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
If anyone is interested in getting more information about the U.S. Transplant Games go to http://www.transplantgames.org or http://www.team-illinois.org