There is nothing that can replace a lost loved one. A son or daughter, a mother or father, wife or husband. However, there is a way that their legacy may continue on this earth.
Each day in the United States 79 patients become the recipient of an organ transplant. Equally sobering is that also each day 18 people die waiting for a transplant due to the shortage of donors. There are approximately 10,000 people awaiting an organ donor in Texas alone and yet according to Dr. Robert C. Robbins, president and CEO of the Texas Medical Center, more transplants have been performed in Houston than anywhere else.
With that being said, Houston will host the 2014 Transplant Games being held July 11 – 15, 2014. The Transplant Games of America is a biennial event that not only spotlights the accomplishments of organ and tissue recipients, but honors the donors and their families. Houston will have a unique opportunity to spread awareness regarding the importance of donation.
The more than 2000 athletes participating in the multi-sport event have either undergone life saving transplant surgeries or are living donors. Sporting events will include a 5k, badminton, basketball, bowling, cycling, golf, swimming, track and field, among many others. Athletes will be coming from across the country to participate in the Games. The four-day event will not only include sports, but opening and closing ceremonies to honor our heroes.
Our very own from Katy, Texas and James E. Taylor High School graduate, Myisha Henry, is scheduled to participate in the Games. Myisha recently had a setback, but we are hoping that she will be able to participate! She was an outstanding track and field athlete for Taylor High School.
In honor of the Transplant Games and to spread the message of the importance of becoming a donor, Dagley Insurance will be sharing more information about organ donation throughout the week of the Games.
We cannot imagine what it will feel like to see someone running or walking because of your loved one. It’s a gift like no other. Houston’s Transplants Games will honor those who have given this ultimate gift.
Learn more about Houston’s 2014 Transplant Games by clicking the link and to find out how you can become a donor today, please visit http://www.organdonor.gov/.