The National Kidney Foundation U.S. Transplant Games is a nationwide Olympic-style competition that takes place every two years. This year, the Transplant Games will be held July 30 through Aug. 4 in Madison, Wis.
Dr. Jorge L. Herrera, professor of gastroenterology at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine, said that it is very important to raise awareness for organ donation. “Many times, an organ will not become available to a patient in a timely fashion,” Dr. Herrera said. “We can only correct this situation by spreading the word that this is a life-saving procedure for many.”
During the Transplant Games, recipients of organ donations can participate and compete in various activities and donor families are recognized and honored. Mobile and Baldwin County athletes will be represented at the U.S. Transplant Games as part of “Team Alabama.”
David Miller, team manager for “Team Alabama” and a bone marrow and liver transplant recipient, said the fundraising event in Mobile is a great way to call attention to the success of organ and tissue transplantation. “People can support this cause by participating in ‘A Walk in the Park’ and gathering pledges,” he said. “We encourage everyone to bring the family, including pets.”
Registration for “A Walk in the Park” begins at 8 a.m. on March 6, 2010, and the two-mile walk will begin at 9 a.m. Organ donor registration will also be available at the walk. For more information, and to find out how you can help, contact David Miller at 251-510-5160.
