On this hot and humid Saturday evening in Louisville, I joined donors, recipients, and their families and friends in Freedom Hall for the Opening Ceremonies of the Games. I was very geeked (sorry, that's the word for it!) to be sporting my first official press pass. (It will be going in a scrapbook when I get home to Michigan!) I was right on the main floor, not even 20 feet from the stage!

The athletes led a procession in Olympic-style. Each of the 47 teams dressed in coordinating outfits, including Team Maine in their moose hats and Team Pittsburgh in hard hats and Steelers ensemble. They also carried their corresponding flags and banners. Some teams even had gifts for the audience, including Team Indiana which threw out bright orange frisbees reading 'Be a life saver.' (More on how *you* can be a life saver in a moment.)

Then came the inspirational donor families -- the people who made tough decisions to donate a loved one's organs so others could live. I must note that I was two seats in from the aisle, and about half of the procession passed me on the way to their seats. I tried to look at each and every person. With tears welling both in my eyes, and the eyes I looked into, I tried to express my sympathy and support to them. Some of the looks I received really tugged at my heart, and I truly felt they were saying thank-you to me. A few even mouthed their expressions of gratitude to us. It was a thank-you for being there in support of transplantation, even though I couldn't even imagine what they've been through and are still dealing with.

The procession was followed by a series of speakers, singers and celebrities, including Chris Klug, transplant recipient and Olympic snowboarding medalist; Ann Lopez, who donated a kidney to husband and comedian George Lopez; Larry Hagman, liver recipient and 'Dallas' star; and Ken Howard, star of the TV dramas 'The White Shadow' and 'Crossing Jordan,' and chancellor of the National Kidney Foundation.

The evening ended with a torch lighting that marked the official start of the Games.

This was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had, and to keep this momentum going, I encourage each of us to become a life saver and register for a donor card at the NKF Web site.... I'm doing it this weekend! Here's the link:

www.kidney.org/transplantation/donorCard.cfm

I'll chat with y'all more tomorrow, I'm sure!

LITP,
Allison Brunner