John vs. Gerry

Amid the hard-fought battles and cheering for the talented, there were the quiet smiles of others of all ages and playing levels who were playing their hearts out. Gerry and John battled it out all three games to even scores, the serves passing back and forth again and again, extending the playing time and exertion beyond what either had expected. The friendship (even in the heat of battle) was obvious as both of their families and team’s cheerleaders applauded good shots from either player. Gerry’s donor family was there watching him exercise his transplanted heart of six years now, proud of the connection they felt with their loved one’s donation that was making all this possible.

Finally, extended to the max, John captured that final winning point and both exchanged congratulations and hugs as cameras captured the moment. True to the mission of the Games to show the world that transplantation works, the video crews interviewed John as he rested up for the gold medal round to follow.

 My Turn

Seeded from his silver medal win of 2004, the author (the Jim Gleason from Team Philadelphia, not the one from Wisconsin), stepped in and John took on this second heart recipient to easily win that gold medal in straight games. He was lucky that “Colorado Joe” wasn’t here this year. Joe was another heart recipient who had been taunting me these past two years (in a friendly way), planning to repeat his 2004 badminton gold medal win over me here in 2006. Seems a hip problem in recent months sidelined him from attending. It was time to take the award stand and allow family to present the medals as all there extended their arms in victory and friendship, smiles and cheers of satisfaction on faces everywhere.

 Gerry: Winning at Life

On another court, another story unfolded. While not as dramatic, it was equally inspiring as a 74-year-young, heart-transplanted, ponytailed lawyer from Philadelphia, attending his very first Games, was just thrilled to be playing at all. From being given just six hours to live, to being able to attend and compete, was enough to fill his heart. When asked how long he had been playing badminton, Gerry proudly responded, “I’ve never played before!”

Speaking to his lovely wife and avid supporter Sandy, one gets more of the story. She shares how Gerry really hadn’t been himself since that transplant six years ago, lacking interest and enthusiasm, sleeping more than before, no longer taking them on the travels they used to enjoy so much. She explained that once he decided to sign up for the Games, his whole attitude changed, and he started getting out to the gym to exercise and get ready for the competitions, not napping any more, and being really “pumped,” as she described it.

We watched as Gerry delivered quips to his fans and to his opponent, revealing a sense of humor none of us had seen in him before this. When he found he had won the silver medal in his bracket, the glow of that smile affected everyone who was watching. Yes, Sandy got to place the medal on Gerry’s head, with a kiss of pride to top it off as our cheering got even louder. This is what the Games are really all about, winning at life, medals optional!

 Which Jim Gleason was that?

Then there were the two “Jim Gleason’s” who discovered that with the same names and even a common middle initial, they were both transplant athletes competing in the same event, badminton. The only thing that prevented them from playing “Gleason vs. Gleason” was their difference in age brackets. Jim Gleason from Wisconsin is a liver recipient out five years now, while Jim Gleason with Team Philadelphia was enjoying the twelfth year with his new heart.

Wisconsin Jim introduced himself and his wife, Carol, with the story of their being checked into Philly Jim’s room when they arrived at the Games. Unlocking the door to find bags and laptops spread out around the room, they “resisted the temptation to take one of the nice laptops” (with a big smile in sharing that part) and returned to the front desk to explain the mix up and get a new room of their own. You can imagine our own surprise in hearing this story and then asking more questions to find that even our middle initial was the same, “T” for Terrance! With my wife named Pam, at least we had wives of different names.

After competing in different ladders of the event, Wisconsin Jim received a bronze while Philly Jim was awarded a silver medal. Pictures were taken and e-mail addresses exchanged as a new bond of friendship between families of the same name were cemented as we received our medals. Ages being what they are, there is a definite possibility of facing each other in the same age ladder in some future Games event. We will just have to wait to see how confusing that will be. At least we didn’t run into Thomas, yet another Gleason attending the Games here in 2006.