Hello again from sunny Louisville! This is Robyn, and I am just taking a moment to shoot out a blog to all of you between the swimming event and dinner. I was so excited about today that I had trouble sleeping last night, so the alarm felt like it came soon this morning... and we have been off and running ever since! Veronica, Dory and I spent a couple hours volunteering at the Foundation booth. It was very neat to speak with so many people about their transplant experiences and to be able to share the word about Phi Sig and our connection with the National Kidney Foundation. By chance, we met Kathy Miller, who was the recipient of the Mickey Mantle Award at the last Games. This award is given to the athlete who has faced the most challenges. She has had 4 transplants! Her story was amazing, and I definitely got chills.

I think one of the things I found most difficult was thinking of how to respond to the families of donors. It felt so natural to share the excitement of a recipient, yet so difficult to hear the stories of those left behind, whose loved ones -- the donors -- live on in the athlete recipients. I think it is wonderful that these donor families are here sharing in the experience of the Games. I imagine that it must be bittersweet in many ways to be here, but I would guess and hope that it is also part of the healing process for them. I heard countless stories today from living donors, recipients and family members about how a transplant has touched their lives, and it is amazing to be a part of this event.

This afternoon we volunteered at part of the swimming event. I had no idea what to expect, as I have never attended a swim meet before! I think one of the coolest things was seeing people I met this morning at our Expo booth competing in the events or cheering on their friends and family. One especially memorable pair for me was a young guy, David, and his mother. She actually donated one of her kidneys to him, and he swam today. She told me that she was excited to see her kidney move so fast, which I thought was so cute!

I also pretty much have a smile plastered on my face at all times because everywhere I look, I see our Phi Sig/Transplant Games buttons! I think everyone in Louisville has one! Some sisters made sure that the staff at a nearby McDonald's had them. The people working at the hotel where we are staying all do, and everyone who has crossed our path at swimming or the Expo does too! It is AWESOME! I only wish all of you were here with us, but catching up on our blogs will have to do for now!

LITP,
Robyn Paige