Julie's blog - 'I'm happy local chapters can participate!'

From Julie Orchard, Community 4 Archon:

When the Foundation and Phi Sigs volunteered in Louisville two years ago, and we then found out the games would be held in Pittsburgh next, I was really excited to learn that they would be held in my community. Being Community Archon for Community 4, which encompasses western NY and western PA, meant that it would be a great opportunity not only for all Phi Sigs to participate, but for those chapters in my community to participate!

I was really happy to learn how many women from the community would be attending -- but even more than that, it was thrilling to see the number of total Phi Sig volunteers here increase to over 100.

At the Louisville games two years ago, Pittsburgh had seemed so far off. Before I knew it, the countdown was on -- and everyone was getting more and more excited to get to the games.

Well we're here. After getting off to a late start because I couldn't get away from work, we finally made it on Friday night. Unfortunately we missed the grand walk across the bridge for the Pirates Game, but we made it in for the last 3 innings of and watched a fantastic fire works display. Upon leaving the game, we were lucky enough to run into Lisa Wallace and Kim Frey to tag along for a ride back to the hotel. It ended up being a bit of a crazy adventure desperately needing gas and having difficulty with the GPS system, but we did eventually get back to the hotel. The rest of the alum from the Delta Sigma Chapter-SUNY Brockport made it in by 1:00a.m., making us the largest alum chapter delegation attending the Games.

Participating Saturday at the expo, swimming and the opening ceremony really gave us our first taste of what the Transplant Game experience means. Trading pins at the expo provided us the first opportunity to meet the participants that are here. Cheering the athletes on at swimming truly makes you appreciate the importance of their participation in the games and showed us one of the many reasons why the games are so important for all.

The most moving part of the day was during the evening at the opening ceremonies. Not only were we able to see all of the athletes participating but we all saw the impact of the living donors and donor families. Beyond this we heard some extremely touching songs and we were graced and moved by only a couple of the very many personal experiences all of these participants have had.

I'm really proud to see all of the Phi Sig women who have made a point to make it to Pittsburgh to live the ideals of the organization and to support the Foundation and volunteer at the games. I am really looking forward to what the rest of the weekend has in store.