I've received many inquiries about the U.S. Transplant Games in 2012 and this news must be disappointing for those who were planning to take part. I'm not sure what's behind the decision but hopefully a resolution will be found to ensure the games continue.
The National Kidney Foundation will not be hosting the U.S. Transplant Games in 2012.
Nephrology News & Issues
"For 20 years the NKF U.S. Transplant Games have educated the public about the life-saving power of organ donation and dramatically demonstrated that those with transplants can and do lead normal and active lives," said NKF CEO John Davis. "But the Games represent a multi-million dollar expense for the foundation that also requires a significant commitment of staff resources."
"Now when most Americans view transplantation as almost routine surgery that restores life, we will re-examine the format and financial structure of the Games, to achieve maximum impact and to ensure sustainability going forward. As always, we will work with a range of constituents and supporters to accomplish this."
Since 1990, the biennial Olympic-style event has served to showcase the success of transplantation, promote health and fitness for transplant recipients and recognize and honor donor families and living donors.
"We want to thank the thousands of transplant athletes, living donors, donor families, medical professionals, supportive family members and volunteers who have worked so hard to make the NKF U.S. Transplant Games so successful over the years," says NKF Senior Vice President for Programs Gigi Politoski.
"Special thanks to the dozens of corporate sponsors for their support of the Games and our athletes. We could not have conducted the U.S. Transplant Games for 20 years without their generosity and enthusiasm and look forward to their continuing participation and partnership as we explore ways to restructure the Games."
recipients, and donor families can also access the NKF Cares patient information help line.
The NKF encourages people to send comments and suggestions to tgames@kidney.org
"For 20 years the NKF U.S. Transplant Games have educated the public about the life-saving power of organ donation and dramatically demonstrated that those with transplants can and do lead normal and active lives," said NKF CEO John Davis. "But the Games represent a multi-million dollar expense for the foundation that also requires a significant commitment of staff resources."
"Now when most Americans view transplantation as almost routine surgery that restores life, we will re-examine the format and financial structure of the Games, to achieve maximum impact and to ensure sustainability going forward. As always, we will work with a range of constituents and supporters to accomplish this."
Since 1990, the biennial Olympic-style event has served to showcase the success of transplantation, promote health and fitness for transplant recipients and recognize and honor donor families and living donors.
"We want to thank the thousands of transplant athletes, living donors, donor families, medical professionals, supportive family members and volunteers who have worked so hard to make the NKF U.S. Transplant Games so successful over the years," says NKF Senior Vice President for Programs Gigi Politoski.
"Special thanks to the dozens of corporate sponsors for their support of the Games and our athletes. We could not have conducted the U.S. Transplant Games for 20 years without their generosity and enthusiasm and look forward to their continuing participation and partnership as we explore ways to restructure the Games."
recipients, and donor families can also access the NKF Cares patient information help line.
The NKF encourages people to send comments and suggestions to
tgames@kidney.org
“You Have the Power to Save Lives – Register to be an organ and tissue donor & Tell Your Loved Ones of Your Decision”
In the United States, be sure to find out how to register in your state at
organdonor.gov (Go to top right to select your state)
Your generosity can save or enhance the lives of up to fifty people with heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pancreas and small intestine transplants (see allotransplantation). One tissue donor can help by donating skin, corneas, bone, tendon, ligaments and heart valves
Has your life been saved by an organ transplant? "Pay it forward" and help spread the word about the need for organ donation - In the U.S. another person is added to the national transplant waiting list every 11 minutes and 18 people die each day waiting for an organ or tissue transplant. Organs can save lives, corneas renew vision, and tissue may help to restore someone's ability to walk, run or move freely without pain. Life Begins with You
