Over 12 years ago, I was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), and lost complete function of both my kidneys. This devastating news was a complete shock to my family and I, since I didn't manifest any symptoms of kidney disease. In fact, I was quite healthy and extremely athletic at the time - for years, I had been playing soccer for two different teams and practiced for almost two hours daily. Nonetheless, after finding out about my diagnosis, I was immediately placed on dialysis, which I had to endure several times a week. Obviously, these treatments were difficult to endure, and probably more so in terms of the psychological than the physical impact - I still felt very healthy and couldn't believe that I had to undergo treatments for a disease that "I really didn't have." As the months on dialysis passed, it was clearly evident that my kidney function wouldn't return to any type of normalcy. Faced with this reality, my family and I started to investigate longer-term solutions. For me, the answer was simple - since I was only 19 years of age, a kidney transplant was my best option for a life free of dialysis. In addition, and without any hesitation, my mother offered to donate one of her kidneys to me. On January 10, 1991, I received a kidney transplant and my life was forever changed. My mom had made the ultimate sacrifice for her son, and for her gift I am eternally grateful.

Ever since that eventful day in January, I've been part of a very unique "club" of people. As a member of this club, I've been able to participate in many activities and events with other transplant recipients in an effort to promote organ donation and transplantation. One of these events that I look forward to the most is the U.S. Transplant Games. This Olympic-style competition, which is held every other year, is an inspirational event for me - not only do I have an opportunity to compete and demonstrate my athletic abilities with others like me, but also meet some amazing individuals in the process. Over the years, I've met some heroic transplant donors and recipients, whose stories of struggle, determination, and courage have inspired me in my life. The U.S. Transplant Games is truly a unique event that captures the essence of what life is all about!