OKLAHOMA WOMEN TO COMPETE IN WORLD TRANSPLANT GAMES
Karen Hoyt and Stephanie Baker
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Two Oklahoma women are representing the state on a special world stage this coming week – thanks to the generosity of organ donors who gave them the gift of life.
Athletes Stephanie Baker, of Talala, Okla., and Karen Hoyt, of Tulsa, Okla., are competing in the 30th World Transplant Games in Malaga, Spain. The World Transplant Games is a multi-sport festival for individuals who have undergone lifesaving transplant surgeries. It exists to raise awareness for the need for organ, eye and tissue donation while celebrating the lives of organ donors and recipients. More than 180 athletes from across the nation will be headed to the World Transplant games, a competition that brings athletes from more than 60 countries. Baker received a kidney from a friend and fellow donor mom, and attended the U.S. Transplant games as a donor family member from 2004-2010. She made her return to the U.S. games in 2016 as a kidney recipient. She will compete in the Donor 5K Road Race, Donor Recognition Walk and the Ball Throw. |
“I can’t think of a better way to honor the memory of my son and the gifts of life he gave in death, and my living donor for giving me a piece of herself. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and would not be possible without the generosity of someone else,” Baker said.
Hoyt received a lifesaving liver transplant after struggling with end stage liver failure, Hepatitis C and a cancerous tumor on her liver. She participated in her first Transplant Games of America with Team Oklahoma in 2016.
Hoyt is competing in the 5K Run, Cycling and the 3000 meter walk/run. The most important event to her is the Donor Walk, where she will carry an image of her donor to show her gratitude for the lifesaving gift he gave to her.
Competing in the World Transplant Games has been a goal of Hoyt’s since she was placed on the transplant waiting list.
“It's a competition where I will compete alongside some of the most grateful people in the world, other organ and tissue recipients who were given a second chance. I am going because my body is strong enough. After a near death experience, I enjoy every breath and the feeling of pushing my body, using the gift of life that was so generously given,” Hoyt said.
The World Transplant Games will take place June 25-July 2 in Malaga, Spain.
Hoyt received a lifesaving liver transplant after struggling with end stage liver failure, Hepatitis C and a cancerous tumor on her liver. She participated in her first Transplant Games of America with Team Oklahoma in 2016.
Hoyt is competing in the 5K Run, Cycling and the 3000 meter walk/run. The most important event to her is the Donor Walk, where she will carry an image of her donor to show her gratitude for the lifesaving gift he gave to her.
Competing in the World Transplant Games has been a goal of Hoyt’s since she was placed on the transplant waiting list.
“It's a competition where I will compete alongside some of the most grateful people in the world, other organ and tissue recipients who were given a second chance. I am going because my body is strong enough. After a near death experience, I enjoy every breath and the feeling of pushing my body, using the gift of life that was so generously given,” Hoyt said.
The World Transplant Games will take place June 25-July 2 in Malaga, Spain.
