Hi! I'm Miranda Riley, and I'm from the Epsilon Chi Chapter at Indiana University Southeast, located in New Albany, Ind. (across the river from Louisville). While volunteering at the Games, I enjoyed spending time with my sisters, some of whom I had never met before. I hope to keep in touch with all of them! The sisterhood that was shown this weekend was great!

I don't know if I could begin to put my experience with the Transplant Games into words, but I will do my best. These Games were definitely life-changing and an event I will never forget! I had the chance to meet and talk to many athletes, donors, donor families and spectators. I mean, what can I say.... I LOVE to talk and meet new people!

Every person I spoke with had a story about what brought them to the Games. These stories touched my heart. Some of them made my eyes tear up, others brought excitement and joy, and almost all of them gave me goose bumps. Most of these people I met at the Expo booth, the Opening Ceremonies, or at one of the events where we volunteered (swimming and table tennis). However, I also met them along the streets or sitting around the Galt House Hotel. I just tried to be friendly to all who attended. I also tried to give everyone I met one of our buttons and to tell them a little about us. I don't even know how many buttons I passed out! I just kept giving them away. When I ran out, I would just get more and start going again.

I have many memorable stories from this weekend. I don't know if I have one 'favorite' because each story is special in its own way. If someone were to ask me about this weekend, I could probably carry on a conversation for a good 10 to 15 minutes, maybe longer. I would absolutely love to attend the games in 2008, and I hope that I can!

Miranda Riley
Epsilon Chi Chapter, University of Illinois Southeast