No Games for us and a Vow

Well my friends,

Things didn't turn out as we had planned and it saddened me to have to send this message to the games committee via.

Jennifer  Holman  

Physical Therapy Clinical Coordinator

Transplant Services

University of Alberta Hospital

1F2.22 Walter C. McKenzie Centre

8440-112 Street

Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7

Dear Jennifer,

Hooked on Games and
A Vow 

When Allen and I attended the 2006 Transplant Games in Edmonton we didn't realize that we had become hooked on the action and the vitality for life that the athletes and their families had to share.It was during these games that we truly realized the true impact that our eldest daughter (Tasha) had made on others by asking to help save lives through the gift of organ & tissue donation.

At the 2006 games we were to witness, true champions and true heroes, these individuals happened to be the athletes and their families.

We didn't truly realize what an impact these games had on us and especially Allen, until the 2008 transplant games, when we flew to Ontario to once more volunteer for the games and we did this despite Allen's near phobia of flying.

Then in 2010 when we were distressed and dejected to not be able to attend these games due to other health issues.

It was at this time we made a vow to each other, the vow was, that we would never miss another opportunity to help at the games or be a part of the games.

During these past two years Allen and I planed to once more volunteer at the games and we were so excited that they were being held in Calgary.

We were looking forward to staying one more time in the Athletes Village with all of out new found friends and we had so many plans.

This time we were going to the games, come hell or high water, we would be there.

Then suddenly on July 5th I sustained an eye injury and contracted a viral eye infection and a bacterial eye infection.

Due to this, I was put on a regime of antibiotics to try and get things under control.

Then on Sunday as we planed to drive out and still attend these games -

the doctor in our emergency health facility  informed us that I was highly contagious and would therefore put the games athletes at a very great risk of infection.

These words and only these words, prevented us from attending.

I was then sent to see a specialist and she repaired my cornea and she then put me on additional antibiotics and other medication to help with the healing process.

I was given strict instructions to rest my eyes and sleep lots so that my eyes could heal properly.

When I was told that I couldn't attend the games I reminded Allen of the vow that we had made to each other that , no matter what happens, at least one of us would attend the games ! !!

But to my added distress, Allen refused to leave my side.

We truly have missed everyone at these past games and you have been in our hearts all week long.

And we hope, God willing, we will be able to be with you again at future games.

We also hope and pray that one and all have a safe and happy trips home.

Yours truly - forever in our minds and hearts.

Maria and Allen Stranaghan
Donor Family
Peace River AB 1993
Sent from my iPhone