Tears, laughter, hugs, and plenty of emotion outpoured at Clover Hill High School this weekend.
Saturday, October 1, 2011 was a crisp, cool fall day in Richmond – the perfect setting for the first ever Virginia Transplant Games held at Clover Hill High School. Opening ceremonies didn’t leave a dry eye in the stadium as donor families, recipients, family, and friends stood together to celebrate life.
The games were established for two reasons:
- to illustrate how organ, eye, tissue and bone marrow donation and transplantation works; allowing recipients of these precious gifts to live, full, healthy, and more active lives than they ever imagined; and
- to reinforce how these gifts are generously given by Virginia citizens who can designate a decision to donate on the Virginia donor registry, DonateLifeVirginia.org.
Attending the event was an emotional experience for everyone – including donor families, organ recipients, and supporting friends and family. Knowing that so many people in attendance had either experienced the loss of a loved one who had donated life-saving tissue and organs, or had been a recipient of another person’s selfless giving and generosity, was overwhelming.
Let the Games Begin!
The opening ceremonies began with the Color Guard and National Anthem which was a stirring rendition by Reverend David K. North. As the athletes marched in, cheers arose from the crowd and were sustained for what seemed like forever. Virginia’s First Lady, Maureen McDonnell spoke at the opening ceremonies and praised the brave families of the organ donors, along with the recipients who have borne so much to reach the point where they are today.
An inspiring and awe-striking moment occurred with the ceremonial dove release and the games began!
Olympic Events
The day was filled with fun, laughter, and excitement. HCA Virginia Health Systems, Old Dominion Eye Foundation, Sentara Health, Sports Backers, Washington Regional Transplant Community, Cytonet, King Pin Lanes, Uncharted Pixels, and the YMCA were special supporters for the event.
Paul Harris' family was just one of the participating donor families at the games.
A powerful message was sent by recipients who participated in a 5K walk/run, track & field, basketball, bowling, swimming, and table tennis. They participated alongside family members of donors making it even more dramatic and emotional.
The Closing Ceremony
The opening ceremonies were equally matched with the closing ceremonies when medals were awarded. Watching the donor families and recipients share in such incredible accomplishments was humbling.
Andrew Mullins, Transplant Games Planning Committee Chairman, spoke to the bravery, selfless giving, and courage of all of them. Jill Stephenson gave a heart-wrenching account of what it was like to lose her brother at the age of 11 to a car accident, and her own young son at the age of 21 in the fight against the Taliban. Both young men donated their organs so that others could live and it has had a profound effect on Jill and her friends and family.
Meeting the young man who received a heart transplant, thanks to the selfless generosity of Jill’s son to become an organ donor, was especially moving. Receiving a new heart gave this young man a chance to live and make a difference in the world.
A surprise highlight occurred when Brad Ellis of TV’s hit show Glee, a heart recipient himself, joined the group onstage and performed with piano and singing. Brad is a long regarded, respected and sought after composer, arranger, and musical director in the Broadway community. He is the incredibly talented pianist on Glee and was awarded the Donate Life Hollywood Person of the Year award for his work in donation. In addition to solos, he also performed with the Clover Hill High School’s New Dimensions Show Choir and their performance was incredible and moving. Seeing how Brad has taken his life to new heights — thanks to a heart donor who gave him a chance to live – was inspiring and uplifting.
The next Virginia Transplant Games will be in two years and with the success of the firt-ever annual games in 2011, the 2013 games are sure to be even better.
Become a Donor
If you haven’t already made a commitment to become a donor, please consider doing so now. It’s easy to do by signing up as a donor with DonateLifeVirginia.org. You can also register as a donor at the Department of Motor Vehicles when you get or renew your driver’s license or ID. Let your family and friends know you are a registered donor, and encourage them to do the same.
You may save another person’s life one day simply by registering to become a donor. There is no greater legacy you can leave than saving lives.
Congratulations to all of the brave donor families and recipients who participated in the 2011 Transplant Games – you are an inspiration for thousands of other people.
We will see you again in 2013!
About RhondaDay
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