BIRMINGHAM WILL HOST 2024 TRANSPLANT GAMES OF AMERICA
NEWS
NEWS also helped introduce the world to a novel preclinical human model ,” Dr . Locke said . “ Moving forward , I think the Parsons Model can be leveraged to study the safety and feasibility of all sorts of things designed to improve the human condition , whether it be a medication or a new surgical procedure .”
Floragraphs on the float The 2023 float , titled Lifting Each Other Up , celebrated the power of organ , eye , and tissue donation , with donors and recipients working together to support one another . A Chinese street dragon was the centerpiece of the float , symbolizing great power , good luck , and strength that bring prosperity and abundance .
The float included a colorful dragon winding through flowering trees , lanterns , and fans , and it was emblazoned with 44 memorial floragraphs , or floral portraits , representing those who gave the gift of life . A traditional “ paifang ” bridge was featured on the back of the float , with a special message in Mandarin that highlighted the power of the gift of life that organ donation provides .
As one of the world ’ s most visible campaigns to inspire organ , eye , and tissue donation , the Donate Life Rose Parade float inspires viewers to heal and save thousands of people who need transplants .
BIRMINGHAM WILL HOST 2024 TRANSPLANT GAMES OF AMERICA
The Transplant Life Foundation has chosen Birmingham , Ala ., to host the 2024 Transplant Games of America , set for July 5-10 , 2024 . The festivalstyle , multi-sport event will bring together nearly 10,000 members of the transplant community and generate an estimated $ 10.2 million in economic impact for the Birmingham region . UAB Medicine will help sponsor the event by serving as the presenting medical partner .
Held every two years , the Transplant Games of America is a celebration of life for transplant recipients , living donors , donor families , individuals on the waiting list , caregivers , and transplant professionals . It honors the legacy of donors ; highlights the importance of organ , eye , and tissue donation ; celebrates the success of transplantation ; and increases national and state donor registry numbers .
“ In 2022 , there were almost 44,000 organ transplants in the United States , setting a new record ,” said Transplant Games of America President and CEO Bill Ryan . “ This remarkable , lifesaving medical advancement is only possible through the selfless acts of individuals who , in passing , gave others a chance at a return to health . Living donors also help bring new life to others in need , and the Transplant Games helps remind us that over 100,000 patients are on the waiting list for an organ , and dozens die every day because an organ was not available for them . We are thrilled to bring this event to the Birmingham community and can ’ t wait for our teams and their families to experience the warmth and friendship that visitors to Alabama enjoy .”
The weeklong event will feature thousands of athletes from all 50 states who will participate in 20 athletic and recreational competitions . Joining the nearly 43 domestic teams will be international guest teams from Australia , Brazil , Columbia , and other countries . The full lineup of sports will be announced in the future , but it is expected to include badminton , ballroom dancing , 3-on- 3 basketball , bowling , cornhole , cycling , darts , golf , pickleball , table tennis , swimming , tennis , trivia , track and field , a virtual triathlon , volleyball , and more . The athletic events will be hosted at seven venues across the greater Birmingham area and will be free and open to all spectators .
In addition to the medal events , the Games will host more than 45 special events and programs designed to bring the community together , including the opening ceremony , a 5K race / walk , a donor tribute ceremony , a living donor celebration , a seminar and workshop program , a village , a veteran ’ s salute , a quarter-century club dinner , and more . These events provide an opportunity for donor families , recipients , living donors , and professionals to engage with one another and share stories , but they also celebrate donors who gave the selfless gift of life .
The 2024 Transplant Games of America will be the 18th occurrence of the event , which was established in 1990 and previously has been hosted in Los Angeles , Atlanta , Orlando , Houston , San Diego , and other major cities .
40 UAB CTI Report