Wow! What an experience. Upon first entering Freedom Hall tonight, there seemed to be very few people in the room. A lone speaker stood at the front of the room thanking sponsors and wishing the athletes well. What I didn't realize is that all the athletes and their families were standing in the wings waiting to do the Parade of States.

State by state, the athletes and their families came out on stage waving and smiling. That was fabulous to see the states represented, the number of people that were part of the games, and their extended donor families.

The next part of the evening's presentation was when it really hit me. The donor families were being introduced. Some smiles, many, many tears, but most of all a sense of pride could be seen in everyone's eyes. It hit me -- and hard! All of these donor families had experienced the gut-wrenching loss of a family member in order for someone else to live and to participate as an athlete at these games. It was more than moving. It's what makes our connection to the National Kidney Foundation so important and our participation so relevant this weekend.

What a great experience for all of us involved. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you as your Foundation Director at the games this year, and see you in 2008! I know I will be there!

Pam Downey
Theta '78 - University of Illinois
Foundation Director