Living organ donor who saved daughter’s life 30 years ago set to compete in 2024 Transplant Games of America
June 3, 2024
Hoosier Jacquin Gallagher to honor lives of 2 children, both transplant recipients, in Olympic-style competition; surviving son, also a kidney transplant recipient, joins mother as member of this year’s Team Indiana contingent
INDIANAPOLIS – More than 30 years ago, Jacquin Gallagher chose to give one of her kidneys to save her daughter’s life.
That same year, in 1993, her oldest son needed a lifesaving kidney transplant and received one – a gift that enhanced his life until he needed a second transplant in 2019. Fast-forward to 2022, her youngest son also received a lifesaving kidney transplant.
Gallagher’s daughter and oldest son died in 2023. To honor their lives and those who selflessly saved her children by being organ donors, she’ll compete as a member of Team Indiana in the 2024 Transplant Games of America July 5-10 in Birmingham, Alabama. Her surviving son, Andrew Herran of Indianapolis, is also on this year’s team.
“I want to celebrate my children’s kidney transplants and the legacies of their donors and their families,” said Gallagher, 69. Competing in swimming, this will be her fourth time participating in the games.
The Transplant Games of America bring together thousands of organ transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, caregivers, transplant and donation professionals, those awaiting transplant, supporters and others in support of organ, tissue and cornea donation and transplantation.
Staged in different host cities throughout the country every two years, the games draw teams from 40 states. Athletes who have received organ transplants, are living donors and are family members of organ donors and will compete in 20 medal competitions. Others will participate in more than 60 recreational activities and special events.
Team Indiana is sending 53 competitors to the games. They’ll be joined by a sizable contingent of supportive family members, friends and loved ones. Indiana has been represented by a team at the games since 1990.
Despite age or medical history, anyone can sign up to be a donor online at Donate Life Indiana.
About Donate Life Indiana
Since 1998, Donate Life Indiana has been the state-authorized nonprofit organization responsible for managing the Indiana donor registry. Its mission is to save lives by creating opportunities for all Indiana citizens to sign up on the organization’s official state registry while striving to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and transplantation through public education. For more, visit Donate Life Indiana online.
