Green Bay
As the tour rolls on, Green Bay becomes the next host city. The tour stopped at the Bay Park Square Mall to hear more stories of life-saving gifts and life-changing decisions. Hillary Sweere shared her son, Rece’s, story. When he was only three days old, Rece needed a new heart. Sweere said it was a very difficult time and she was fearful an organ wouldn’t come in time for her son. But eight days later, he was given a new heart. She said the family tried to stay optimistic the entire time, because it was the only way they could get through it. Rece stood by her side today while she spoke at the event.
A picture of Teresa Paulus' son, Brian, stood by her side in Green Bay as she shared his story. Brian was only three years old when he drowned while camping. It happened 15 years ago. Brian’s mother pointed out he would have been graduating high school this year.
“I can’t go to his graduation,” she said. “But I can tell everybody about Brian and what a great boy he was and how proud we are of him.” Brian’s family chose to donate his organs. His eyes and heart valves gave others a second chance.
“Brian didn’t have a choice to live,” Paulus said. “But we had the chance to donate to help other children live.”
For the 15 years since Brian’s death, Teresa has been spreading the word on the importance of organ donation. She calls the work her passion.
“Donation is a good thing for families left behind,” said Paulus.
Other Team Wisconsin members who stopped by took turns telling stories as well. I’m not able to fit everyone’s stories in here, so like I said in my introductory blog, feel free to share your stories on the comment board for this blog. I think it would be really neat for this to become a collection of stories of triumph, perseverance, hardship and healing. Whatever your connection may be to organ donation, the Games or anyone I mention in the blogs feel free to share. Even if it’s just that you yourself are a registered organ donor, or you think the Transplant Games sound fun, everyone is welcome here.
Links to media coverage:
WFRV-TV
http://www.wfrv.com/news/local/96099689.html
WBAY-TV
http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=12630843
Appleton
Right next door to Green Bay, Appleton became the next site for the Legacy of Life Tour. The event was held at the Paper Discovery Center, a really neat place that you can actually take tours of, which seem pretty interesting.
Teresa Paulus traveled to Appleton after Green Bay and again told the story of her son Brian and the choice she made to donate his organs after he passed away at the age of three.
Anne Grahl was also at the event with her seven-year-old son Mason. Mason and his mom will be going to the Games at the end of July for Mason to compete! He received a kidney donation from his own mother about four years ago.
Links to media coverage:
WHBY-AM 1150
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