PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The world’s largest celebration of life is coming to Alabama this weekend at the Transplant Games. A large contingent from the Philadelphia Gift of Life program will be in attendance.
The Transplant Games aim to raise awareness about the need for more organ donors and celebrate the lives of organ recipients.
One of the participants from Delaware will be part of the Philadelphia team.
Onyi Kenine is back at Nemours Children’s Hospital, the place that saved her life.
“When I was 10 months old in 2005, I had a liver transplant here,” said Kenine.
She is now 20, is doing an internship at the hospital and is about to participate in the Transplant Games for the 7th time.
“I like the competitiveness. It brings out a different side of me that I don’t normally show,” Kenine said.
Kenine will participate in a number of athletics events, as well as basketball, tennis and darts.
“The Transplant Games are a great opportunity to show the public how successful organ donation and transplantation are and how important it is for more people to say yes,” said Todd Franzen of Gift of Life.
Franzen says this year’s Transplant Games will bring together organ recipients, donors and donor families from across the country to compete in Alabama.
“There are 46 athletes competing in 20 different sports,” Franzen said.
Kenine becomes the captain of the Philadelphia track and field team.
“It’s just really nice to see everyone who knows what it’s like,” Kenine said.
She says a special bond is created in the transplant world.
“It’s really exciting and reassuring to know that people understand the same struggles as you, and to hear how everyone has overcome them,” Kenine said.
For Kenine it’s all about excelling.
She studies biochemistry at university and is grateful for her second chance at life.
“I would say, never say never. Keep moving forward. There is always light at the end of the tunnel,” Kenine said.
This year’s Transplant Games coincide with the 50th anniversary of Gift of Life, which aims to celebrate the milestone of 50,000 organ donors.
Stephanie Stahl
