Note from Stacey

Cherie, Felix and Michelle, thanks for your good wishes and congratulations! The Transplant Games…so many wonderful memories in one week…it hard to convey the spirit of the Games in words, but I will do my best. As the Games approached, I was in the best physical condition in years. At my check-up, I scored 66% of normal lung capacity, and had recently completed a personal best of 100 pull-ups in sets of five. I had just completed a season of badminton with the Skyline college team. Not knowing what to expect, I hoped for the best in the singles badminton competition. I arrived in Louisville and found my mother Laura annd cousin Andy holding up a sign that said, “Nor-Cal/Nev,” my team name, complete with balloons. It was made out of a teal rain poncho, and I was very touched by the gesture! We drove to the campground and were warmly welcomed by the entourage: My sister Denise, her husband Jerry, their kids, Sophia (pictured)and Mia; my relatives and friends–John, Rosie, Jackie, Katie, Sherry, Bonnieli, Jinnifer, Marion, Dan, Elita, and later Michelle, Colleen and Brittany. We were there for the U.S. Transplant Games and making a family vacation out of it. Every day and night was a flurry of activity that started a 6 a.m., people were floating among the different cabins and campsites, children were playing and laughing, and the adults were catching up on family matters. Sophia, with her absolutely adorable, loving and intelligent four-year-old charm was like a brightly shining star glowing on everyone., – Stacey, from Belmont