Sunday, June 23, 2002
The event is designed to showcase the success stories of organ transplantation.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
POLAND -- Architect Russell Beatty watched his sister go through a heart transplant in 1981. The anti-rejection drugs she took caused some side effects, and though she lived 14 years, long enough to see her children grow, her quality of life was never very good, he said.
But now, the 71-year-old is determined to show everyone that transplant recipients can lead vibrant, normal lives. He is living proof.
"We transplants have to show others that this is a viable solution," said Beatty, who received his own heart transplant almost seven years ago.
To do that, Beatty is in Orlando, Fla., to participate in this week's U.S. Transplant Games, an Olympic-style event for organ, bone marrow and tissue recipients.
Let the games begin
Held every two years, the U.S. Transplant Games -- which take place Tuesday through Saturday -- are in the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. Besides two of his 11 grandchildren, Beatty is accompanied by his wife, Ruth.
"It's nice to be able to gather with our friends and others who have had transplants," she said. "The stories you hear from them are sometimes unbelievable."
Vickie Nortz of Worthington, manager for the Team Ohio athletes and an employee of the National Kidney Foundation, said Beatty is one of about 40 athletes from Ohio who will participate in the events.
There are 41 events in 12 sporting categories, covering everything from bowling and golf to swimming and track and field.
"The event as a whole is designed to promote organ and tissue donations and to showcase the success stories of transplantation," she said. "We want to show the world how healthy you can be if you receive a transplant."
Team Ohio athletes are mostly recipients of organ donations, such as hearts, livers, kidneys and lungs, she added. Other teams are bringing athletes who have received donations of everything from bone marrow to skin grafts.
Attending the event
Also attending many of the events during the games are donor families, friends and family of participants and special guests. Organizers are expecting actor Larry Hagman and Olympic medalist Chris Klug, each of whom received liver transplants, to attend this week.
But the real focus, Nortz said, will be on the athletes and their accomplishments and camaraderie.
Beatty echoed her thoughts, saying he is looking forward to seeing not only fellow transplant recipients but donor families as well.
"The real heroes in these cases are the people who donate," he said. "Without them, none of us would be here. We are just the happy recipients."
slshaulis@vindy.com