This year marks 10 years post small intestine transplant. I am celebrating by competing in the Transplant Games of America in Birmingham, AL.

I received a small intestine transplant on June 18, 2014. I was not born with all of my small intestine and diagnosed with Short Bowel Syndrome (SBS). I have lived on nutrition through an IV and a feeding tube my entire life. It was after severe complications of SBS and multiple surgeries to save my intestine that failed forcing me into a position with no more options. I no longer could rely on my own intestine to survive. I had to have surgery to remove my intestine, the same intestine I fought for my whole life and decided to have a small intestine transplant. 10 years later I have experienced highs I have only dreamed of - a full functioning small intestine for the first time, eating to my heart's desire without pain before, during, or after, no more IV nutrition and tube feeding. I have also experienced lows I would not wish on anyone - post transplant cancer, 4 joint replacements, fungal infections, more abdominal surgeries, regular surgical procedures, no more medical options, and restart of tube feeding and IV nutrition. Transplant for me is not a cure. It is an exchange of hardships. But amidst the highs and lows, I have found my purpose in changing how chronic disease healthcare is delivered and how the patient/caregiver experience is valued and viewed. Through this journey, I have met an incredible transplant community who can relate to me like no one else. We are banding together to compete and have fun as Team Alabama in this year's Transplant Games!

Donations will go directly to Team Alabama under Donate Life Alabama, a 501(3)c nonprofit. Receipts will be automatically sent.