I am a living donor liver transplant recipient. My son Marken donated 65% of his liver so I could continue annoying all of you. He was in the US Navy at the time and came home on medical leave to give his gift.

You may ask why, if I had a liver transplant, am I involved in a National Kidney Foundation event? There are several reasons.

 One is my own desire to have some motivation to get off the couch and get into shape. Participating in an event like The Transplant Games is a great motivator for me to push away from the computer,  put down the remote and get out and get into shape.

 If you give a donation, I will feel a moral obligation to do my best, which means exercising more, which will be good for my personal health. So I have a personal agenda for supporting the games.

 Another reason is that this event is not just about kidneys specifically, but raising awareness about organ donation in general. While I was at the  Team Pittsburgh meeting ,( ) everyone introduced themselves and what organ they had received, and kidneys were in the minority.

 The Transplant Games are also about honoring those who have donated, and especially as a tribute to deceased donors and their families. They really do deserve recognition.

Even if it were just some sectarian event about kidney transplants, which it isn’t, I would still be motivated. In January, 2008, my cousin had a kidney transplant. My sister has polycystic kidneys and may at some time in the future need a transplant, so by supporting raising awareness, my sister may benefit.

 So I am asking if you can help sponsor me for these Games. It is simple enough, just click the Sponsor Me Now  button and even a $1 donation would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Please forward this link to anyone you think may be interested in helping supporting organ transplanting in general, and these Transplant Games in particular.