The Transplant Games of America, held every two years for transplant recipients and living donors, will see teams from all 50 states competing in 20 medal competitions. Fifty-three competitors from Indiana are heading to Birmingham, Alabama, with three of them joining the news team this morning. One competitor, Jackie Gallagher, has given a kidney to her daughter and both sons have had transplants. Another competitor, Andrew Hare, will be competing for the first time in bowling. Jim Webb, also competing for the third time with a lung transplant, emphasizes the importance of honoring the gift of life through competition. The Indiana Donor Network is supporting the team and raising awareness about organ donation for those interested in becoming donors.
The Transplant Games of America, held every two years for transplant recipients and living donors, brought together teams from all 50 states to compete in 20 medal competitions. Today, 53 competitors from Indiana are heading to Birmingham, Alabama, with Jackie Gallagher, Andrew Hare, and Jim Webb representing the state. Karin Of Sincese Casey, Manager of Team Indiana, and the Community Outreach Coordinator for Donate Life Indiana, highlighted the significance of the games, akin to an Olympic event that celebrates those who have received organ or tissue transplants, as well as living donors and their families.
Jackie Gallagher, a participant for the fourth time, shared her family’s medical journey, where her children underwent transplants due to an inherited condition. Andrew Hare, a first-time competitor, will be competing in bowling, while Jim Webb, in his third games, recounted his lung transplant experience. For Webb, competing is a way to honor the gift of life he received and inspire appreciation for health in others. The participants not only compete but also engage in pin trading, a cherished tradition at the games that fosters camaraderie among the global transplant community.
As the Indiana team prepares to showcase their resilience and celebrate life at the Transplant Games of America, Donate Life Indiana continues to raise awareness about organ donation. By encouraging individuals to become donors and initiating conversations with their families, the organization aims to promote the gift of life. To learn more about supporting the games and becoming an organ donor, visit the Donate Life Indiana website and take the first step towards making a difference in someone’s life.
