Let the Countdown Begin!

22 days. 12 hours. 54 minutes…53 minutes…52 minutes. The start of the U.S. Transplant Games is upon us. Soon the more than 280 members of Team Illinois will travel to Madison, WI for the Olympic-style event that celebrates transplant recipients, living donors, donor families and supporters. Team IL has already received recognition for having the largest number of living donors out of all the participating teams. Kudos!

I haven’t attended before but from what I hear from past participants, the Games are inspiring, encouraging and incredible moving. Team IL athlete Jen is documenting her journey to the Games and will be sharing her experience in Madison here on the I am. Are you? blog.

You can also check out Steve Baum’s blog, another athlete sharing his journey to the Games.

The Northwest Herald recently profiled heart recipient and Team IL athlete Carissa Panek.

For all you need to know about Team IL and to follow the countdown clock, check out the Team’s website.

Best of luck to all participants! Go Team IL!

Photos from previous Games:

Preparing for the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games

Rosie, Jen, Steph (L-R) Team Illinois Athletes

My name is Mary Schlereth and I am the manager for Team Illinois and their participation in the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games.  My involvement with the Games began in 2004 after my boyfriend became an organ donor.  The U.S. Transplant Games were my first big event as a donor family member and I encourage everyone to attend the Games at least once in their lifetime as they will leave you with unforgettable memories and many new friends.

In just under 50 days, more than 5,000 people from across the nation will come to Madison, Wisconsin for the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games.  The Games show the success of donation and transplantation, honor living and deceased donors and their families, and call attention to the need for more organ and tissue donors.  Recipient athletes will participate in events such as basketball, volleyball, bowling, tennis and swimming to ballroom dancing!  Workshops and donor recognition ceremonies are available for living donors and donor families to attend.

This year, Team Illinois is made up of over 280 recipients, living donors, and supporting friends and family members.  With Opening Ceremonies just around the corner, I’ve asked one of Team Illinois’ athletes to share her experience and preparation for the Games. Jen received a second chance at life after receiving a liver transplant and is one of the Team’s most energetic athletes who will be competing on the basketball and volleyball teams. I invite you to follow Jen as she shares her experience with the Transplant Games and gears up for Madison. Jen’s first post will be coming soon.

Go Team IL!

Mary

Team IL Manager

Photos of Team Illinois from past events:

Team Illinois members and the Donor Quilt

Team Illinois bikers

Team Illinois members