Transplant Games of America, here I come!
I’m excited to soon be competing in the games for the first time
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Nearly eight years ago, I flew to Salt Lake City for the Transplant Games of America (TGA). It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Life-changing, in fact.
It had been almost a year since my double-lung transplant due to cystic fibrosis (CF). That first year was filled with spontaneous travel, and attending the TGA was one of those last-minute trips I decided was necessary. I had heard about the games less than a week before they were set to take place.
Little did I know I would get to meet some of my dearest friends in person for the first time and make so many new ones!
Heaven on earth
The event is the only gathering of this size I’ve been to where everyone is genuinely happy to be there and friendly to one another. I didn’t meet strangers; I met extensions of my family, people I felt like I’d known my whole life. People were laughing, crying, and hugging, sometimes all at once. It was beautiful to witness and be a part of. I thought instantly that this must be what heaven is like.
The TGA is one of the few places where I’ve felt like I belonged. Transplant recipients, their loved ones, donor families, living donors, and all those who support our community attended the event in 2018.
It felt so freeing to be at ease and show up fully as myself. I didn’t have to hide my health, my medications, or anything. It was truly the most welcoming place.
I also got to meet people from all over the world and learned about medical conditions I’d never heard of. I met people who had had every kind of transplant, some that I never knew were possible.
I got to see people who’ve lived through hellish ordeals compete in various sporting events. It brought tears to my eyes to know what people have been through, how hard they’ve fought to live, and that they now have the ability to participate in the events. It was truly miraculous to witness people who had once been in the intensive care unit run races, swim, or play a mean game of volleyball.
Although I couldn’t compete eight years ago, I did get to attend workshops that focused on living with a transplant. There were also a lot of opportunities to meet people.
Back to the games
But I will be competing in the games this year, and I am excited! I’ll be sporting sweatbands while I play pickleball and basketball at the games in Denver from June 18-23. It will be a blast to connect with my team again, as well as friends from all over the planet. I’m excited to introduce my husband to this vast community, too.
I’m so grateful for the Transplant Life Foundation, the sponsor of the TGA. This organization has been so important for connecting with people in the transplant community. The foundation featured my transplant experience in its magazine, TransplantNATION, giving me the opportunity to share my story with others. It has also been an incredible outlet for research, resources, and connections to therapeutic partnerships, such as pharmaceutical companies and transplant-specific organizations. The team is truly one of a kind.
I’m so humbled that there’s a place for transplant recipients to be celebrated. It’s a unique life experience — one that is truly miraculous. It’s a gift to have the opportunity to be where our abilities are honored.
Let me know in the comments if I’ll see you there!
Note: Cystic Fibrosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cystic Fibrosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to cystic fibrosis.
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