US Transplant Games

[angela515]

July 11-16th 2008 in Pittsburg, PA.

You should be able to get information on them and join your team through your transplant coordinator. There is a link below for the website for more information until your able to contact your coordinator.


http://www.kidney.org/news/tgames/usgames/attend.cfm

[Rerun]

I went to the 1992 (yes, 1992) transplant games in Los Angeles.  I entered bowling.  Didn't do so hot because I took my Dad and he was in the front row, then he was on the floor then he was sitting with us trying to coach us.  "If you get a spare you get the most points".  "OH, damn how could you miss that many!"  on and on!   

But, they were a blast and so much fun to talk to everyone!  I would highly recommend them.

[Romona]

I have joined Team Pittsburgh. I am going to bowl and do the walk. I have met so many nice people so far. I decided to join because Pittsburgh is where I had my transplant. I'm not a good bowler, I have been bowling for 4 years. But I have fun. 

I hope alot of IHD people are there so we can meet.

[KT0930]

I was always curious about this - do you have to be really good at a sport to participate? I enjoy several, but I'm not outstanding at any. Whenever I get another transplant, I'd be interested in possibly doing the Transplant Games.

[Romona]

In my case they took me and I am terrible. I think the whole idea of the games is one giant celebration of Life. Donors, donor families and recipients just getting together to promote organ and tissue donation.

[KT0930]

Very cool. Yet another reason I want them to hurry up and find a kidney for me!!!

[angela515]

I am joining Team Iowa, and doing bowling. I would do the walking, but as for now i'm still in too much pain. 

[Romona]

I am joining Team Iowa, and doing bowling. I would do the walking, but as for now i'm still in too much pain.

Awesome! We might meet! This is so cool!

[vandie]

I just e-mailed my local contact.  Anyone else on So Cal that wants to join me?

[Chris]

When it comes to Chicago, then I can go. Disability income can only get you so far in life. Maybe by the time I finish college, have a job and off disability income, then I can go somewhere outside Illinois and be able to afford a hotel room and restaurants. Not into wearing shorts, so swimming and cycling are out, so boweling maybe my only option. Although I am good at it on the computer....lol

[angela515]

When it comes to Chicago, then I can go. Disability income can only get you so far in life. Maybe by the time I finish college, have a job and off disability income, then I can go somewhere outside Illinois and be able to afford a hotel room and restaurants. Not into wearing shorts, so swimming and cycling are out, so boweling maybe my only option. Although I am good at it on the computer....lol

I hear ya... I feel bad for everyone living on Social Security Disability and have to go at it alone... if it weren't for my parents allowing me to live with them and pay a small rent... I would be homeless. Our government needs to come out and see we can't live off what they pay.

As for the games... you should talk to your local contact.... usually (in most states) they raise money to help pay for the people who can't afford to go.. which can also cover hotel rooms and such... so ask around and see what can happen.

[Chris]

When it comes to Chicago, then I can go. Disability income can only get you so far in life. Maybe by the time I finish college, have a job and off disability income, then I can go somewhere outside Illinois and be able to afford a hotel room and restaurants. Not into wearing shorts, so swimming and cycling are out, so boweling maybe my only option. Although I am good at it on the computer....lol

I hear ya... I feel bad for everyone living on Social Security Disability and have to go at it alone... if it weren't for my parents allowing me to live with them and pay a small rent... I would be homeless. Our government needs to come out and see we can't live off what they pay.

As for the games... you should talk to your local contact.... usually (in most states) they raise money to help pay for the people who can't afford to go.. which can also cover hotel rooms and such... so ask around and see what can happen.

I'm a loaner I guess...lol
I like to do things on my own, that way I wouldn't have to share a room. Plus I stay up late.

[Romona]

What would it hurt to contact your local team. I believe they do alot of fund raising to send people.

[Chris]

I did contact them last night, well 2 am, so that's this morning...lol
Chris

[Chris]

Still will wait for it to come to Chiago tho due to my visual impairments. I need to be around familiar places so I don't feel lost and confused. Don't ask a blind man to lead the blind they say.

[angela515]

How can you see the computer screen?

[Romona]

Chris, Didn't know about your visual impairment. But if you'd go to Pittsburgh we'd be in the same boat. Even through I had my transplant there, I don't know the city at all. I am horrible with directions and don't know my left from my right.

[Chris]

I'm not completly blind, but diabetes took a big chunk of vision away. I still have vision out of one eye, but need the use of magnification devices and software to read. For my PC, I have software called Zoom Text. It enlarges the screen, changes the color of the scren for hard to see fonts, and can read to me documents or parts of web pages. It's pricey software though.
Chris

[angela515]

Interesting Chris... I should get something like that, my eyes strain from looking at the comp..

[Chris]

There are different brands, but most cost about $100 to $600, but depends on your needs. But this is off topic.

Chris

[frankieb]

YES! Back to the topic... The Games.  I always wanted to do them with my first transplant.   I think I need some coercing.  Then, there's what to participate in?
 The following was taken from kidney.org;   
 U.S. Games
Who Should Attend
Transplant Recipients — Living Life
At the NKF U.S. Transplant Games, there are many events and activities designed for YOU. You are given many opportunities to meet other transplant recipients from around the country, share your transplant story, honor your donor, improve your health and fitness and support the thousands of other patients who are still waiting for their second chance at life.

If your most recent life-saving solid organ transplant (including allogenic bone marrow/stem cell) has been functioning for at least nine months, you, as a transplant recipient, are eligible to compete in the following sports:

Badminton
Basketball
Bowling
Cycling
Golf
Racquetball
5K road race
Swimming
Table Tennis
Tennis
Track & Field
Volleyball

I'm going to contact my team, see what the dealio?   I'm 2 months post tranplant and by "games " time (10months), I'd qualify to compete.   I hope to attend but nothings concrete as of yet.  Good Luck to ALL attending.  Peace,  Frankie    
         
                           

[okarol]

Usually they organize teams from your state or local area - it would be cool if we have TEAM IHD - maybe a group sport like bowling or something.

I am planning on Jenna attending, haven't made any reservations yet though.

[frankieb]

Well its official, I'm on Team Liberty.   

 I missed my teams first meeting but they discussed fundraising.  Each member is to raise a min. of $200. The follow info I got from the welcoming committee after I ask what would my out of pocket expence:   

 Hi Frankie,
 
I'll try to give an approximate cost for the games.  All of this information, and more, is available at http://www.kidney.org/news/tgames/usgames/attend.cfm .  It will also be discussed at the next meeting..
 
Travel:  You drive, fly, or take the bus.  It all depends on when you want to get there and when you want to leave.  It's cheaper to take the bus, but you might have to spend more for hotel and meals.
 
Hotel:  The Doubletree hotel ($128/night) is near the convention center.  Team Liberty will have a hospitality room there.  That might reduce some of your food expenses.  There are other hotels on the website.  It a good idea to stay in one of the designated games hotels as the shuttle buses stop there and you'll be near the convention center where a lot of the games activities will take place.
 
Food:  There will be a food plan through the convention center.  $174 per person for 4 breakfasts and 4 dinners.  You could probably do better at local restaurants, outside the hotels. 
 
Registration: $90 for athletes (I think you will be reimbursed for this).  The registration fee for non-athletes is $30.  This allows them to ride the shuttle buses and to have access to the competition venues and parties.
 
I believe that the team will be reimbursing all athletes a maximum of $350 for travel and lodging expenses, save your receipts.  There are also a limited number of up to $1,000 "scholarships" to pay for travel and lodging expenses.  I've attached a scholarship form.




I hope to meet the IHD members who plan to attend, we could plan a dinner?      Hey, I'll buy the first round.            

ONLY 171 more days!!!!

[KT0930]

I'll be within the six months minimum since transplant by only 1 day on July 11, and seeing as I hadn't done any sports in quite awhile before dialysis, I will not be in any shape to compete this year. Hopefully next year! This is something I've wanted to do since I first heard about them in the mid-80's (my first transplant was 1982). If I can make it this year as a visitor will depend entirely on vacation time from work - we only get 10 days per year PTO for vacation, illness, sick child, everything.

[angela515]

Sorry you will miss it.