How cool is the Foundation?!? We have really come into the world of technology with this amazing blog.

A few months ago when we talked about doing a blog for these Games, several of our Foundation Directors asked what a blog was and how it was used. It’s now safe to say that we are all believers in the power of blogging and, more importantly, the power of sharing stories through the hearts, minds and eyes of those who are at an event of importance to our entire Fraternity! My experience was enriched by sharing my thoughts – and by reading the thoughts of our sisters at the Games. I hope you have had the same experience, and the same joy!

On my drive home from Louisville, I reflected on my time at the Games, and here is what I have decided: The Games are all about spirit – and so are Phi Sigma Sigma sisters everywhere.

Our spirit is embodied in our sisterhood, our ritual and our core values. The spirit for the participants at the Games is embodied in hope. Their hope is that more people will consider the miracle of organ donation. For those who have lost loved ones, they hope the memory of their donors will live on. For those who have received organs, their world is full of new hope, new beginnings and a bright future. I am reminded of a quote I used to start a speech that I gave during our 2002 Convention: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths that you take, but by the moments that take your breath away.” These Games and, in particular, the spirit of these Games and of our dedicated sisters took my breath away.

Most of us have had “aha” moments in our lives … moments when we finally “get it.” I watched the 2004 Transplant Games video no fewer than six times, read the message boards on the NKF (National Kidney Foundation) Web site, talked to the staff at Kidney, met the participants at our booth, and cheered on the athletes as they swam – not to win, but to live. I thought I got it. I thought I knew what their experiences were like when I heard their stories about transplantation or saw the telltale photo-buttons of men, women and children who gave the “gift of life” by sharing their organs. I thought I got it when I saw the spouses clutch each other a little tighter or saw joy in a child-recipient’s eyes. I thought I got it when I watched the athletes push on and heard the roar of the crowd encourage them to their own, personal victories. I thought I got it before I really did. I thought I got it – until I experienced the Opening Ceremonies.

The Opening Ceremonies were my “aha” moment. I was particularly touched when I watched the Parade of Teams – and how, when they walked past our group (we were seated on the floor in the very front), they reached out to give us “high fives,” or waved, or even thanked us for just being there and caring. I watched as Nash jumped up and down (especially when Philly and Florida paraded out), and waved and blew kisses to the athletes. I was inspired when speakers like Chris Klug (Olympic snowboard medalist) talked about his transplant. I was moved, deeply and personally, when the donor families walked out to an entire arena on its feet cheering at their strength and passion for life. I watched, with tears in my eyes, as they cried for their losses – and for life reborn in others. Their losses meant life for another – or five others, or 10 others. These families, in their darkest moments, gave the ultimate gift – life. I can’t think of anything more powerful. I will never forget the emotion that I felt this weekend. I will never forget the stories, the joy, the pain and the hope.

I will never forget the people that made this happen and their incredible dedication to Phi Sigma Sigma. In the final blog, Kim Hildred and I will take a moment to thank all those who made this possible. (Get ready because it is going to be a long one!)

However, I would be remiss if I didn’t personally thank Kim now. I have never met anyone who has worked harder for a cause that she believes in than Kim. Her visionary leadership truly made all of this possible. I am fortunate to know someone with such great character and strength -- and even more fortunate to call her my sister. Kim, words cannot express my deep gratitude. Thank you for the leadership, dedication and foresight that made our sponsorship of these Games possible. You truly embody the ideals and values of Phi Sigma Sigma in all that you do.

My commitment to Phi Sigma Sigma and the Foundation has been renewed and re-energized because of my experience at the Games. I hope that you will take a moment to reach out to our sisters to tell them about this blog, the Transplant Games and our 35-year commitment to the National Kidney Foundation. Most of all, I hope that you will continue to support the important work of our Foundation.

I know I will, and I invite you to do the same.

Katie Herschede
Transplant Games Coordinator