Transplant Games of America Begins Week-Long Event Today in Birmingham

By Jen Cardone | CBS42 This week marks the start of the 2024 Transplant Games of America in Birmingham. The event features athletes from all 50 states who have helped with or received organ donations. The Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates this will have a $10.2 million impact locally. Every other year, the Transplant Games of America hosts an Olympic-style competition to celebrate the miracle of life. The games have been going on for 34 years. Bill Ryan, President and CEO of the Transplant Life Foundation, said he got more involved in 2011. He lost two of his daughters who were organ donors. “It’s a mission of love for me to carry on their wish to get people to donate organs,” Ryan said. “UAB Birmingham is a leader in the transplant community, and we thought it would be a great idea to have the games here.” Ryan said the challenge today is getting organs for everyone. “Our goal is to get more equity involved with transplant as well,” Ryan said. “Birmingham being the birthplace of the civil rights movement seemed like a natural.” Most of the 20-plus events will happen at the BJCC but stretch county-wide. City Councilor...