Intro ...

June 21, 1998 was like any other Sunday. I went to the beach to play sand soccer, but on this occasion I broke my toe. A simple x-ray and blood draw turned my life up-side-down. My kidneys were failing. Over the next nine years I would go on dialysis twice and receive two kidney transplants. The first came from my father and the second from my mother. After receiving my second transplant in June 2007 from my mother, I decided to dedicate my health to my parents and help promote “Donate Life” and transplantation awareness.

With the 2008 U.S. Transplant Games (July 2008) quickly approaching, I decided that competing would be a perfect opportunity to show off my re-found health. I decided to compete in the swimming, running, and cycling. To prepare, I began racing in time trials all over Southern California. Each day I trained I became stronger, each day the breaths of life given to me by my mother and father propelled me further. On July 15, 2008 I won the Gold in the men’s 30-39 20K bike race. I thought that when I won, I had crossed the finish line; but I had just begun.

I just finished competing in the 17th World Transplant Games on the Gold Coast of Australia. I am now preparing for the next US. Transplant Games to be held in Madison, Wisconsin in July and August 2010. As always, I will be representing those who have helped me. Every year the competition gets stiffer as more people receive transplants. I will be competing in Running, Cycling and Swimming with aspirations of my winning gold.

This is an expensive undertaking since we must fund all our efforts. Any donations are so greatly appreciated. Frequent Flyer Miles a plane ticket, room and board, equipment or monetary donations will be so greatly appreciated in helping me "Live My dream."

Every Athlete hopes to have the opportunity to represent their country in International Competition. This will be my third Transplant Games.

Zachary S Brooks

Team USA

September 2009