Young transplant patients score big in sports, shine at 76ers recognition

National Pediatric Transplant Week is a great time to look back at the many accomplishments young transplant recipients have achieved thanks to their new chance at life.

It was 2018 when liver recipient Taylor Dyer, then 11, was center court with Gift of Life’s Team Philadelphia, being honored for her performances at the Donate Life Transplant Games of America. Taylor, who also appeared on NBC10 Philadelphia sporting a neck full of medals, competed in basketball, bowling, softball throw, darts, and track and field. She and other teammates were honored for their performance, and courage on and off the field during a Philadelphia 76ers vs. Washington Wizards game. She joined three other transplant recipients at center court before thousands of fans to be recognized and share the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Among Taylor’s many medals are a 2018 silver in basketball at the games in Salt Lake City and a 2016 gold at the games in Cleveland. 

Every two years the Transplant Games of America gathers thousands of participants and supporters in the transplant community in a celebration of life and gratitude to honor the legacy of donor heroes and the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation.

More than 1,900 children under 18 are waiting for a variety of organs and more than 25% of them are under 5. National Pediatric Transplant Week focuses on ending that pediatric transplant waiting list.

Just one donor can save eight people and enhance life for more than 75 others. Learn how easy it is to register to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor online.