The Singapore Games, 1989

There are no guarantees, nothing written that states , "yes, you'll survive the surgery, everything will go exactly as we want. You'll not reject after you have had your transplant, and you will live a long and healthy life".

Transplantation is a terrifying, a hopeful, an ambiguous word to all those whose lives have reached a point where time and options are running out, and a decision has to be made.
In September of 1989, at the 7th World Transplant Games which were held in Singapore, I participated with over 700 other transplant recipients in one of the most exciting events in my life. All 700 of us from 34 different countries around the world, had to make that choice at some point in our lives. As the saying goes "Grab for the gusto, OR watch the world pass you by" Those 700 obviously did some grabbing!

The Singaporians treated us like royalty. It is a beautiful country and its people were kind and courteous to us all. I love my country and I am proud to be Canadian, but never more so than when I walked out with my fellow teammates during the Opening Ceremonies. As we marched past the President of Singapore and the Canadian Anthem was played, my eyes filled with tears and my heart was bursting with pride. Over the course of the next few days I met and competed against an amazing group of people. All these individuals, like myself had not only come face to face with death but conquered it. They have a healthy attitude about life and once again a healthy body. One of the funniest greetings you'll ever hear was one that was repeated over and over again, "Hi, what are you?" Meaning, have you had a kidney, liver, heart, lung or bone marrow transplant?

These were the first of many games I plan to attend and I was very pleased to see how organized and professionally run. As for myself, I was very fortunate and after competing in four events, cycling, 2 running and ball throw, I managed to tally up four medals (2 gold and 2 silver) for Canada.

Great Britain was the country with the most gold at the end of the games. Canada stood sixth. Many acquaintances and friends were made and so when the next games take place in Budapest, Hungary in 1991, I'll see familiar faces along with new ones in the lineup.

The Games once again are a testimony to the world, at the marvels and great strides that have been made in medical technology.

Heather Fisher
Liver Transplant Recipient