Third Post from Transplant Games

MONDAY, JULY 14, 2008 06:33 PM, CDT
Rece competed for the first time today. He started off warming up for the long jump. We didn't train him very well. We had him practicing the standing long jump and he did the actual long jump. After a few run-throughs, he made his first attempt. He scratched on his second attempt and jumped his longest on his third attempt. His longest jump was 5 ft. 7 in. It wasn't far enough to medal, but he had fun. Erin Davisson talked to Rece and Tony afterwards. Tony said he couldn't hold it together, he was a puddle. Next it was off to the softball throw. He got to do his 3 throws right away. His farthest throw was 33 ft. 6 in. That was good enough to put him in 12th place. We ate lunch and then went out to cheer on Team Wisconsin. One guy on the team (fellow htx patient) took silver in the long jump. He PR'd at 18 ft. 2 in. Andy, the most eldest on the team, took gold in the long jump, shot put and discus. Pretty impressive showing!!! After cheering for the 2-5 year olds in the 25 M dash, Rece was ready for his race. He ran the second heat and took 3rd in his heat. His time was good enough for 11th place (10.06 seconds). There was one girl running the 50 M dash that really caught my attention. I don't know what type of transplant she had but she was running with a walker. I cried her entire race. To see her running and smiling and crossing that finish line was all too symbolic for me and had me in tears. Once we got on the bus to go back to the hotel, Rece fell asleep in my arms and melted into a puddle. He was absolutely exhausted. Remember, you can check results on the NKF's website http://www.kidney.org/news/tgames/index.cfm and check out Team Wisconsin's blog with links to other team members personal blogs http://www.gamesteamwi.blogspot.com/.
I had the privilege to finally meet in person two women that I have corresponded with online. We all belong to the same support groups for parents of children that had heart transplants. It was wonderful to finally put faces to the names and see how great their boys were doing. Just two more wonderful families we have had the honor to meet at this life changing event.
Tomorrow night, at the closing ceremonies, we should find out if Wisconsin will be hosting the 2010 US Transplant Games. If we are fortunate enough to host this wonderful event, our family will be looking for help from our families and friends with fundraisers and volunteers. We're hoping we can count on you to help us.
Thanks again for all your help thus far and for your continued support. We love you all.
Tony, Hillary, Emma, Rece and Jack