As the world tunes in to the grand spectacle of the Olympic Games opening ceremony on July 26, it’s an exciting time to celebrate extraordinary feats of athleticism. But did you know that organ donors and recipients have their own version of the Olympic Games? The Transplant Games of America (TGA) is a biennial multi-sport festival that honors the spirit of competition and the miracle of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Participants in these games, including transplant recipients, living donors, and donor families, come together to showcase the life-changing impact of transplantation and to honor those who have given the gift of life.
The 2024 Transplant Games took place in Birmingham, Alabama from July 5–10. Team NC included 10 organ recipients and one living kidney donor and brought home over 20 medals, including 14 gold! In total, 30 people went to Birmingham to participate or cheer on Team NC this year, while many cheered from afar.
Team North Carolina’s manager, John Laisure, is a pediatric nephrology physician assistant and a transplant recipient himself.
“Five years after receiving a kidney transplant from my living donor, Cassie, I wanted to become more involved in kidney disease and transplant,” said Laisure. “I joined the Pediatric Nephrology Department at Wake Forest Baptist Brenner Children’s Hospital in 2022, being able to relate my personal kidney disease and transplant experience with patients and families going through the same thing.”
The slogan for TGA is “sharing stories, sharing life.” For Laisure, one of the highlights of the Games is just that—sharing moments and stories with people from all over the country.
“The transplant games are a way for me to continue to live a healthy, active lifestyle and hear other stories about selfless donors and people overcoming such great obstacles,” said Laisure. “It is not only about the competition, but the camaraderie.”
History of the Games
The TGA traces its roots back to the first National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games held in 1990. The event was established to raise awareness about organ donation and to encourage transplant recipients to lead active, healthy lives. Over the years, the games have expanded to include all types of organ transplants, encompassing a wide range of athletic and recreational activities. The mission of the Games is multifaceted: promoting the need for organ donation, celebrating life and health, and honoring donors and their families.
Events and Activities
The Transplant Games of America feature a diverse array of athletic competitions and non-competitive events. Some of the sports typically included are:
- Track and field: From sprints to long-distance runs, track and field events test participants’ speed and endurance.
- Swimming: Competitions range from short sprints to long-distance events in various swimming styles.
- Basketball: Both team and individual shooting competitions are held.
- Tennis: Singles and doubles matches cater to different skill levels.
- Golf: A popular event that brings together participants of all ages.
In addition to these sports, the TGA also includes activities such as ballroom dancing, corn hole, and trivia challenges, ensuring there is something for everyone, regardless of their athletic ability.
“There are competitions for everyone,” said Laisure. “For myself, I love to compete in as many sports as I can. For others, the ‘athlete’ in them was retired a while ago. Being able to still go, compete in team events like trivia, attend special events throughout the week, and interact with so many people tied to this wonderful gift of organ donation is a wonderful highlight.”
The Transplant Games of America is more than just a sporting event; it is a celebration of life, health, and the incredible gift of organ donation. There are special events honoring donor families, a parade of athletes, opening and closing ceremonies, and the Quarter Century Club (to recognize and celebrate those who are 25+ years post-transplant). By bringing together transplant recipients, donors, and their families, the TGA highlights the successes of transplantation and emphasizes the ongoing need for donors. The stories of the participants inspire hope and demonstrate the profound impact that one selfless act can have on countless lives.
As the TGA continues to grow and evolve, it remains a powerful reminder of the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation in our society. For those interested in learning more, Laisure suggests visiting the TGA website, following The Transplant Life Foundation on social media, or subscribing to Transplant Nation Magazine.
