How Can I Describe It?

Just got back from the US Transplant Games in Pittsburgh. Here is a little history before I try to put everything that happened into words. From my past experiences with the Transplant Games... I knew this was going to be big. My brothers were going with me this time, we had the magazine article (which was a big deal in the transplant community) and we have the triathlon team going strong. I guess I REALLY under-estimated just how big it was.


We arrived late afternoon on Friday, we had tickets to the Pirates baseball game and needed to get checked into the hotel and get moving over there. We met up with Jenny Klouse.... she is originally from Millington (our little home town) and is a Kidney recipient from Illinois now. Her mom was Chase's second grade teacher. We had a great time with her at the game and walking around downtown Pittsburgh afterwards.


Saturday morning, we were off to the Swimming events to watch Terry and Jerry. This was going to be the first events my brothers would experience. It seemed that the more people we were around, the more asked us about the magazine article. People from all over... South Carolina, Connecticut, Iowa and even New Mexico asked if we were the ones in the article. I was pretty surprised at how many people recognized us from that. We were taking pictures with people from all over and exchanging stories of personal tragedy and triumph. Terry and Jerry both received a medal in their events on Saturday.


Saturday evening was opening ceremonies and this is where things really took off. It starts with about 6000 people being lined up into teams and then living donors and always coming in last is the donor families...and its always entering to a standing ovation. From the first person to the last... it never lets up and is very emotional. The ceremony is always good, and this year Terry was selected to give a speech during it. My brothers and I went with him on stage and were introduced. Here are a couple pictures...




Terry is talking about Chase and holding the button with his picture on it.

Right after Terry finished his speech, a great picture and a great moment. The thing you can't see and definitely can't hear...is the standing ovation by about 20,000 people. It was pretty awesome.

Here is Terry and Trevor leaving the stage... another great picture and even better if you can picture everyone one their feet with tears in their eyes.

The day or so that followed the opening ceremonies were remarkable. We were approached by so many great people sharing their stories, their hugs and their tears with us. We have pictures with people and invitations to visit all over the US. It was remarkable how we were acknowledged after that. A true testament to Chase...

Here is another picture taken during the swim event... it is of us three, Kathy Homan the Team Manager for Team Michigan and Julie... the sister and living donor to Jerry.

I will have to post more about the experience and life lessons learned at this years games. It is so difficult to put this into a blog entry. I am thankful that my brothers enjoyed themselves and really saw what the Transplant Games are all about. I enjoyed spending time with them, I know it would not been the same without them. I will continue to thank God daily for the relationship that we have... and for all the things that they bring to my life.

More soon...

Some Good News and Some Not So Good....

Hello all...

I know that I am not very good at keeping things up to date... But I guess I prefer to give you substance over quantity. At least that is my reasoning.

I was off work all last week and that is never a good thing... yep you heard me right. I tend to work harder around the house. Which again was the case. I also can get distracted by not being in a regular schedule... I think I only ran twice and went on one bike ride. (but it was a 32 miler)

I am getting ready for the Transplant Games in Pittsburgh. I am pretty excited that Trevor and Brandon are going. I think they are going to be just as overwhelmed as I am everytime I go. It is truely amazing and I wish everyone could experience it once. We have some exciting events planned. On Friday we are going to the Pirates vs. Cardinals baseball game at PNC Park. It is supposed to be one of the best places to watch a game. So that is kinda cool.

On Saturday Terry (the guy the got Chase's heart) and Jerry (the kidney recipient on our tri team) swim for Team Michigan. Each will be in their own events but also on the same relay team. The opening ceremonies will also be on Saturday. Terry and I are going to be a part of that. Which is a pretty big deal... maybe 20,000 people or so. It is usually a pretty exciting thing.

Then there is the bad things that happen to good people... looks like my uncle has a long road. He had his first kemo treatment yesterday... We are all praying for the best and know he is a fighter.

A little more news that wasn't so good. We were chosen for a People Magazine article about the Transplant Games and our family. But I found out yesterday that the story was scrapped due to the AP getting the a hold of the story that was supposed to be a People Magazine exclusive. So know I am working with the reporter on getting the story for us and the triathlon team. She says that she is really going to push us getting in...but I need to write something up for the editors and make a presentation.

Family news... Cade was picked to play in an All-Star Baseball Tournament in a couple weeks... he is really pumped up about it. That is the only thing that the kids have going on... well, sports related thing that is going on for the entire month of July. A nice break from running here and there every night.