Emotions Running High For Team Philly During Day 2 Of Transplant Games
By Jim Melwert
HOUSTON, TX. (CBS) — The Transplant Games of America continued in Houston, Texas Sunday with several events, including one of the most popular of the games -- the swimming.
Team Philly member, 25-year-old Kyle Atras, got a heart when he was just eight-and-a half months old.
"It was 24 years ago, hard to believe, but still going well," he tells KYW Newsradio.
Despite the heart transplant, Kyle's been a swimmer all his life, and is co-captain of Team Philly's swim team, at his 8th transplant games:
"It's awesome," he says, "because especially going to so many, you start seeing so many familiar faces, you know, the different people from the different teams and all that."
READ: Hundreds From Philadelphia Take Part In Transplant Games In Houston
Nicole Peacock is a living donor. She gave a kidney to her church minister.
"It is the most amazing feeling in the world," she tells KYW Newsradio.
She says her first experience at the Transplant Games is amazing, especially walking in to the opening ceremonies with scores of other living donors:
"You're crying before you even know it everyone is thanking you. Complete strangers reaching out shaking your hand, grabbing your hand just thanking you and you didn't even give them an organ their just so appreciative."
