Note from Stacey

Happy Halloween, everyone! I hope the kids in the family enjoy the holiday…be careful trick-or-treating! Saturday, I was honored at the kick-a-thon and band benefit at Twisters. The band was called, “Return to Reason” and it was very generous of them to play for my cause! Many thanks to Dustin, the organizer of the day. Sunday, I went to Sacramento with Ana to attend a meeting for the Transplant Games, sponsored by the National Kidney Association. The Transplant Games is a national athletic competition and festival dedicated to raising awareness about the need for organ donors, to celebrate the new lives of recipients, and honor the donor families. I plan on attending the Transplant Games on June 16-21st, in Louisville, Kentucky, with my family and friends, including the European contingent, sister Denise, Jerry, and maybe their kids! The Transplant Games have given me hope and inspiration to get stronger and exercise throughout my illness, and this past year of recovery. This hope and anticipation gives me much happiness. I have heard so much about the Games from Ana and Isa (who attended the 2002 Games.) We had a lot of fun exercising together in preparation for the event in 2002. They came back with glowing reports. I have a long way to go in order to be strong enough for the Games. The schedule will be packed, the travel hours long, and the athletic events will be challenging. I will compete in badminton, and possibly other sports. Unfortunately, badminton and track and field are on the same day. I am now considering table tennis and doubles tennis, if I can find a partner. Stacey, from Belmont