“Our greatest legacy isn’t what we leave behind… it’s the life we make possible for someone else.”
In June 2026, our Outreach team and Executive Director Kelly L. Green attended more than 7 events and site visits across 3 states. Along the way, we experienced emotional moments, gratitude, impact, connection, and hope. Here’s a recap.
2026 Transplant Games (Denver)
From June 18 to June 23, Denver hosted the 2026 Transplant Games of America (TGA). TGA brought together thousands of living donors, donor families, transplant candidates, transplant recipients, and transplant professionals like us.
The goal of the week is simple: to enjoy athletic competition, connection, and celebration of the gift of life.
More than 40 teams participated across 20-plus athletic events. Living donors and transplant recipients came together for the largest donor and recipient gathering ever held!
Here’s Kelly’s recap – see her full remarks on LinkedIn:
“At the Transplant Games, I saw grief transformed into hope. Every person there was touched by transplantation, donation, loss, hope, or survival.”
“Everywhere I turned, I met donor families who had experienced unimaginable loss yet chose to create hope from heartbreak. Parents who lost children. Children who lost parents. Spouses, siblings, and loved ones carrying grief while also celebrating the lives their loved ones continue to impact through organ donation.
Some have met the recipients of their loved ones’ gifts. Others have not. But all share the bond that comes with the selfless decision to give life to a stranger.
I also had the honor of meeting living donors, including several who donated anonymously. To willingly undergo surgery and accept risk solely to help someone you’ve never met is an extraordinary act of humanity.
And then there were the recipients.
I’ve never been around so many people who clearly understand the value of each day. They know their years are borrowed gifts, and their gratitude radiates from every conversation, every competition, and every embrace.
One of the most moving moments came through Pat, a donor mother who lost her son more than twenty years ago.
In his honor, she organizes an annual butterfly release.
This year marked the twentieth gathering. We stood together in a circle, read a poem aloud, and released butterflies into the Colorado sky. What happened next felt almost magical:
Many of the butterflies lingered. Some landed on our hands, shoulders, and clothing. Others simply stayed nearby, as if reluctant to leave.”
“It was a breathtaking and emotional reminder that love endures long after loss.”
As Karli from our Outreach team added:
“I learned the importance of saying the donors’ name while speaking to these families because they want them to be remembered for their positive impact on this world and giving life to someone else.
Every person who stopped by our table shared a piece of their journey, and each conversation made me realize this community is so special. We had an abundance of tears, hugs, and laughs at our table. The strength and connection we experienced will stay with me long after the Games.”
In attendance were our friends Ken Lovely and Danielle Bailey, honoring Mary Jo Lovely with their work through the Transplant Alliance Foundation, as well as Ambassadors Bill Soloway and Rachelle Ledbetter.
“This is why I stayed alive.”
Double lung transplant recipient Rachelle shared that after the Games, she is finally ready to write a letter to her donor’s family 5 years post-transplant.
She will be letting them know she is doing well and is so grateful for them and their loved one with this second chance at life.
With her new lungs, Rachelle had the opportunity to attend her youngest daughter’s wedding and even become a grandmother just days before the Transplant Games.
Other Connections in Denver
Kelly and the Outreach team hosted a Lunch-and-Learn at Craig Hospital, met with staff at AdventHealth Porter, and spoke at the University of Colorado’s Kidney Education Day.
We loved these visits—the professionals we talked to were engaged and excited to refer their patients and clients to us for trusted medical fundraising help.
Some shared tough stories with us about patients who had lost their qualifications for Medicaid due to starting crowdfunding campaigns with GoFundMe. We’re glad to be able to give these families and their care teams a safer, trusted alternative for future medical fundraising needs.
Abilities Expo & More (Chicago)
At Abilities Expo Chicago, we linked up with Ambassador and ONWARD Medical consultant Scott Chesney:
And got to connect with Katy Roberts, Managing Director of Abilities Expo, who you might just recognize as our 2026 Live Award honoree:
And we were excited to see Bill Bogdan, Board Chair for the USAIC United Spinal chapter, who sang our praises and even grabbed a Help Hope Live sticker to add to his collection:
After meeting Jordan Dann in-person for the first time at Abilities Expo Chicago, we got to stop by Shirley Ryan AbilityLab.
Our SCI Outreach Rep Andy Zimmer was impressed with not only the facilities and the range of equipment and resources available to patients but also their overall philosophy and team structure.
He met Cristina Mix, the Education Program Manager, and Anna Mirkin, the Lead Care Manager, to discuss how Help Hope Live and Shirley Ryan can better work together to continue to help individuals and families in need of medical fundraising support.
Community Day & Disability Pride (Philadelphia)
Joana Cardoso, our Client Services Administrative Support Specialist, joined Sonny to participate in 2 excellent Philly-area events: Penn’s Philly 250 Community Day and Disability Pride.
What’s Next?
Don’t miss our team at the 2026 Abilities Expo Houston from July 21 to August 2.
Not close? Connect online! We have 4 sessions of our free WOW Virtual Wheelchair Fitness classes planned for July, plus a free Hope Talk webinar on Why Mental Health Matters with Paralysis on July 27.
