Note from Isa Stenzel Byrnes

Thank you Stacey and Laura for so eloquently describing the incredibly life-affirming week we spent at the US Transplant games in Louisville. Laura, you so perfectly describe the love and gratitude of EVERY mother of a transplant recipient who has the honor to watch their child overcome tragic illness and come to the brink of death, only to be resurrected by the kindness and miracle of someone else’s gift. Stacey deserves more than any other to thrive at the games, and the gold medal around her neck was just the icing on the cake as a reward for how far she has come. It was a dream for me, as well as Stacey, to attend the Games together, also with my sister Ana, to all be strong and healthy in 2006. I am in awe of the energy, the love, the support and the joy of this indescribeable event we all witnessed. Stacey and I just went on a walk together today with my dog Rupie. We talked all about the games; like in one week, the energy and joie de vivre continues to inspire us. Our doctors have congratulated us and we acknowledge we couldn’t have done it without them. They are the true heroes here as well as, needless to say, our own donors whose memories and lives live on. Thank you all for listening and supporting Stacey in her quest for life and quest for the gold. Onward, we aim, for Pittsburg 2008!!! May God help us all get there! -Isa Stenzel Byrnes