GOING FOR GOLD
Born with a scarred cornea , Anthony Diaz was nearly blind until he received a cornea transplant when he was 4 years old . Prior to his surgery , he spent his days inside , watching his favorite sports on TV , dreaming of the day he could run down the field and see the goal line .
Eleven years later , Anthony ’ s dream came true as he competed at the 2016 Transplant Games of America in Cleveland last June .
Anthony was one of the thousands of transplant recipients , living donors , donor families and supporters who participated in the Games to highlight the critical importance of eye , organ and tissue donation , while celebrating the lives of donors and recipients .
The Donate Life Transplant Games is a festival-style , multi-sport event for eye , organ , tissue or bone marrow transplant recipients , as well as living donors . More than just an athletic competition , the Games bring participants from across the country — and the world — to represent their state teams .
Team Illinois had an incredible showing of 140 members that featured 53 athletes , including two cornea recipients , one tissue recipient , 11 living donors and 34 organ recipients . They were joined by 11 Australian recipients who came to show support .
Donor families also made up a large part of the team and honored their loved ones by participating in the remembrance ceremony , workshop sessions and quilt program .
“ I chose to compete because I wanted to honor my donor ,” Anthony said . “ His decision to enhance the lives of others gave me such a precious gift .”
He participated in swimming , golf and track and field . Along with four gold medals , he finished first overall for his age division in the 10,000-meter race . Anthony ’ s mom , Tobey , joined him for the Games , and both were overwhelmed by the energy and enthusiasm for donation they experienced during their time in Cleveland .
“ Anthony and I were so fortunate to have been able to spend several days with thousands of individuals and families whose lives were touched in some way by donation ,” Tobey said . “ It was truly humbling to watch Anthony swim and compete alongside others who have received a gift through eye , organ and tissue donation .”
Team Illinois is already gearing up for the 2018 Games . For more information on the team , and to learn how you can join , visit www . goteamillinois . org .
Fall 2016 | VISION | Page 4