Chef With A Heart

 

The Transplant Games of America is a multi-sport festival event for individuals who have undergone life-saving transplant surgeries. Competition events are open to living donors, organ transplant recipients, bone marrow recipients, and a limited number of corneal and tissue transplant recipients. More than an athletic event, the Transplant Games of America highlight the critical importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation, while celebrating the lives of organ donors and recipients. For more information about the Transplant Games of America you can visit their site at www.transplantgamesofamerica.org

 

 

In 2014 I had the pleasure of competing in the Transplant Games of America in Houston, Texas. The journey began in 2013 when I saw a flyer at my transplant center. Once I saw the events offered I realized that I could make my return to the basketball court after a 12 year hiatus. I also decided to compete in track and field events and participant in the 5K Run/Walk with friends and family.  A month after seeing the flyer my training and preparing began. Training was a true test to myself mind, body and spirit. In the end it paid off because I won my first 2 medals. I was blessed enough to win a Silver medal in Discus and a Bronze medal in Shot Put. The Transplant Games was an emotional event as it is about more than the competition. I met some awesome people and was inspired by their stories. The best part was honoring our donors throughout the weekend. This journey has been a life changing for me and I feel so blessed to be able to participant in something like this. It was truly an amazing event and I can't wait to compete again in the future! Thank you to all my family and friends for the support.

 

 

Another great thing about the 2014 Transplant Games was I was able to participate in a documentary about the games. "Transplant Games: A Documentary" follows 5 transplant recipients as they compete in 2014 Transplant Games, held in Houston, Texas.  By sharing their personal stories of strength and courage, donors and donor families honor their lives and the lives of their loved ones. This wonderful film maker Cressandra Thibodeaux is the one who came up with this project. She is the Executive Director of 14 Pews, but she is also a filmmaker with an MFA from Columbia University's Film Program. For more information about the documentary look at their facebook page.