Imaginasium

It may not have generated the same buzz as the recent athletic competition in Beijing, but the 2008 U.S. Transplant Games, held July 11-16, accomplished something just as special.

Over 1,200 participants traveled to Pittsburgh to enjoy the camaraderie and competition, but more importantly, to celebrate life itself with a passion that rivals any athlete on any playing field. Transplant Games participants are survivors of organ transplant surgery, so they possess a deep appreciation simply for the opportunity to live, let alone compete athletically.

But, like any athlete, they relished the opportunity to bring home a medal.

A silver medalist in tennis during his first Transplant Games two years ago, Imaginasium Account Manager Darin Schumacher didn’t medal this time in his favorite sport. He did, however, compete in two additional sports—table tennis and team golf—and he found his second Games even more rewarding than his medal-winning experience.

“It’s like a family reunion. You instantly have something in common with everyone there,” Darin said. “Each person has had a transplant or has been affected by a transplant in some way, either being a family member, living donor, or donor family,” Darin added.

“You think what you went through was uniquely difficult, but then you meet 1,200 people who have gone through it, too. Some stories involve unbelievable adversity, so that’s quite humbling,” Darin said. “And, it’s amazing how one transplant affects so many people.”

Especially spouses. Darin had to cancel his honeymoon nine years ago when his one healthy kidney failed, and he began dialysis treatment. After friends and family failed to be adequate transplant matches, an advertising industry colleague, Dorothy (Dot) Giovannini, was tested. On Easter, she announced that she was the perfect match, and it’s been a special friendship ever since.

“It’s amazing what Dot did for me. There’s no way I could thank her enough, but I try! We celebrate every year with our ‘kidney dinner’ and an outing at a Packers game,” Darin said. “It’ll never make up for the greatest gift I can imagine.”

The National Kidney Foundation Transplant Games not only celebrate the success of transplantation, they call attention to the need for more organ donors. And, with another person added to the national transplant list every 12 minutes, raising awareness is vital.

“One speech from the opening ceremonies really hit home,” Darin shared. “Sure, we’re healthy enough to compete, and that’s worthy of celebration. But, there are still thousands on the waiting list who may not get this chance,” he said.

Darin will be acting on that message for the next Transplant Games (July 30-August 4, 2010, in Madison, WI), but not just as a participant.

“I want to do my part to raise awareness and help out,” Darin said. “So myself, along with family and friends, will be volunteering and getting the word out during the next two years,” Darin said.

For more information on the Transplant Games, visit www.kidney.org

If you’re interested in organ donation, visit www.donatelife.net