Dispatches from Durban #2 ~ Team Northeast Athletes ~

This is Barbara Breckenridge; she is one of the Team Northeast athletes who are part of TEAM U.S.A now competing at the World Transplant Games in Durban, South Africa. Barbara, a kidney transplant recipient who received her transplant 14 years ago, has competed in several games, and has over 25 medals to date.  Barbara is also the Buffalo Community Relations Director for the Northeast Kidney Foundation. She participates in Track and Field events and won a Gold medal in the today's 5k race.

This is Robin Lataille, also a Team Northeast athlete who is a member of TEAM U.S.A competing in the 2013 World Transplant Games going on now in Durban, South Africa. Robin had a kidney transplant in 2010 and is competing in her second World Transplant Games. Robin has also won several medals and competes to "honor the donor families." She believes since receiving the gift of life, it's important to live life to the fullest. She will participate in swimming events and a 5k road race.

This is Tom Jenkin, another TEAM U.S.A member who is a Team Northeast athlete competing in the World Transplant Games. Tom is a resident of Queensbury, NY which makes him my neighbor to the north. So proud to see a local transplant recipient there representing all NYS Kidney Warriors! Tom has also competed in several World Transplant Games and continually brings home to Gold for Team U.S.A. Tom participates in both cycling and track and field events. Tom believes that "the kidney transplant restored my life and made it even better than it was." Tom also won a Gold medal in the 5k race today. 

* Imagine!  Monkeys on the 5k course where Tom and Barb brought home the Gold*

It's just amazing to see these transplant recipients completing in the World Transplant Games. I hope they know how proud and inspired we are by all of them and wish them the best of luck in each of their events! I'm so happy to be sharing the sights and adventures from South Africa and hope you're enjoying it as well. 

*Beautiful view of Coast of South Africa where the games are being held*

Thank you following the "Dispatches from Durban;" please come back throughout the week for more updates.

Keep on fighting all you Kidney Warriors!

~Kidney Blogger