July 9th 2024.
The Transplant Games of America are finally here, and they will be held in Birmingham, Alabama from July 5 to 10. This event is a special opportunity for those who have received a second chance at life through organ donation to meet and honor the individuals who made their survival possible. It also serves as a tribute to the heroic individuals who saved lives through their selfless act of donation.
What makes these games even more unique is that every single participant in the 20 events is a recipient of an organ or living tissue transplant. This is a powerful reminder of the impact that organ donation has on the lives of those in need.
According to a press release from the Health Equity in Transplantation Coalition (HEiTC), the event is organized by R&B legend and organ transplant recipient Al. B. Sure, along with the Transplant Life Foundation. HEiTC, founded by Sure, Rev Al Sharpton, and Rachel Noerdlinger, aims to advocate for policy changes and raise awareness about the disparities faced by Black and Brown Americans in the organ transplant community.
In the press release, Sure reflects on his own personal experience, stating, "Two years ago, I overcame the greatest challenge of my life thanks to the gift of a donor and their loved ones. My liver transplant and the dedicated team of medical professionals, led by Dr. Constance Mobley and Houston Methodist, as well as the support of my community, saved my life. I know that many can relate to my experience and join in my call for equitable healthcare practices that remove barriers."
Sure also emphasizes the significance of hosting the Transplant Games in Birmingham, a city with a rich history in the Civil Rights Movement. He explains, "It honors a city that was crucial to the Civil Rights Movement and underscores our ongoing fight for health equity."
Sharpton, a senior advisor for HEiTC, echoes this sentiment, stating, "Birmingham was at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, so it is only fitting to have this event there as we continue this fight to close the access gap for Black and Brown transplant patients."
Bill Ryan, CEO of the Transplant Life Foundation, adds, "We are deeply honored to produce this year's Transplant Games in Birmingham - a city renowned for its pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. It's a fitting backdrop to celebrate donors' selfless acts, their families' resilience, and the renewed lives of transplant recipients."
The event also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the disparities faced by Black and Brown communities in organ transplantation. As Black Enterprise previously reported, changes have been made to the transplant candidate list to address anti-Black standards and improve access to life-saving organs for Black recipients.
Ryan emphasizes the importance of this issue, stating, "Disproportionately affected by kidney and heart organ failure, these communities often rely on organ transplantation as their sole lifeline. Through the Games, we aim to amplify the urgent need for organ donations and to shed light on the disparities in transplantation. Together, we can make a difference."
The Transplant Games of America are not just a sporting event, but a powerful symbol of the ongoing fight for health equity and the need for systemic changes to ensure equal access to life-saving resources for all. And with Birmingham as the backdrop for this year's event, it serves as a reminder of the city's historic role in the fight for civil rights.
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