Friday, November 14, 2008
Hurley Donation Forum
Ok lots going on... on the Gift of Life front. My brothers and I were asked to speak to the Hurley Hospital Forum on Donation. Of course Terry comes along with us... we can't do a talk without him there. Again, for you first time readers, Terry is the recipient of my brother Chase's heart.
The hospital works with the Gift of Life staff to go over procedures, policy and other details of transplantation inside of Hurley Hospital. They thought it would be beneficial to have us come in and speak to the members of this group. First off... I knew this one was going to be tough. Hurley is where Chase was brought after his accident and I am not really fond of the place to be honest. As I sat there and listened to the Gift of Life staff talk numbers... conversion rates, successful potential donors, and all kinds of other things... the more I realized... that without all the medical staff in that room... the medical staff that took care of my brother, maybe WE wouldn't be sitting there. There would be no transplant story. If WE weren't one of the "successful conversions". I began to get a little overwhelmed at the thought. Before I knew it...I was being introduced and welcomed in front of this group.
I was a little caught off guard and I knew that this talk would not follow the typical pattern as previous ones. I went through the story, but this time I could be specific... about the ER and the waiting room... about Nero ICU on the 5th floor and that damn waiting room in one corner and room 520 in the other corner. I could look into the eyes of each of those people and tell them what it was like that day to be here as a family member. They do a job, but I would like to think that for a minute I had them seeing things from our point of view. And from the looks on most of their faces...and the tears that were flowing. They saw.
This time my story ended different... it ended in a thank you. A thank you from my family to those people, departments and employees that do their job. It's because they do that... that I still have the forum to discuss and talk about Chase.
Afterwards...we were well received and had open discussions about getting us back and getting this message out to larger groups and other hospitals. I hope this happens... I feel like I am doing right by Chase after each one of these talks. I feel like we take every single opportunity to talk about him and the benefits of organ donation... even from the donor family side. During this small gathering... we were asked to visit the ER and Nero ICU. So the staff there could see a first hand the benefits...of course Terry is the most important piece to that.
We agreed to visit both areas, but I will be honest here. I had real apprehension about it. If Brandon and Trevor would not have been there. I would not have went. With them there... I feel its more than strength in numbers...its strange...but especially in that hospital.
We went to the ER... nothing to unusual there, until I see the waiting room. The same pictures on the wall and I can still see the state police officer standing there. This time, I was a bit uncomfortable...this was a little too close. We got behind the desk at the nurses station and the ER manager gathers the staff. And then asks me to say a few words about who we are and why we are there. To do that is tough... a quick intro doesn't do it justice. But I was ok with it. And we were on our way to the 5th floor.
I knew this was going to be WAY more difficult than the ER. This is where the majority of memories are. I think this was a tough walk for Terry too. Him and I have discussed the hospital and that day enough for him to know a lot of what we were feeling... and I think he was feeling. As we started down the hall... I saw the first and very vivid reminder of where we were. There is a set of double doors that blocks the regular 5th floor rooms from the Nero ICU. These were the very doors that we had to close behind us that night when Trevor, Brandon and myself left our little brother for the last time. Terry knew... we had talked about those doors before. Upon going through them, Chase's room was straight ahead. #520 All the rooms had patients in them...except that one. An empty bed... a reminder that Chase is gone. God the image of that bed has been in my head for 2 weeks. Again the manager asked the staff to gather round. Again I said a couple sentences about who we are and why we are there. Small things jumped out at me... the counter top. I remember looking at the counter top at the nurses station when I was approached by the Gift of Life rep. Liz Ayotte. That is where the first conversation took place... a conversation that changed the lives of a lot of people... directly and indirectly. And still changes lives today.
All I can say is... have a conversation. Talk about organ donation. Move people... one conversation can change this world. I believe that.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Off-Season Update
2008 was our first season racing as a team, we have set goals and learned a lot along the way. Honestly, we are much further along than we thought we would be after only one year. Now the bar has been raised and it's up to us to keep the momentum moving forward. We want to keep everyone informed on the progress the team looks to make during the off-season.
There are several things that will need to be worked out this year. A couple take priority...
- Gaining the federal 501(c)3 non-profit status
- Setting the race calendar for 2009
Both of these will need to be completed in order to come up with a budget for expenses. As everyone knows, traveling out of state is not going to be cheap. We will need the 501(c)3 status in order to to be eligible for sponsorship cash donations. Still, we think it will take 6-8 months to gain the federal non-profit recognition, so there will not be much help here this coming summer. We would like to set a travel schedule based on contacts we have with people in other states and the quality of race in that location. Please keep out-of-state friends and family in mind, if they could help us with lodging or travel.
Fundraising - Ideas or activities are something else that we are thinking about. Talks have been in the works about hosting our own cycling or triathlon event. More information on this will be coming as it's available. We may need volunteers to work an event.
Sponsorships - We have been in contact with a couple companies... including a new one. Clif Bar, they stated that we need to be recognized as a federal non-profit in order to donate money. Again, if you can think of a company that could help us out, please let us know. We have proposal packages that we could get to you.
Marketing - We are working on improving our image at each race. Designs for new posters and additional team banners are being looked at.
Training - Look for exciting news about our off-season training. I know that doesn't sound that exciting, but we have some great possibilities. As soon as we can get you more information on that...we will. If you would like to train with us this winter, please reply to this email. We would like to setup a group training schedule with anyone that is interested.
Recognition - The main goal and focus of this team will always be to raise awareness for organ and tissue donation. Gift of Life Michigan has posted this to their website, recognizing TRI for Life as a Shining Star.
http://www.giftoflifemichigan.org/how-you-can-help/donor-family-services/shining-star.htm
Overall, the donor awareness has gone incredibly well. I think that every member or volunteer of this team can tell a story about impacting someone's life by educating them about transplantation. We have signed up several people to donor registries in Michigan and in Illinois. Next year, we will be spreading our message farther and wider
Monday, August 25, 2008
Chicago's Accenture Triathlon
On Sunday... Trevor and I were sitting in the grass waiting for our swim to start... guess who walks up? Ole' breathin Steven... back again wearing more Iowa stuff. It seems like every 5 minutes the guy would tell us that we "rocked" or how "awesome" we were. He sees it more than we do, the effect that we could have while promoting the organ donation... and after hearing that from him. I know we are doing the right thing. Here is a final picture with us, Danny and Steven in it.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
How Can I Describe It?
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...
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Some Good News and Some Not So Good....
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.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Big Fish... didn't get away
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
No Training news...
I will have to tell you about Saturday morning... I was in bed when I hear Dane yell... Dad!..... Dad!... So I get up and walk into his room. You have to picture him lying there on his back... looking straight up at the ceiling. I asked him what was wrong... his response "My hair seems to be stuck in a hole" Confused and thinking he was still sleeping... I said "What?" Again he repeated like any 4 year old... "My hair seems to be stuck in a hole" I love the "seems to be" part. This kid kills me.
After a little more investigation. He had fallen asleep with gum in his mouth and now it has his head stuck to his pillow. See... his hair seemed to be stuck in a hole. Logical now... and funny.
It was my fault, the kids were up late on Friday and I put them to bed without brushing their teeth, so the gum was never discovered. Well, not until Saturday morning.
Maybe you had to be there... but I still crack up when I think about the situation.
Baseball update... Cade had a game Monday and again did really well. He has another game tonight. Riley had practice last night and a game on Thursday that she will have to miss due to Kindergarten graduation. Ok so a little training talk... When the heck am I going to find time to train? Ugh!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Same ole' story...
So, my long weekend of training went by the way side... I was able to run the Olympic course with him on Thursday... and we planned another 25 mile bike and 6 mile run on the Olympic course for Sunday morning. Well... woke up Sunday and guess what... didn't get off the couch until 6:00pm. Another quality training day out the window. I can't afford to be missing these.
That is all the complaining I will do for now... I will have an update on more upbeat stuff later.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Lack of Title due to brain inactivity
Triathlon Stuff - Well training was going great... to be honest I was getting faster and going further than ever. (notice the "was" part) The last couple training days have not been good. I was getting into the pool about 3 times a week. That has been down to 1 day a week. And trust me, my last swim was really bad. Biking - I can't even tell you how that is going... I haven't found the time for a long ride yet. Trevor, Brandon and I went out Mothers Day morning, we had a great time... went a little over 20 miles... but it was more of a social event. Running - for the first time ever... I had to slow down and walk during a training run. UGH! That is just not good mentally. It was only a 3 mile run, but I was just not with it. I walked about 1:15, and was still at an 8:02 pace... that is the only upside. Tonight is my long run night... I am scheduled for 70 minutes, and I WILL do it. I need to for confidence and to get back on track. With the schedule that I have it has been hard to stay motivated to train... so... I broke out the Nair and I am trying to at least look the part in hopes of getting me back on track. I must say the Nair is great stuff.
Team Stuff - We are making final decisions on the Big Fish race. I think we have just about everything that we need for the event. It looks like we are going to have a fairly large following out there. we are pretty excited about that.
Personal - Riley's dance is OVER! Thank god. That is one less thing to do... but it will soon be replaced by baseball for her which will be 2 days per week. Cade is in fully swing with baseball already. And this is the last week of soccer. No wonder my training has been so bad. All that, plus the normal things that people have to do. Mow the lawn... I am having some trees taken out and getting my driveway moved. I also have plans for a retaining wall project.
See... lots of stuff but a pretty boring read. I have some other things coming up that will be more interesting. I promise.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Something has to give...
I look at my upcoming schedule and I don't know how it's going to work. I will be at the baseball fields 4 nights a week with my two oldest kids... that is of course after soccer where all three are still playing. As soon as baseball is over... I just learned that youth football practices will be Monday through Thursday for 2 hours. And games on Saturdays... how is this going to work. I am first a dad... an active dad. Not a drop your kid off and leave kind of dad. But I want so badly to go further in my triathlons. I am motivated by our message and what we are doing... I have all this good stuff to do... but will it be at the expense of other good stuff?
I will be an early morning runner soon....
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Thrusday 5.1.2008
But something struck me today. All those things are great, but lets keep things in perscective. We are always one team member short... There will always be a void for the three of us. But during the interview today... I also realized that triathlon is what is now brining us three together. We were laughing, joking and planning together. Together is the important part. I am excited to spend Sunday mornings with my brothers getting ready to race. I am excited to see them finish... to talk about the big hill that sucked for everyone. Doing things that will make memories. Most of all I am excited that I can spend time with those guys. Everything else... well isn't really all that exciting when put in perspective.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Been a while...
Which leads me to number two. Training... it has been going pretty well. The only set back in the training plan was the trip to Vegas. Other than that...I have stayed pretty consistent with the small exception to the long bike rides. I just cut them short... I have to find more time to stay on the bike to 2 - 3 hours. Plus, better weather could help.
I am doing a lot around the house as well... I have big plans for the summer. Around everything else... it looks like spare time will be set aside for projects. I did have a pretty good weekend. Got my training in and spent some time with Trevor. I don't know why... but it seems him and I either talk about really serious "end-of -the -world" politics. Or just funny off the wall crap. Either way, I enjoy it and its a welcome break.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
A Good Home for a New Bike....
This weekend is Easter... which will be fun for the kids. Also, it will be the first time that Trevor, Brandon and I will be able to sit down and discuss things about the team. We have changed the name officially to TRI for Life, LLC. Now the big thing is coming up with a logo.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
On a more personal note... I received my new espresso machine yesterday. Oh yeah! First cup this morning was not quite as good as the old machine... but I am still figuring out the details.
And my men's league playoffs are here...we play tonight and if we win we play again tomorrow. So no workouts for those days. Just don't blow out an ankle this close to tri season.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Tuesday
But, after dance class I am off the gym. It's a Run and Swim night... I am looking forward to this one. I don't really know why.
I had an appointment to get my new bike fitted tomorrow, but schedule conflicts will push that back until next week Wednesday. Then I will be able to get back on the trainer and follow my workout schedule a little better.
My sons Saturday morning basketball is over, so I can attend my first Masters Swim Class. I am nervous about this. I am going there looking for help and suggestions with my swim stroke... by all means it really needs it.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Here is the article.
Friday, March 7, 2008
USA Today OpenAir Article... is out
http://www.bnqt.com/OpenAir/magReader.php
Take a look and let me know what you think.
When I get more time I will update everyone on the progress of the triathlon team.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
First official Blog entry
I will try to keep this updated as thinsgs progress. I would also like to track my training progess on here. Tonight I have basketball... a men's league that I play in. So there will be no "triathlon" training tonight. Only a couple more weeks of basketball and I think I will be able to follow my training schedule more closely. Instead of make excuses...!
Tomorrow is the USA Today article featuring me and my brothers. I will document our triathlon racing with the commitment to organ donatation after losing our youngest brother. Get yourself a USA Today and check out the OpenAir magazine.