Transplant Games
Friendly Competition Celebrating the Lifesaving Gift of Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation
The Transplant Games of America (TGA) is a national, multi-sport event celebrating the lifesaving gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation. Held every two years, the Games bring together thousands of transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, caregivers, and supporters from across the country to honor the legacy of donors, raise awareness about the importance of donation, and promote healthy living after transplant.
Through friendly competition, inspiring ceremonies, and community-building events, the Transplant Games serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of donation and the strength of the transplant community.
From June 18-23, 2026 the transplant community came together in Denver, Colorado, for six unforgettable days full of competition, love, celebration, laughter, and life. It was an incredible week packed with 20 medal-winning competitions, pin trading, dancing, and endless hugs.
Attendees connected across multiple major events, including the Opening Ceremony, the Donor Tribute Ceremony, the CareDX 5K Run/Walk, the Quarter Century Club Dinner, and the inspiring Donor Games Heavy Murph Showcase—where elite donor and recipient athletes proved exactly how strong life after donation can be.
Watch the 2026 Transplant Games Opening Ceremony on YouTube.
Another special highlight happened on June 20, 2026, when Games attendees officially broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest gathering of organ transplant donors and recipients with 966 people in attendance!
Sponsored by Life’s Short Live It!, this historic achievement holds deep meaning for founder and living donor Kathleen Hostert. She started the organization in honor of her late husband, Craig, a two-time kidney recipient from both Kathleen and their son, to champion transplant awareness. This record is a beautiful testament to that legacy.
The 2028 Transplant Games is scheduled for August 4-9, 2028 in Saint Paul, Minnesota.
TGA: Team Wisconsin
The TGA is composed of state teams who play an important role in carrying out the Games’ mission of bringing more awareness to organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplantation. State team members compete in various events to earn gold, silver, and bronze medals for the overall. Team contacts are:
Leigh Anne Mixon
(773) 909-0076 or leighanne.mixon@froedtert.com
Read about Leigh Anne’s living donation story!
Amanda Miller
(414) 322-5630 or miller.amanda25@gmail.com
Follow Team Wisconsin on Facebook!