Wind Song Journal

It looks like I’m making progress in climbing. Thursday I worked my way to the top of two 5.11a’s, almost doing one without resting. It was a good feeling because it’s the best climbing I’ve done since before the transplant. Today, I went to Waterdog Lake with Eva. It is a great wilderness path right in the town of Belmont. The sunset was really gorgeous, bright blue with pink streaks. It was a short uphill hike to the lake. I was glad that it didn’t seem too hard. When we got to the lake, we saw Eva’s neighbor with his dog, a golden lab. The dog was having a grand time playing fetch; he swam out into the lake to get the ball even though it was really cold. I was impressed. Stacey, from Belmont

For anyone interested in the Transplant Games, check the website (type without the spaces) www.kidney.org/news/transgames.cfm I especially recommend the video. It is very touching. One of my close friends (Isa) is in it, doing the race-walking event. Stacey, from Belmont

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

Dear friends and family, I have just added two events to the Wind Song Foundation “Events” page. Check it out! I will be adding more events in the future. Stacey

Tuesday night I went to Stanford stadium with Isa and Ana to climb the stairs for the last time this season. I started with Isa, who rushed through 10 sets in about half and hour, and stayed to finish my workout with Ana, who arrived later. As we finished, the sky turned into a beautiful light pink pattern, the stadium quickly grew darker, and the air became crisp and cool. Even in California the seasons change. We will have to find an alternative way to get exercise now. Stacey, from Belmont

CALIFORNIA NEWS : I just signed up on-line to be an organ donor. Here’s some exciting news: SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 11 /PRNewswire/ — In a history-making move, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law Senate Bill 689 — legislation designed to save tens of thousands of lives by calling on the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to partner with the new Donate Life California Organ and Tissue Donor Registry*. Under the new law, the California DMV will begin on July 1, 2006 to capture donor decisions of licensed drivers on new and renewal license applications, and will electronically share that information with the Donate Life California Registry. Registrants will also be able to make a voluntary contribution of $2.00 or more to the registry and public education about donation. “Never before has the state of California had a registry system accessible to all,” said Jackie Speier, (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), author of the legislation. “By partnering with the DMV, the Donate Life California Registry will provide all 23 million licensed drivers with the opportunity to give life through organ and tissue donation. This law potentially boosts the ranks of those committed to donate life from the tens of thousands to the millions.” Until the law takes effect next July, the Donate Life California Registry will continue to be available only online at www.donateLIFEcalifornia.org Currently in California, nearly 19,000 people wait for a life-saving transplant — 21% of the nation’s total of nearly 90,000 transplant candidates. Tragically, one-third of those waiting will die waiting due to a lack of donors. The numbers demonstrate the need to better identify those willing to give life. Each registrant has the potential to save up to eight lives through organ donation and enhance another 50 lives through tissue donation. Stacey, from Belmont

Thanks for writing, Felix. That is a funny story. I feel a little bit better! This Saturday, Oct. 29th, there will be a “Kick-a-thon for Hope” sponsored by the Flying Tigers Tae Kwon Do Academy at Twisters Gym in Mountain View. et’s support these good-hearted young athletes! To sponsor an athlete, please contact me at [email protected]. CLIMBING PARTY WITH A BAND! There will also be a band playing for a party at Twisters Climbing Gym to benefit my medical fund. The band will start playing around 1:30 p.m. Climbing is free with a small donation. Come check out the rennovated gym and climb for a cause! All donations are tax-deductible. Medication expenses beyond insurance are approximately $200/month so there is still a great need for fundraising. Many thanks to Twisters owner Ron, and department managers Dustin and Jess for sponsoring these events. Stacey, from Belmont