Sharing stories, sharing life: Transplant Games of America 2024
07/17/2024LIVING LIFE TO THE FULLEST
She holds out her very first medal that she won at the 2024 Transplant Games of America—also a first for this two-time, double-lung recipient.
Jennifer Adams was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a disease that can damage multiple organs—particularly the lungs. Jennifer received her first transplant in 2017. After some complications, she required another double-lung transplant in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Jennifer joined thousands of transplant recipients like herself at the Transplant Games of America in early July 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama.
Together, they showcased their renewed health after transplantation and honored the life passed down from their lifesaving donors.
“It meant a lot for me to be here,” says Jennifer. “I’m glad I came.”
She says she found it impactful to meet people who have gone through a similar experience, as well as those who are on the other side of donation—the donor families. Having not met her donor’s family, she found it touching to connect with other donor families and plans to keep in touch with some over social media.
“If I could meet them,” Jennifer says, describing her donor’s family, “I would say, ‘Thank you so much for the opportunity for me to live life and be with my family.”
Their gift has given her the opportunity to live life to the fullest, which is just what she did at the games.
Jennifer competed in pickleball, a trivia challenge, and the 200-meter dash in which she earned the bronze medal that she proudly wears on her chest over the lungs that allow her to run. She says she encourages anyone thinking about attending to sign up and plans to continue competing in even more events at the next Transplant Games of America.
THE TRANSPLANT GAMES OF AMERICA
Over 3,000 athletes and hundreds of supporters arrived in Birmingham, Alabama, for the 2024 Transplant Games of America last week. For 33 years and counting, the Transplant Life Foundation has brought a community of people touched by the gift of organ and tissue donation together. Transplant recipients, patients waiting for a transplant, caregivers, donor families, donation professionals, living donors and supporters joined to share life and stories.
The games include over 20 athletic and recreational competitions, ranging from a 5K race to Texas Hold’ Em poker, for transplant recipients and living donors to showcase their renewed health post-surgery, as well as special divisions for donor families to compete. There are also a variety of special events to celebrate donors, connect with others and further donation education through lectures and workshops.
“Whether your interest is the intense competition, the deep and meaningful tributes, or the educational programs, the Transplant Games has something for you,” Transplant Life Foundation shared on it’s website.
CHEERING ON ARIZONA
Team Arizona kicked off the week at the Parade of Athletes during the opening ceremony. With ages ranging from 12 – 78 years old, 22 athletes eagerly marched into the arena to make history during Arizona’s 12th appearance at the competition.
After competing in 65 competitions across 16 events, our team brought home 42 medals!
Of the 42 medals earned at this year’s games, Team Arizona brought home 25 Gold, 5 Silver and 12 Bronze medals!
The team competed in a range of athletic and recreational competitions, including:
- 5K race
- Swimming
- Texas Hold ‘Em
- Table tennis
- Cycling
- Track & field
- Tennis singles
- Tennis doubles
- Pickleball doubles
- Pickleball mixed doubles
- Bowling singles
- Bowling doubles
- Cornhole
- Trivia challenge
- Darts
CELEBRATE WITH US
Join in on the celebration. Did you attend the 2024 Transplant Games of America? Tag us and Transplant Community Alliance and use #TGA2024BHM on your social media posts!
Even if you didn’t attend, you can still help celebrate and share the gift of life. Register as an organ and tissue donor online today at www.DonateLifeAZ.org or when you apply for or renew your driver license or ID at an ADOT or third-party office location.