Faces of the Games
JENNIFER SKILLMAN, 37
Santa Fe, New Mexico
A competitive swimmer in high school, Jennifer Skillman was used to the thrill of the race and the discipline of daily swim practice. When diabetes forced her to cut back on physical activity, Jennifer found a new challenge in the study of medicine, specializing in pediatrics.
Marriage, the birth of a daughter and an engaging medical career filled Jennifer’s life until she learned that her diabetes had caused serious kidney damage. With an uncertain future ahead of her, Jennifer found herself living on borrowed time. While interviewing a fellow doctor for a job in Santa Fe, the topic of her kidney disease arose. Immediately, he described how he had donated a kidney to his wife. Although the man didn't take the job in Santa Fe, the two stayed in touch and continued to discuss the possibility of a living-related transplant for Jennifer. In March of 2003, Jennifer's husband followed her colleague’s lead and donated a kidney to her. The following September, Jennifer received a pancreas from a deceased donor and became diabetes-free for the first time in 15 years.
Last year, Jennifer found herself back in the pool, competing in her first Transplant Games event. She won gold and silver medals in two different swimming competitions. To thank the family who had donated their loved one’s pancreas, Jennifer sent a medal to them, a small gesture compared to the gift of life they bestowed on her. She is looking forward to the 2006 Transplant Games which will take place in June in Louisville where she hopes to bring home more gold and silver.
