This is a copy of the benediction I was privileged to offer at the close of the Opening Ceremony, at the 2008 Transplant Games in the DL Convention Center, Downtown Pittsburgh, PA:
Most Gracious and Merciful God,
Tonight, we give You thanks for the privilege to participate in the United States Transplant Games. We are thankful for the great city of Pittsburgh, that has welcomed the community and family of transplant. We ask for Your presence with us as we celebrate and honor the gift of life. May each athlete receive strength and courage, and may those who applaud their efforts experience an indescribable joy. And, Father, please bestow Your perfect peace and comfort to the donor families who have come to grieve and remember their loved ones. It is to the donor families that I pray receive the greatest blessing, for their sorrow is deeper than any joy that I, as a recipient, have been given as a result of their selfless decision to donate life. May all that happens over the next four days bring You honor and glory, and shine a bright light on the miracle and success of organ transplantation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Happy Birthday to me!!
Yes, I am 3 yrs old today, at least in transplant yrs. Having a transplant is one way to get another day to celebrate. And, it is a big one. Interestingly enough, this morning Caroline had to take me to my family doctor, and then the ENT, for a bad allergic reaction to something I ate yesterday. It was like old times, me the patient and her the ever-supportive and able caregiver.
Last night, I was contacted by two donor family members I met at the Transplant Games, one from Team Mississippi, and the other from Team Liberty (NJ/NY). Both of these men lost a child, a son and daughter, respectively. Hearing from them reminds me that sorrow & grief exists out there for donor families, while joy and hope abound in my life today. Without the decision to donate life, recipients like me would not be alive. Caroline would be a widow with two young children, without their father.
I am 3 today, and I have gratitude in my heart. As the bumper sticker on my car reads, "God bless organ donors and their families."
Last night, I was contacted by two donor family members I met at the Transplant Games, one from Team Mississippi, and the other from Team Liberty (NJ/NY). Both of these men lost a child, a son and daughter, respectively. Hearing from them reminds me that sorrow & grief exists out there for donor families, while joy and hope abound in my life today. Without the decision to donate life, recipients like me would not be alive. Caroline would be a widow with two young children, without their father.
I am 3 today, and I have gratitude in my heart. As the bumper sticker on my car reads, "God bless organ donors and their families."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Summary (cont.)
Day 3 - Since Rachel was still sicky poo, we didn't want to overdo it. Yet, we managed to anyway. We spent the morning and early afternoon in an area called the Strip District. No, it's not what you are thinking! There were shops, cafes and street vendors galore. We ate in the well-known restaurant, Primany Brothers, sampling their famous sandwich with cole slaw and french fries on it. Good stuff. After such an exhausting day swimming, I was surprised I had the strength to carry Rachel on my back for many blocks.
The kids on Team NC were playing 3 on3 b-ball at the Convention Center that night, and we hoped to spectate. Caroline and Laura had cheered them on to no avail the night before. We saw some of game, after a huge hullaballoo trying to find somewhere to eat. Remember, spouses don't fight, just disagree :-)
Day 4 - Free day, and we went to Sandcastle Water Park. It was awesome, and I think I had the most fun. My dad was gracious enough to help fund the trip, so we taxied all the way there. We dropped off our stuff & swam in the wave pool, then hit the slides. I have always loved water parks, and relished the opp to exercise my nerve on the big ones. Though, Caroline and the girls would have been ok if I skipped the "Lightning Express." What a rush! And, what a climb to get up there just to go down. It was a family blast, which we needed, and we returned tired and sunburned.
Closing ceremonies tonight. Very well done, and hosted by Celebrity Ken Howard, who is also a kidney recipient. He is great, and the transplant community receives him well. This year, his donor, a Hollywood stuntwoman, was also in attendance. Music was good, but not as good as Opening Ceremonies, at least to me. Individual and team awards given, with generous applause. Team Arizona wins the team cup, deservedly so.
Day 5 - Time to go. Take shuttle to airport, check in... We were first of team to gate, so Caroline and girls were off. I was feeling a little puny, so I laid down on the seats, though unable to fit under the armrests that don't lift up. Not long after I got in this uncomfortable position, some folks sat nearby and started to chat. Turns out they were donor families from Team Connecticut, who happened to sit down for a rest on the way to their gate. Coincidence? Doubt it.
I immediately connected with a woman who has attended multiple Games, after losing her only son, Brian. What an amazing thing to listen to her story and about the illness that took Brian's life. He was 13 yrs old, and had a rare & fatal form of Muscular Distrophy. And, how humbling to be able to be an encouragement to her, just by being there. This is what the Games are all about to me.
Transplant Games in 2010 is in Madison, Wisconsin!
The kids on Team NC were playing 3 on3 b-ball at the Convention Center that night, and we hoped to spectate. Caroline and Laura had cheered them on to no avail the night before. We saw some of game, after a huge hullaballoo trying to find somewhere to eat. Remember, spouses don't fight, just disagree :-)
Day 4 - Free day, and we went to Sandcastle Water Park. It was awesome, and I think I had the most fun. My dad was gracious enough to help fund the trip, so we taxied all the way there. We dropped off our stuff & swam in the wave pool, then hit the slides. I have always loved water parks, and relished the opp to exercise my nerve on the big ones. Though, Caroline and the girls would have been ok if I skipped the "Lightning Express." What a rush! And, what a climb to get up there just to go down. It was a family blast, which we needed, and we returned tired and sunburned.
Closing ceremonies tonight. Very well done, and hosted by Celebrity Ken Howard, who is also a kidney recipient. He is great, and the transplant community receives him well. This year, his donor, a Hollywood stuntwoman, was also in attendance. Music was good, but not as good as Opening Ceremonies, at least to me. Individual and team awards given, with generous applause. Team Arizona wins the team cup, deservedly so.
Day 5 - Time to go. Take shuttle to airport, check in... We were first of team to gate, so Caroline and girls were off. I was feeling a little puny, so I laid down on the seats, though unable to fit under the armrests that don't lift up. Not long after I got in this uncomfortable position, some folks sat nearby and started to chat. Turns out they were donor families from Team Connecticut, who happened to sit down for a rest on the way to their gate. Coincidence? Doubt it.
I immediately connected with a woman who has attended multiple Games, after losing her only son, Brian. What an amazing thing to listen to her story and about the illness that took Brian's life. He was 13 yrs old, and had a rare & fatal form of Muscular Distrophy. And, how humbling to be able to be an encouragement to her, just by being there. This is what the Games are all about to me.
Transplant Games in 2010 is in Madison, Wisconsin!
Friday, July 18, 2008
Summary of Transplant Games
Day 0 - Flew into Pittsburgh on US Airways Express. Little plane but easy trip. Registered at Marriott Hotel City Center, one of 6 downtown hotels being used by participants. Most of Team NC was at the Hilton, since I had registered a little late.
Day 1 - Team NC photo and registration for Games. This is when you get your National Kidney Foundation US Games gear, bag and shirt, and pick up mucho freebies at the Expo. Companies and organ donation causes set up shop and make nice with thousands of adoring fans, who happen to love free stuff. The coolest thing was a spray water bottle/fan that my girls got.
Next up, the first day of swimming at Carnegie Mellon University pool. Track & field also occurred on this campus. The facility was adequate, but lacked in spectator space. But, being that only two events happened, 100 Individual Medley (IM) and 500 yard freestyle, not too crowded. I've heard different reports as to why we didn't have access to University of Pitt's pool.
I was in lane 1 for the IM, which is never where a swimmer wants to be, but so be it. I won silver, since Jerry Missel from Team Michigan was just too fast! After coming off the wall from breastroke to free, I knew my streak of golds was soon coming to an end.
Opening Ceremonies at night, about 3 hours worth. Each team lines up and marches into the convention center to cheers from all, especially any Tarheels. It is fun and inspiring, where many stories are told and songs sung from the stage. There was more than one recipient who shared the stage with their donor family. Also, a woman who has been waiting for a liver said her hope was to paricipate in the 2010 Games as an "athlete."
It was an honor to lead the benediction at the close of the ceremony. And, it was too cool when Team NC gave it up for me after I was introduced. I smiled as I walked to the podium.
Day 2 - All day swimming. In the morning, I competed in the 100 yd breastroke, 100 backstroke & the Men's medley relay. I was third in my heat in breastroke, but thankfully won the age group. I was beaten by an athlete from Arizona from the 30s and NC's own Jim Gill, from the 50s.
Backstroke went well, except I didn't hear the starter say take your mark. I only heard the beep and watched the rest of the swimmers take off. In lane 1 again, it was hard to hear, and the starter didn't speak loudly. Yes, I told him so after the race, in a nice way, of course.
The men's medley was a thrill. I secretly believed we had chance for bronze. Mike Worsham, who has swam in previous games but missed 2006, could swim breastroke. This freed me up for back, kept Jim Gill in butterfly, and David Rinker (13) could bring it home in free. All went according to plan, except the end when we came in 4th by less than 1 sec! The race was so exciting & fun, but I so much wanted to stand on the podium with young David.
We had a brief award ceremony, and they allowed my father, H. Richard Barndt, to award me my gold medal for the 100 backstroke. It was touching to see so many family & friends at the awards, cheering and crying. The afternoon had the 50 backstroke, which is probably my strongest event. I won and was pleased with my time. Another 4th place for the Men's Freestyle relay. I led off and swam next to Ray Velasco from Team Northern California.
As rewarding as the day was, the downside was that Rachel was sick and back at the hotel. Which meant that Caroline was also back at the hotel & unable to watch the swimming. It is just the way things go, but it was a total bummer.
more to come...
Day 1 - Team NC photo and registration for Games. This is when you get your National Kidney Foundation US Games gear, bag and shirt, and pick up mucho freebies at the Expo. Companies and organ donation causes set up shop and make nice with thousands of adoring fans, who happen to love free stuff. The coolest thing was a spray water bottle/fan that my girls got.
Next up, the first day of swimming at Carnegie Mellon University pool. Track & field also occurred on this campus. The facility was adequate, but lacked in spectator space. But, being that only two events happened, 100 Individual Medley (IM) and 500 yard freestyle, not too crowded. I've heard different reports as to why we didn't have access to University of Pitt's pool.
I was in lane 1 for the IM, which is never where a swimmer wants to be, but so be it. I won silver, since Jerry Missel from Team Michigan was just too fast! After coming off the wall from breastroke to free, I knew my streak of golds was soon coming to an end.
Opening Ceremonies at night, about 3 hours worth. Each team lines up and marches into the convention center to cheers from all, especially any Tarheels. It is fun and inspiring, where many stories are told and songs sung from the stage. There was more than one recipient who shared the stage with their donor family. Also, a woman who has been waiting for a liver said her hope was to paricipate in the 2010 Games as an "athlete."
It was an honor to lead the benediction at the close of the ceremony. And, it was too cool when Team NC gave it up for me after I was introduced. I smiled as I walked to the podium.
Day 2 - All day swimming. In the morning, I competed in the 100 yd breastroke, 100 backstroke & the Men's medley relay. I was third in my heat in breastroke, but thankfully won the age group. I was beaten by an athlete from Arizona from the 30s and NC's own Jim Gill, from the 50s.
Backstroke went well, except I didn't hear the starter say take your mark. I only heard the beep and watched the rest of the swimmers take off. In lane 1 again, it was hard to hear, and the starter didn't speak loudly. Yes, I told him so after the race, in a nice way, of course.
The men's medley was a thrill. I secretly believed we had chance for bronze. Mike Worsham, who has swam in previous games but missed 2006, could swim breastroke. This freed me up for back, kept Jim Gill in butterfly, and David Rinker (13) could bring it home in free. All went according to plan, except the end when we came in 4th by less than 1 sec! The race was so exciting & fun, but I so much wanted to stand on the podium with young David.
We had a brief award ceremony, and they allowed my father, H. Richard Barndt, to award me my gold medal for the 100 backstroke. It was touching to see so many family & friends at the awards, cheering and crying. The afternoon had the 50 backstroke, which is probably my strongest event. I won and was pleased with my time. Another 4th place for the Men's Freestyle relay. I led off and swam next to Ray Velasco from Team Northern California.
As rewarding as the day was, the downside was that Rachel was sick and back at the hotel. Which meant that Caroline was also back at the hotel & unable to watch the swimming. It is just the way things go, but it was a total bummer.
more to come...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Flying home to NC
Closing ceremonies were wonderful last night. Lots of celebrating, speaking, applause and singing (no, not me). The band put on a great show at the University of Pittsburgh Arena.
We did not repeat as National Cup Champs, Team Arizona won. Team NC did just awesome. We had 5 children competing, ranging in ages from 7 to 11 yrs old. Seeing the kids is a highlight.
One of the highlights for me is saying "thank you" to the donor families I meet everywhere I go. It is a privilege to honor them, and hear them share about their loved ones who died. It is humbling. We met a mother from NY who lost her son a few years ago. He was a student at NC State, loved flag football & smoothies. My wife, Caroline, has all these things in common with him. Wow. She cried and we hugged and took pics together.
God is good. Write more later.
We did not repeat as National Cup Champs, Team Arizona won. Team NC did just awesome. We had 5 children competing, ranging in ages from 7 to 11 yrs old. Seeing the kids is a highlight.
One of the highlights for me is saying "thank you" to the donor families I meet everywhere I go. It is a privilege to honor them, and hear them share about their loved ones who died. It is humbling. We met a mother from NY who lost her son a few years ago. He was a student at NC State, loved flag football & smoothies. My wife, Caroline, has all these things in common with him. Wow. She cried and we hugged and took pics together.
God is good. Write more later.
Monday, July 14, 2008
I finally found a computer!!!!
Hello everyone! It has been an absolute whirlwind for me, my family & Team NC. We have been so busy with events, ceremonies, shuttle rides & meeting hundreds of people from the transplant community. Getting sleep and finding places to eat has been one of the hardest parts!
The swimming competition is over, and the team did great. We won many medals, including gold, silver & bronze. For me, I won 3 golds & 1 silver. On Saturday, I competed in the 100 I.M. for the silver. Sunday's competition included the 100 breastroke, 100 and 50 backstroke, and the Medley and Freestyle Relays. I received golds in my individual events, and our relays came in fourth :-( The medley relay missed bronze by .75 seconds! But it was exciting to the core!
I'll get back with more updates, and some stories of the incredible people I am meeting!
The swimming competition is over, and the team did great. We won many medals, including gold, silver & bronze. For me, I won 3 golds & 1 silver. On Saturday, I competed in the 100 I.M. for the silver. Sunday's competition included the 100 breastroke, 100 and 50 backstroke, and the Medley and Freestyle Relays. I received golds in my individual events, and our relays came in fourth :-( The medley relay missed bronze by .75 seconds! But it was exciting to the core!
I'll get back with more updates, and some stories of the incredible people I am meeting!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tomorrow, tomorrow...we fly to Pittsburgh tomorrow! (to tune in Annie)
Today is the last day til we fly to Pittsburgh, and we are jacked up. Caroline and the girls are packing, as I type. Emails are buzzing and phones are ringing. The time has come! NBC17 is scheduled to see us off at the airport, so the team is excited for the coverage. We are the defending National Cup Champions, and plan to repeat!
I swam briefly this morning, after getting a permanent crown finished at the dentist (that's been fun). Did some sprints and a couple of turns. Freestyle feels good, but times are just so-so. I am doing what is called a "taper," which is decreased yardage and focused swims, including sprints, in preparation for competition. The goal is to achieve personal best at competition. The pool is my friend, the pool is my friend, the pool is my friend.
I love competition, and winning golds are a blast. Yet, the best part of the Games is celebrating life with 1000s of folks, who comprise the transplant family, be they recipients and their families, donor families, living donors, and professionals. I greatly look forward to saying "thank you" to as many donor families as possible, in hopes of bringing some comfort and hope as they grieve. Celebrating and honoring life is what it's about!
I swam briefly this morning, after getting a permanent crown finished at the dentist (that's been fun). Did some sprints and a couple of turns. Freestyle feels good, but times are just so-so. I am doing what is called a "taper," which is decreased yardage and focused swims, including sprints, in preparation for competition. The goal is to achieve personal best at competition. The pool is my friend, the pool is my friend, the pool is my friend.
I love competition, and winning golds are a blast. Yet, the best part of the Games is celebrating life with 1000s of folks, who comprise the transplant family, be they recipients and their families, donor families, living donors, and professionals. I greatly look forward to saying "thank you" to as many donor families as possible, in hopes of bringing some comfort and hope as they grieve. Celebrating and honoring life is what it's about!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Training update??
Well, today I am feeling pretty run down. Why, you ask? It's the training, of course. Yesterday was tough, spending 3-4 hours at the neighborhood pool with my daughters. "Sharks & minnows" was especially exhausting! Being a human jungle gym is actually tiring, but hopefully keeps me in shape. Today was not much easier, showing up for 3 games of "Candyland" & a wrestling match with Rachel. Yes, I have been knocked down and stomped on!
Truth is, I have had some good workouts recently & feeling good in the water. Times off the wall are about where I want them. Backstroke feels the strongest so far, and anxiously awaiting the 50 & 100 meters on Sunday. I am feeling worn out, and may be fighting off a cold/bug. Pray & think healthy thoughts for me & Team NC!
Truth is, I have had some good workouts recently & feeling good in the water. Times off the wall are about where I want them. Backstroke feels the strongest so far, and anxiously awaiting the 50 & 100 meters on Sunday. I am feeling worn out, and may be fighting off a cold/bug. Pray & think healthy thoughts for me & Team NC!
Monday, July 7, 2008
Schedule
We fly out on Friday at 10:45 am, and go direct to Pittsburgh. The team will stay in various hotels in the downtown area, and meet at certain venues for special events, such as the Opening Ceremonies. Sports competitions will also occur throughout the Pittsburgh area, with swimming taking place at Carnegie Mellon University. I have one individual event on Saturday, and three more individuals, and two relays, on Sunday.
Press coverage??
I was contacted this morning from NBC17 reporter, Julie Henry. She was inquiring about Team NC in the Transplant Games. Julie also did a nice story on myself and two other heart recipients, as we prepared for a triathlon relay in June. We'll keep our fingers crossed and smiles wide for the camera!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Race day is coming
I had a call this morning from fellow swimmer for Team NC, Jim Gill. He called to update me on his times in practice, which are very impressive. Jim is a 4 time gold medalist from the 2006 Games, and truly exploded into his age group. His fellow swimmers did not know what hit them!
Jim received a kidney transplant from his sister, and is now a veterinarian in Gastonia, NC. He gave his sister, Carol, abdominal kudos by drawing a big kidney on his stomach, then writing "thanks sis" next to it. Our relay team in 2006 consisted of 2 kidneys, 1 liver & 1 heart, including ages 10, 36, 38 and 50 yrs old. Though we didn't medal last time, it is on our agenda this year!
Jim received a kidney transplant from his sister, and is now a veterinarian in Gastonia, NC. He gave his sister, Carol, abdominal kudos by drawing a big kidney on his stomach, then writing "thanks sis" next to it. Our relay team in 2006 consisted of 2 kidneys, 1 liver & 1 heart, including ages 10, 36, 38 and 50 yrs old. Though we didn't medal last time, it is on our agenda this year!
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