Sunday, July 15, 2012

Bad news



It doesn't look promising for me to be at the games the doctor just informed me that my cornea is already half off my eye...

not easy typing with one blurry eye....

hopefully better soon

take care and God bless 



Saturday, July 14, 2012

Eye infection >>Prayers Please

Dear friends

I'm looking at this screen with blurred vision,....My grandson had pink eye and I now have it.

Max also accidentally scratched my eye also ....therefore now I'm in a real mess.

I have been on antibiotic drops for the past five days....I now  to take an antibiotic drop every two hours and I also have to put in an antibiotic cream at night.

The specialist told my doctor that if things get worse I have to go in asap.this means that my vision is being damaged.

But if they remain the same I am to see the specialist on Monday...

We are suppose to be at the games doing volunteer orientation....What a disappointment! and the games officially start on Tuesday....

If you are a prayerful person could you please say one for me.

I hope things clear up soon.

Take care and God bless

Maria 

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Transplant Games - Getting the word out.

Well dear reader....

Since I received the message about the need for more volunteers, I've been sitting at my computer trying to get the word out.

I started by sending it to everyone on my email list and since I don't like to send mass emails, I did this for one person at a time.

I followed the same rule and sent the message to, editors from newspapers from across Alberta (including university papers) and TV news teams.

After this I added the information to my face book pages, this blog and my twitter page.

I'm thankful to say that, family and friends are doing what they can and they are also getting the word out. 

On a personal level, I still have a lot to do before we go to the games.

As usual I'm still taking care of my grandson Max on a full time basis, he is a joy to have around but can be a handful. Also at this point in time the poor little guy is suffering from pink eye....and he needs a few more hugs then usual. 

I must say that taking care of Max, does limit the time that I can work on this project, the web-page etc.

Then when you add to this, the transplant games, vacation time, a wedding and family reunion - all I can think of is this ....

Thank Goodness that the Guinness book banner attempt isn't until next May.

God bless and have a great day

Maria


Monday, July 2, 2012

What are the Transplant Games?


Olympics for Unsung Heroes

What are the Transplant Games?
1.      They are athletic games and competitions
2.      The Athletes/competitors are men women and children of all ages and they are all transplant recipients.
3.      This year the games are being held in Calgary between July 16 -21, 2012. 
As a donor family, my husband (Allen) and I attended and volunteered at the National Transplant games in Edmonton in 2006; it was the first time that the games were to come to western Canada.
While attending these games we were treated as heroes for being a donor family.
Before attending these games, as a donor family, we always considered out daughter to be a hero for letting us know that she wanted to be an organ and tissue donor.
Then during the week of the games, recipients and their families started to share their stories with us. It was at this time that we were to witness true living heroes.
As a donor family, we have always been grateful that our daughter’s wishes were fulfilled, but we didn’t see a true impact of what her wish meant, until we attended these games.
At these games, along with being a witness to the gratitude and the zest for life that these athletes and their families shared, we also were witness to the great sadness that they suffered knowing the loss that we have endured and endure. For us, it was heart wrenching, to see those individuals going through this kind of pain and suffering.
During these games, we came to know very brave individuals and families that were showing gratitude and giving thanks and making the best of what life had and has to offer.
Since that time, we now know that some of these individuals are no longer with us and this saddens us, but we are thankful that we were invited to be a part their world. Because  during that time, they strived to be the best that they could be, if only for this one time, just these games and we were proud to have known these (True Champions – True Heroes ) if only for a few days and only for a brief time.
We now know that at these National Transplant Games we have an opportunity to see true heroes, living heroes that have been given a new lease on life because of heroes like our child that wanted to be a donor and help others.
We are fortunate and thankful that, we are a donor family and volunteer members of the Canadian Transplant Association at the National Transplant games

 Be a hero for heroes –be a volunteer at the 2012 Transplant Games in Calgary  

God bless and have a great day.
Maria

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Help needed for Transplant Games in Calgary !!

Transplant Games - Swim Officials Needed!
Do you have family and/or friends in Calgary that might be able to help out with the National Transplant Games? 

I find it hard to believe that in a city the size of Calgary that there would be a shortage of people willing to help out with this event. 

If you don't know of anyone could you please still pass the word around?

They are looking for volunteers to help out at the National Transplant Games.

They are in need of individuals to help out with the swim meet.

 As a donor family, Allen and I have already put our name in to volunteer for the swim meet and the golf tournament. 

But since they are short of volunteers we let them know that they can schedule us wherever there is a need.  

Since they are now asking us to also get this word out, I would like to know if you could please pass this message on to others.

God bless and have a great day.


Maria.

MESSAGE 
Quote
From Shauna Rivait .
We are still looking for volunteer certified officials for the Canadian Transplant Games Swim meet in Calgary on Thursday July 19, 2012 from 8:30 am until 1:00pm held at the Foothills Aquatic Pool – across from the U of C Campus.
We require officials in the following positions:
Ø  Chief Marshall,
Ø  Starter,
Ø  Recorder,
Ø  Runner,
Ø  Chief Timer,
Ø  15 Timers (five lanes being used),
Ø  Chief Finish Judge,
Ø  One stroke Judge
Ø  & a Turn Judge.
We know that this is late asking for help, but we would really appreciate your assistance in this. 
Please circulate this email to anyone you may know who may be able to help! 
Thank you in advance
For your knowledge, the competitors have all received transplants and this is part of a week of competitions being held in Calgary between July 16 -21, 2012. 
If you want to know more about the games you can view our website – google Canadian Transplant Association or check out www.organ-donation-works.org
All people who volunteer will need to register as a volunteer for the games as well in which you will receive a T-Shirt and be able to attend the Volunteer Appreciation Evening. 
If you have any questions please contact: Susan Fritz at susan.fritz@gov.ab.ca
Deb Diemer at debdiemer@live.ca

Shauna Rivait
Volunteer Committee Chair
Calgary's Local Organizing Committee
6th Canadian Transplant Games
http://www.organ-donation-works.org/