Transplant Games

Our plan is surely an ambitious one. It bears asking, "What was the impetus for all of this?" My father has been blessed with fairly good health in the nearly 8 years since his transplant. So much so that he has been able to compete in the National Kidney Foundation's Transplant Games. These games are held nationally in even years and internationally in odd years. I don't remember the date for sure, but I believe it was last summer that we found out the 2011 games were taking place in Göteborg (Gothenburg), Sweden. Being that we are all Swedish and that we still maintain contact with some relatives from that area, our interests were piqued. Still, I don't know if any of us really believed we could go.

2011 Transplant Games website

Slowly but surely a few things began to fall in place. Mom and Elise have no problem with a two month vacation, due to their teaching schedules. Likewise, Dad, with his art, would be able to free himself for the summer. My job posed a bit more of a problem. Homeless shelters are 24-7 entities and we are perpetually short staffed. Thankfully, my supervisors allowed me to take the time off without pay, effectively green-lighting the trip from my perspective.

Another potential snag was the sheer cost, especially of the games themselves. Though the Transplant Games are at their core a celebration of survivors, they are also an opportunity raise funds for the transplant cause. The total cost to stay on site and compete (just for Mom and Dad) was a whopping $3,000. Fortunately, there was a fund raising page which could be used to help mitigate the costs. However, my parents only found out about it a couple weeks before registration was due on March 31 (coincidentally Mom's birthday). What transpired in these weeks was a tremendous outpouring of love. The complete goal of $3,000 was met on the night of the 31st. You can see the site here.

My Mother is an incredibly strong person. She is not dramatic nor does she overly emote. But as she sat in our living room, watching the names of those willing to give a little scroll by, she was deeply moved. I want to thank all of you who helped prove Luke 6:38 to be true.

Other things:
-I did finally get my passport. Hooray for responsibility!

-Next post will be our rough itinerary.

-Here is the vehicle we will be driving/living in. (though presumably less pimped out)

Thanks for visiting!



BA