and their families share a common bond as these plucky survivors make their mark in the world.

Born with a malformed heart, Brittney was sent home in her mother’s arms with little hope that she would live. However, at three months of age, Brittney underwent a heart transplant and has lived a normal, healthy life ever since. Now 13 years old, she is active in school activities, playing basketball, volleyball and running track. She is an honor student in middle school and has big plans for her future. She speaks publicly about transplantation and participates in organ donation awareness activities in the community. At the age of 9 she traveled to Washington, DC to introduce The First Family Pledge, a donor awareness bill. She competed in the 2000 and 2002 U.S. Transplant Games brought home medals in track and field competitions. Most recently, she sprinted towards a gold medal in the 100 meter dash, and threw her way to another gold medal in the shot put at the 2004 National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games.

Sara’s mother was a few months pregnant when doctors detected that the baby’s heart rate was only 60, instead of the normal 120. Born 4 pounds, 14 ounces, Sara had severe congenital heart disease. At five weeks, a heart became available, and in January of 1991 she got the gift of life.

 

Some of Sara and Brittney’s best times have been when the two have participated in events together attending the 2003 World Transplant Games in France. Both returned with medals, Brittney in track events and Sara in bowling. This summer they will both attend the National Kidney Foundation 2006 Transplant Games in Louisville Kentucky where they hope to win more gold.