Hi,
The Team Iowa Meeting has been rescheduled and relocated to September 12th from 1pm to 4pm at the Coralville Public Library.
The address is as follows:
1401 5th Street
Coralville, IA
Driving Instructions:
I80
take exit 242 towards Hospitals - Sports Arena
After .3 miles turn left onto 1st Ave
After 1.2 miles turn right onto 2nd St / US6
After .9 miles turn right onto 12th Ave
After .1 miles turn left onto 5th St
after .1 miles Coralville Library will be on the right.
Do not park in the first two rows of spaces of the parking lot.
Please respond to Mike Fox so he will know approximately how many members will be there.
.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Meeting August 8, 1-4 p.m. in Des Moines
Hi Teammates!
With less than one year to the Games in Madison, Wisconsin Mike Fox has scheduled a Team Iowa meeting:
Saturday August 8, 2009
1:00-4:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
1001 Pleasant Street
Downtown Des Moines
Please email Mike Fox to let him know one way or another if you are available mikeyf52@aol.com. If not enough people are able to come he will reschedule.
Start thinking of fundraising events to do!
If you know of new Team Iowa members who might not have received an email about the meeting from Mike, please let them know about it and ask them to send their contact info/email address to Mike at mikeyf52@ao.com.
Directions to the First United Methodist Church (Near Methodist Hospital):
Take I-80 to I-235.
Take Exit 8A toward Downtown Des Moines/Iowa Events Center
Take the 5th Street ramp toward 7th Street
Turn left onto 7th Street
Turn right onto Center Street
Turn Left onto 9th Street
Turn Right onto Pleasant Street
1001 Pleasant Street is on the right.
With less than one year to the Games in Madison, Wisconsin Mike Fox has scheduled a Team Iowa meeting:
Saturday August 8, 2009
1:00-4:00 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
1001 Pleasant Street
Downtown Des Moines
Please email Mike Fox to let him know one way or another if you are available mikeyf52@aol.com. If not enough people are able to come he will reschedule.
Start thinking of fundraising events to do!
If you know of new Team Iowa members who might not have received an email about the meeting from Mike, please let them know about it and ask them to send their contact info/email address to Mike at mikeyf52@ao.com.
Directions to the First United Methodist Church (Near Methodist Hospital):
Take I-80 to I-235.
Take Exit 8A toward Downtown Des Moines/Iowa Events Center
Take the 5th Street ramp toward 7th Street
Turn left onto 7th Street
Turn right onto Center Street
Turn Left onto 9th Street
Turn Right onto Pleasant Street
1001 Pleasant Street is on the right.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Maps for race courses are now available
NKF has posted the 5K road race course map on the Transplant Games website. The latest version includes the 1 and 2 mile splits. Maps for the 5K and 20K cycling events have also been posted. All the latest event information is available at this address:
http://www.kidney.org/news/tgames/usgames/sportsInfo.cfm
http://www.kidney.org/news/tgames/usgames/sportsInfo.cfm
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
NKF Iowa office was evacuated in Cedar Rapids flooding
Our office is at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids. It was evacuated last Thursday and is still not accessible. We will try to work from home until we can return to the office. We are still able to access emails - thank goodness! It will be approximately two weeks before the hospital thinks we can return. But that is uncertain.
Yes, the building was flooded. This also effected the phones and phone mail system.
The good news is, uniforms and lapel pins have been ordered, registrations confirmed, and hotels reserved, so we are in good shape for the Games. If you need to reach us with questions regarding the Games, you may call Shelley at home 563-852-3782 or send an email. We will do our best to help you as time allows, but we beg your patience.
Any team members without housing or with any needs due to the widespread flooding across the state should please notify Bruce
Hoffmaster.
Please just pray for all of the people that have been displaced from their homes.
Diane and Shelley
Yes, the building was flooded. This also effected the phones and phone mail system.
The good news is, uniforms and lapel pins have been ordered, registrations confirmed, and hotels reserved, so we are in good shape for the Games. If you need to reach us with questions regarding the Games, you may call Shelley at home 563-852-3782 or send an email. We will do our best to help you as time allows, but we beg your patience.
Any team members without housing or with any needs due to the widespread flooding across the state should please notify Bruce
Hoffmaster.
Please just pray for all of the people that have been displaced from their homes.
Diane and Shelley
Monday, May 12, 2008
Next Team Meeting Slated for June 28 in Amana; Uniforms; Waivers Etc.
Dear Team Iowa,
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY – We are two months away from the Games and I need each of you to be informed of what is going on.
1. NEXT TEAM MEETING – This will be on Saturday, June 28th at Holiday Inn (Wasserbahn Waterpark) at the Amama Exit # 225 off I-80. We will be in the upstairs meeting room. There is no elevator, so if this is a problem for somebody with mobility issues, please email me and we will make other arrangements. Meeting will begin at 10:00 and end at noon. Muffins, cinnamon rolls, and beverages will be served at the beginning of the meeting. Purpose of meeting: Hand out scholarship checks, hand out uniforms, finalize details for the Games. IT IS EXPECTED THAT EACH FAMILY WILL HAVE AT LEAST ONE MEMBER IN ATTENDANCE!
2. MEDICAL WAIVERS – At this time, we are waiting on medical waivers from 13 athletes and have received 17 medical waivers. Last Friday, May 9th, I emailed those athletes we still needed waivers from. Reminder – Deadline is May 23rd to get turned into Bruce Hoffmaster. Don’t wait until the last minute in case there is a problem with your waiver that needs corrected.
3. UNIFORMS – Those of you who attended the last meeting got a preview of our uniforms. This year we will have sports-specific uniforms. Our colors this year are Kelly green (color of organ donation), white and black. The logo is the little organ people (each one has a different organ cut-out – heart, lung, pancreas, and kidney). This year, most of the uniforms choices are available in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes:
a. Swimmers – robe and beach towel; swim cap (these are all one-size fits all)
b. Golfers – White with black trim polo shirt and choice of hat or visor (all men so only men’s polo sizes)
c. Cyclers – custom shirt designed by Cheryl Rainford’s husband (Thanks Jon!) – these are already ordered
d. Track and Field – running shorts and tank top – men’s, womens, and youth sizes; choice of hat or visor – adult and child sizes
e. Bowlers – Green and white polo shirt – mens and womens sizes
f. Table Tennis – polo shirt – mens and womens sizes
g. Basketball – running shorts and tank top – all men so only men’s sizes
h. Volleyball – NO TEAM THIS YEAR – people signed up for volleyball have already been notified of this decision
i. Opening Ceremony – Athletes, donor families and living donors – warm up suit (Pants and jacket) and tee-shirt
j. Opening Ceremony – spectators – Tee-Shirt and warm up jacket; choice of hat or visor
k. Closing Ceremony – everybody will wear a tee-shirt and their warm up jacket from opening ceremony
l. Everybody – tee shirts to wear on Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tues (when not competing or attending above events)
m. Optional – For those people who have exceeded their fundraising requirements for a full scholarship, options will be discussed on an individual basis for uniform add-ons.
n. Optional – for those who have not exceeded their fundraising requirements for a full scholarship – you will have the option of purchasing additional uniform items – hat, visor, polo shirt, sweatshirt, long-sleeve tee shirt, etc. These options will be discussed on an individual basis for uniform add-ons.
o. NOTE: Tee shirts are available from infant up to men’s size 6xl; warm up jackets and pants are in youth (smallest is size 6/8); women’s and men’s up to 3xl.
4. UNIFORM ORDERS – Beginning on Wednesday May 21 through Friday May 23, Diane Hagarty, Shelley Knepper, and Laurie Fox will be contacting each family to discuss your uniform items and finalize our order. We want to be able to finalize the order over Memorial Day weekend.
Prior to May 21, please have this information determined and handy:
a. Names of everybody in your family attending the Games
b. Please know if attendees are living donors, athletes, donor family members, or just spectators
c. Please know what sports each athlete is participating in – remember you must have permission from your doctor for each sport you want to be in and have included it on your medical waiver
d. Please know your family member’s sizes – I would suggest that you actually measure each person’s chest, waist, and hips, (and inseams for athletes, living donors, and donor family members) and write these down so that we can best match sizes with measurements.
e. For those who will want to purchase additional items, costs are:
i. Hat or visor = $15
ii. Tee-shirt (white or grey) = $10
iii. Tee shirt (Kelly green) = $15
iv. Polo Shirt = $30
v. Jacket or pants (from warm up suit) = $40 each item
vi. Robe = $40
vii. Beach towel = $25
viii. Running Shorts = $20
ix. Tank tops = $20
x. Sweatshirts = $30
xi. Long sleeve tee shirts(white, grey) = $15
xii. Long sleeve tee shirts (Kelly green) = $20
xiii. PLEASE NOTE – advance payment will be required for any additional items purchased, THANK YOU.
5. TRANSPORTATION - When you are called about uniforms, you will be asked to make a final decision about transportation. We will need to know the names of your family members taking the bus and where they are getting on the bus – Des Moines, Grinnell, North Liberty (by Iowa City) or the Quad Cities. So, please have your travel plans finalized this week. Remember, the bus is free. If you choose not to take the bus and you plan to drive or fly – your scholarship will not cover your cost for either of these options. Parking at the hotel is going to cost approximately $20 each day.
6. HOTELS – we have now been able to reserve enough rooms that the entire team can be in one hotel. Individual room assignments have not been made for some people, but rest assured that we have enough rooms in the Team Iowa block to cover everybody. We will discuss this when we call next week.
OVERALL – We have two months left to get ready – this is where “the rubber hits the road”. You need to make final decisions about the Games – your travel plans, who is attending, what sports you are approved for, uniform sizes, etc. We really need you to be prepared so when we call you, you can have in mind the answers to our questions about uniforms and transportation.
If you have questions about your medical waivers, contact Bruce Hoffmaster. Email: bhoffmaster@mercydesmoines.org or phone 515-643-5288.
Any other questions? Email dhagarty@kidneyia.org.
Reminder: Shelley and Diane have a large fundraising event in Des Moines on May 18 and 19, we will be leaving the office on Friday, May 16 and will not return until Wednesday, May 21. We will not be dealing with Team Iowa issues during this time. Thanks for understanding.
GO TEAM IOWA,
Diane
PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY – We are two months away from the Games and I need each of you to be informed of what is going on.
1. NEXT TEAM MEETING – This will be on Saturday, June 28th at Holiday Inn (Wasserbahn Waterpark) at the Amama Exit # 225 off I-80. We will be in the upstairs meeting room. There is no elevator, so if this is a problem for somebody with mobility issues, please email me and we will make other arrangements. Meeting will begin at 10:00 and end at noon. Muffins, cinnamon rolls, and beverages will be served at the beginning of the meeting. Purpose of meeting: Hand out scholarship checks, hand out uniforms, finalize details for the Games. IT IS EXPECTED THAT EACH FAMILY WILL HAVE AT LEAST ONE MEMBER IN ATTENDANCE!
2. MEDICAL WAIVERS – At this time, we are waiting on medical waivers from 13 athletes and have received 17 medical waivers. Last Friday, May 9th, I emailed those athletes we still needed waivers from. Reminder – Deadline is May 23rd to get turned into Bruce Hoffmaster. Don’t wait until the last minute in case there is a problem with your waiver that needs corrected.
3. UNIFORMS – Those of you who attended the last meeting got a preview of our uniforms. This year we will have sports-specific uniforms. Our colors this year are Kelly green (color of organ donation), white and black. The logo is the little organ people (each one has a different organ cut-out – heart, lung, pancreas, and kidney). This year, most of the uniforms choices are available in men’s, women’s, and youth sizes:
a. Swimmers – robe and beach towel; swim cap (these are all one-size fits all)
b. Golfers – White with black trim polo shirt and choice of hat or visor (all men so only men’s polo sizes)
c. Cyclers – custom shirt designed by Cheryl Rainford’s husband (Thanks Jon!) – these are already ordered
d. Track and Field – running shorts and tank top – men’s, womens, and youth sizes; choice of hat or visor – adult and child sizes
e. Bowlers – Green and white polo shirt – mens and womens sizes
f. Table Tennis – polo shirt – mens and womens sizes
g. Basketball – running shorts and tank top – all men so only men’s sizes
h. Volleyball – NO TEAM THIS YEAR – people signed up for volleyball have already been notified of this decision
i. Opening Ceremony – Athletes, donor families and living donors – warm up suit (Pants and jacket) and tee-shirt
j. Opening Ceremony – spectators – Tee-Shirt and warm up jacket; choice of hat or visor
k. Closing Ceremony – everybody will wear a tee-shirt and their warm up jacket from opening ceremony
l. Everybody – tee shirts to wear on Sat, Sun, Mon, and Tues (when not competing or attending above events)
m. Optional – For those people who have exceeded their fundraising requirements for a full scholarship, options will be discussed on an individual basis for uniform add-ons.
n. Optional – for those who have not exceeded their fundraising requirements for a full scholarship – you will have the option of purchasing additional uniform items – hat, visor, polo shirt, sweatshirt, long-sleeve tee shirt, etc. These options will be discussed on an individual basis for uniform add-ons.
o. NOTE: Tee shirts are available from infant up to men’s size 6xl; warm up jackets and pants are in youth (smallest is size 6/8); women’s and men’s up to 3xl.
4. UNIFORM ORDERS – Beginning on Wednesday May 21 through Friday May 23, Diane Hagarty, Shelley Knepper, and Laurie Fox will be contacting each family to discuss your uniform items and finalize our order. We want to be able to finalize the order over Memorial Day weekend.
Prior to May 21, please have this information determined and handy:
a. Names of everybody in your family attending the Games
b. Please know if attendees are living donors, athletes, donor family members, or just spectators
c. Please know what sports each athlete is participating in – remember you must have permission from your doctor for each sport you want to be in and have included it on your medical waiver
d. Please know your family member’s sizes – I would suggest that you actually measure each person’s chest, waist, and hips, (and inseams for athletes, living donors, and donor family members) and write these down so that we can best match sizes with measurements.
e. For those who will want to purchase additional items, costs are:
i. Hat or visor = $15
ii. Tee-shirt (white or grey) = $10
iii. Tee shirt (Kelly green) = $15
iv. Polo Shirt = $30
v. Jacket or pants (from warm up suit) = $40 each item
vi. Robe = $40
vii. Beach towel = $25
viii. Running Shorts = $20
ix. Tank tops = $20
x. Sweatshirts = $30
xi. Long sleeve tee shirts(white, grey) = $15
xii. Long sleeve tee shirts (Kelly green) = $20
xiii. PLEASE NOTE – advance payment will be required for any additional items purchased, THANK YOU.
5. TRANSPORTATION - When you are called about uniforms, you will be asked to make a final decision about transportation. We will need to know the names of your family members taking the bus and where they are getting on the bus – Des Moines, Grinnell, North Liberty (by Iowa City) or the Quad Cities. So, please have your travel plans finalized this week. Remember, the bus is free. If you choose not to take the bus and you plan to drive or fly – your scholarship will not cover your cost for either of these options. Parking at the hotel is going to cost approximately $20 each day.
6. HOTELS – we have now been able to reserve enough rooms that the entire team can be in one hotel. Individual room assignments have not been made for some people, but rest assured that we have enough rooms in the Team Iowa block to cover everybody. We will discuss this when we call next week.
OVERALL – We have two months left to get ready – this is where “the rubber hits the road”. You need to make final decisions about the Games – your travel plans, who is attending, what sports you are approved for, uniform sizes, etc. We really need you to be prepared so when we call you, you can have in mind the answers to our questions about uniforms and transportation.
If you have questions about your medical waivers, contact Bruce Hoffmaster. Email: bhoffmaster@mercydesmoines.org or phone 515-643-5288.
Any other questions? Email dhagarty@kidneyia.org.
Reminder: Shelley and Diane have a large fundraising event in Des Moines on May 18 and 19, we will be leaving the office on Friday, May 16 and will not return until Wednesday, May 21. We will not be dealing with Team Iowa issues during this time. Thanks for understanding.
GO TEAM IOWA,
Diane
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Transplant Open slated for May 31 in Muscatine
The Iowa Transplant Open Golf Tournament is coming up. Slate for Saturday May 31, 2008 at the Geneva Golf and Country Club in Muscatine, Iowa, the event is one of Team Iowa's largest fundraisers. Gary Dolphin, "The Voice of the Hawkeyes" will be the emcee and honored guest. Registration starts at 11:00. The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 1:00. A dinner reception with silent and live auctions follows the event, at 6:30.
Learn how to participate as a golfer or sponsor:
2008 Transplant Open Flyer
2008 Transplant Open Registration Form
Learn how to participate as a golfer or sponsor:
2008 Transplant Open Flyer
2008 Transplant Open Registration Form
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Informal Meeting April 19 at the Wasserbahn in Amana
Dear Team Iowa members:
If you have questions about the games, medical waivers, transportation, uniforms, housing, or other aspects of this year's trip to the US Transplant Games, THIS IS FOR YOU:
WHAT
an informal, NON-REQUIRED meeting for Team Iowa Members:
WHEN
Saturday, April 19
Beginning at 10am and lasting no longer than 2 hours.
WHERE
Wasserbahn Holiday Inn
Exit 225 off I-80 (Amana Exit)
In the upstairs meeting room.
(There is no elevator access to that room. If this poses a mobility problem for anyone, please call our office at 800-369-3619 to make other arrangements.)
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will serve cinnamon rolls, coffee, and juice at 10am.
We will have samples of some uniform items available in limited sizes for your review.
We will discuss the Team Bus schedule
WHAT TO BRING
YOUR QUESTIONS! This is an opportunity to have the conversations you need to make everything clear for the upcoming trip.
GO TEAM IOWA!
If you have questions about the games, medical waivers, transportation, uniforms, housing, or other aspects of this year's trip to the US Transplant Games, THIS IS FOR YOU:
WHAT
an informal, NON-REQUIRED meeting for Team Iowa Members:
WHEN
Saturday, April 19
Beginning at 10am and lasting no longer than 2 hours.
WHERE
Wasserbahn Holiday Inn
Exit 225 off I-80 (Amana Exit)
In the upstairs meeting room.
(There is no elevator access to that room. If this poses a mobility problem for anyone, please call our office at 800-369-3619 to make other arrangements.)
WHAT TO EXPECT
We will serve cinnamon rolls, coffee, and juice at 10am.
We will have samples of some uniform items available in limited sizes for your review.
We will discuss the Team Bus schedule
WHAT TO BRING
YOUR QUESTIONS! This is an opportunity to have the conversations you need to make everything clear for the upcoming trip.
GO TEAM IOWA!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Program offers financial help for living donor expenses
If you know someone who is considering becoming a living organ donor (kidney, lung, liver) the National Living Donor Assistance Center (NLDAC) may be able to pay for up to $6,000 of the living donor's (and his or her companions) travel and lodging expenses.
More information is available here on the website livingdonorassistance.org
Bruce Hoffmaster notes that interested people should contact their Transplant Center immediately because it is a prospective payment not a reimbursement payment for costs incurred.
"The timing of their application is critical. People should talk to their transplant center to make sure the center has registered for the program and ask the center about the means test that is applied to applicants to qualify," Hoffmaster says.
More information is available here on the website livingdonorassistance.org
Bruce Hoffmaster notes that interested people should contact their Transplant Center immediately because it is a prospective payment not a reimbursement payment for costs incurred.
"The timing of their application is critical. People should talk to their transplant center to make sure the center has registered for the program and ask the center about the means test that is applied to applicants to qualify," Hoffmaster says.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Action Alert! Law would extend Medicare drug coverage post transplant
Tell your Senator to support S.2320, extending immunosuppressive drug coverage
NKF is encouraging members of Team Iowa to help build support for legislation that would extend Medicare coverage for life-saving immunosuppressive drugs for the life of the kidney transplant. If passed, patients could continue to receive these drugs under Medicare Part B with the usual premium.
This is a big step forward to preserve the life of kidney transplants.Organ transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive drugs for the life of the transplant to prevent the body from rejecting the organ.
Currently, Medicare pays for most kidney transplants but covers drugs for only 36 months after the transplant as part of the Medicare ESRD benefit. After that, kidney recipients must pay for immunosuppressive drugs through private insurance, public or pharmaceutical programs or pay out-of-pocket (Medicare covers drugs without a time limit if the patient qualifies because of age or disability status).
Immunosuppressive drugs are expensive, but the alternative is even more costly. Medicare spends $17,300 per patient to maintain a transplant, but if the kidney transplant fails, the person returns to dialysis at a cost of over $68,600 per year to Medicare. And because dialysis is physically draining, quality of life often suffers too.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives, and Take Action volunteers sent over 1100 letters of support in August and September. Now we need your help to build Senate support for this important legislation.
Read the full text of the proposed legislation here: S. 2320
NKF is encouraging you to write your Senators to ask them to co-sponsor S. 2320. Share your story, or the story of a loved one, about the experience with immunosuppressive drug coverage.
NKF is encouraging members of Team Iowa to help build support for legislation that would extend Medicare coverage for life-saving immunosuppressive drugs for the life of the kidney transplant. If passed, patients could continue to receive these drugs under Medicare Part B with the usual premium.
This is a big step forward to preserve the life of kidney transplants.Organ transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive drugs for the life of the transplant to prevent the body from rejecting the organ.
Currently, Medicare pays for most kidney transplants but covers drugs for only 36 months after the transplant as part of the Medicare ESRD benefit. After that, kidney recipients must pay for immunosuppressive drugs through private insurance, public or pharmaceutical programs or pay out-of-pocket (Medicare covers drugs without a time limit if the patient qualifies because of age or disability status).
Immunosuppressive drugs are expensive, but the alternative is even more costly. Medicare spends $17,300 per patient to maintain a transplant, but if the kidney transplant fails, the person returns to dialysis at a cost of over $68,600 per year to Medicare. And because dialysis is physically draining, quality of life often suffers too.
Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives, and Take Action volunteers sent over 1100 letters of support in August and September. Now we need your help to build Senate support for this important legislation.
Read the full text of the proposed legislation here: S. 2320
NKF is encouraging you to write your Senators to ask them to co-sponsor S. 2320. Share your story, or the story of a loved one, about the experience with immunosuppressive drug coverage.
Athletes double check your chosen events!
Dear Team Iowa Athletes,
Thank you for getting registered before the Early Bird Registration deadline yesterday. I am going to list each sport (as a broad category) and those athletes signed up; please review this list and report any corrections you think need to be made. If you wish more specific information about the sports you have registered for, please email me dhagarty@kidneyia.org and let me know what it is you want know – I’ll be happy to furnish additional information.
If you have signed up for a team sport – specifically basketball or volleyball – and you change your mind and do NOT want to participate, it is extremely important that you let us know you are dropping off that team.
Basketball – Nick Titus, Chad Breen, Dan Fitzgerald, Jordan Terrell, Bill Klahn, and Travis Burke
Bowling – Howard Plante, Robby Delzell, Ardy Boucher, Kim Burdakin, Kin Gerlach, Jon Kiser, Autrey Marley, Kathy Miller, Jenni Schreurs, LaVonne Card,
Brandon Dunham, Barb Steele, Jim Steinberg, Angela Boone and Travis Burke.
Cycling – Howard Plante, Cheryl Rainford and John Wright.
Golf – Kelly Gay, David Gutz, Doug Steward, and Don Burman.
Swimming – Brandon Dunham, Cheryl Rainford, Bill Klahn, Kelly Gay, John Greller and John Wright.
Table Tennis – Don Burman, Midge Rollins, Doug Stewart and Paula Wood.
Volleyball – Travis Burke, Chad Breen, Dan Fitzgerald, Terrell Jordan, Bill Klahn, Autrey Marley and Kelly Van Dyke.
Track and Field – Kim Burdakin, David Gutz, Terrell Jordan, LaVonne Card, Linda McGhee, Brandon Dunham, Jim Steinberg, Ken Gerlach, Kathy Miller and Nick Titus.
5K Walk/Run for Organ Donation – Cheryl Rainford, Midge Rollins, Linda McGhee, LaVonne Card, Barb Steele, Kim Burdakin, Ardy Boucher, Jon Kiser,
Jim Steinberg, and John Wright.
GO TEAM IOWA!
Thanks, Diane
Thank you for getting registered before the Early Bird Registration deadline yesterday. I am going to list each sport (as a broad category) and those athletes signed up; please review this list and report any corrections you think need to be made. If you wish more specific information about the sports you have registered for, please email me dhagarty@kidneyia.org and let me know what it is you want know – I’ll be happy to furnish additional information.
If you have signed up for a team sport – specifically basketball or volleyball – and you change your mind and do NOT want to participate, it is extremely important that you let us know you are dropping off that team.
Basketball – Nick Titus, Chad Breen, Dan Fitzgerald, Jordan Terrell, Bill Klahn, and Travis Burke
Bowling – Howard Plante, Robby Delzell, Ardy Boucher, Kim Burdakin, Kin Gerlach, Jon Kiser, Autrey Marley, Kathy Miller, Jenni Schreurs, LaVonne Card,
Brandon Dunham, Barb Steele, Jim Steinberg, Angela Boone and Travis Burke.
Cycling – Howard Plante, Cheryl Rainford and John Wright.
Golf – Kelly Gay, David Gutz, Doug Steward, and Don Burman.
Swimming – Brandon Dunham, Cheryl Rainford, Bill Klahn, Kelly Gay, John Greller and John Wright.
Table Tennis – Don Burman, Midge Rollins, Doug Stewart and Paula Wood.
Volleyball – Travis Burke, Chad Breen, Dan Fitzgerald, Terrell Jordan, Bill Klahn, Autrey Marley and Kelly Van Dyke.
Track and Field – Kim Burdakin, David Gutz, Terrell Jordan, LaVonne Card, Linda McGhee, Brandon Dunham, Jim Steinberg, Ken Gerlach, Kathy Miller and Nick Titus.
5K Walk/Run for Organ Donation – Cheryl Rainford, Midge Rollins, Linda McGhee, LaVonne Card, Barb Steele, Kim Burdakin, Ardy Boucher, Jon Kiser,
Jim Steinberg, and John Wright.
GO TEAM IOWA!
Thanks, Diane
Early bird registration is over! Tips for medical waivers
Early Bird registration is over and we have a total of 31 athletes registered for Team Iowa at this time – a total of 101 people counting everybody that is currently registered.
At Bruce Hoffmaster’s request, we need to review the information for medical waivers:
At the time you registered, you should have received a medical waiver via email. If you didn’t get one, you can download one by going to our blog:
teamiowankf.blogspot.com
and scrolling down slightly – on the left you will see “forms and things to know” – the top item is the 2008 medical waiver. Just click on it and print.
(1) If you need help getting a medical waiver, please email us at dhagarty@kidneyia.org and tell us you need one printed and mailed to you.
(2) The form cannot be filled out before March 11, 2008.
(3) You must complete the form and return it to Bruce Hoffmaster before May 23rd. (On the form it says to return to team manager by June 11, 2008 – however, our team Iowa deadline is to return to Bruce by May 23rd.)
When completing the medical waiver, you MUST follow these rules and make sure these things are done correctly:
(1) Print in blue or black ink.
(2) Athlete completes the first portion of the form –
a. Last name
b. First name
c. Date of birth
d. Organ(s) transplanted
e. Date of last transplant
f. Donor type
g. Athlete’s address, city, state, zip
h. For country – all of us will put USA
i. Answer the question about allergies and bee sting allergies
j. You must furnish a contact name with related contact information – this needs to be somebody NOT attending the Games with you
k. List all prescription and non-prescription meds with dosages – I would suggest you type these on a separate sheet and attach to your waiver
l. List the athletic events you have registered to compete in
(3) The physician completes the next part of the form – (remember physician is a licensed medical doctor familiar with your medical situation – it does NOT have to be your transplant surgeon. It can NOT be a dentist, chiropractor, etc. It MUST be a medical doctor.)
a. Physician must mark (A), (B) or (C)
b. The physician must answer the question about your general health – either “Yes” or “No”
c. The physician must record your blood pressure and answer question about diabetic
d. Physician has the option to describe any other health issues and/or special needs
e. Physician MUST enter either Letter (A), (B), or (C) – the same letter that they marked previously (see #3a above)
f. Physician must enter date of your last physical exam
g. Physician must sign and date, enter pager and fax #
h. Physician must Print name, address, city, state and zip.
(4) Before leaving the physician’s office, please take a moment to sit in the waiting room and use this checklist to be sure that everything has been completed and that it is accurate
(5) Before mailing in your form, you MUST keep a copy of it for your own records. (Things get lost in the mail)
(6) Completed forms must be mailed to
Bruce Hoffmaster, Transplant Social Worker
Mercy Medical Center
1111 – 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314-2611
It would be a good idea to email Bruce at bhoffmaster@mercydesmoines.org or give Bruce a call at 515-643-5288 and tell him the date you are mailing the form – so he will be watching for it.
(7) Once Bruce receives the forms, he must check each item listed above to be sure that these items have been filled out and are accurate.
(8) As soon after May 23rd as he can, Bruce will bundle all Team Iowa medical waivers and send to NKF National certified mail. He will also keep a Xerox copy for his records.
PLEASE NOTE: Periodically, (Between now and May 23rd) I will send out a team email and update everybody on the status of their waivers.
Prior to May 23rd, you may receive an email from NKF National telling you that they have not received your medical waiver yet.
Do not let that bother you – Bruce will be submitting all waivers in one package after May 23rd and before June 11th.
Once national NKF receives the waivers, they also check every item mentioned above.
Failure to accurately and timely complete and submit your waiver can result in disqualification in the Games.
We don’t want that to happen to any of our athletes.
FINAL HINTS: Please, Please ask for help; double-check your waiver before you send it in; don’t wait until the last minute to send it to Bruce; keep a copy for your own records; and make sure that you use this as a check-list – both for the information you filled in and the information your physician filled in.
Bruce and I are here to help you,
GO TEAM IOWA!
Thanks, Diane
At Bruce Hoffmaster’s request, we need to review the information for medical waivers:
At the time you registered, you should have received a medical waiver via email. If you didn’t get one, you can download one by going to our blog:
teamiowankf.blogspot.com
and scrolling down slightly – on the left you will see “forms and things to know” – the top item is the 2008 medical waiver. Just click on it and print.
(1) If you need help getting a medical waiver, please email us at dhagarty@kidneyia.org and tell us you need one printed and mailed to you.
(2) The form cannot be filled out before March 11, 2008.
(3) You must complete the form and return it to Bruce Hoffmaster before May 23rd. (On the form it says to return to team manager by June 11, 2008 – however, our team Iowa deadline is to return to Bruce by May 23rd.)
When completing the medical waiver, you MUST follow these rules and make sure these things are done correctly:
(1) Print in blue or black ink.
(2) Athlete completes the first portion of the form –
a. Last name
b. First name
c. Date of birth
d. Organ(s) transplanted
e. Date of last transplant
f. Donor type
g. Athlete’s address, city, state, zip
h. For country – all of us will put USA
i. Answer the question about allergies and bee sting allergies
j. You must furnish a contact name with related contact information – this needs to be somebody NOT attending the Games with you
k. List all prescription and non-prescription meds with dosages – I would suggest you type these on a separate sheet and attach to your waiver
l. List the athletic events you have registered to compete in
(3) The physician completes the next part of the form – (remember physician is a licensed medical doctor familiar with your medical situation – it does NOT have to be your transplant surgeon. It can NOT be a dentist, chiropractor, etc. It MUST be a medical doctor.)
a. Physician must mark (A), (B) or (C)
b. The physician must answer the question about your general health – either “Yes” or “No”
c. The physician must record your blood pressure and answer question about diabetic
d. Physician has the option to describe any other health issues and/or special needs
e. Physician MUST enter either Letter (A), (B), or (C) – the same letter that they marked previously (see #3a above)
f. Physician must enter date of your last physical exam
g. Physician must sign and date, enter pager and fax #
h. Physician must Print name, address, city, state and zip.
(4) Before leaving the physician’s office, please take a moment to sit in the waiting room and use this checklist to be sure that everything has been completed and that it is accurate
(5) Before mailing in your form, you MUST keep a copy of it for your own records. (Things get lost in the mail)
(6) Completed forms must be mailed to
Bruce Hoffmaster, Transplant Social Worker
Mercy Medical Center
1111 – 6th Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50314-2611
It would be a good idea to email Bruce at bhoffmaster@mercydesmoines.org or give Bruce a call at 515-643-5288 and tell him the date you are mailing the form – so he will be watching for it.
(7) Once Bruce receives the forms, he must check each item listed above to be sure that these items have been filled out and are accurate.
(8) As soon after May 23rd as he can, Bruce will bundle all Team Iowa medical waivers and send to NKF National certified mail. He will also keep a Xerox copy for his records.
PLEASE NOTE: Periodically, (Between now and May 23rd) I will send out a team email and update everybody on the status of their waivers.
Prior to May 23rd, you may receive an email from NKF National telling you that they have not received your medical waiver yet.
Do not let that bother you – Bruce will be submitting all waivers in one package after May 23rd and before June 11th.
Once national NKF receives the waivers, they also check every item mentioned above.
Failure to accurately and timely complete and submit your waiver can result in disqualification in the Games.
We don’t want that to happen to any of our athletes.
FINAL HINTS: Please, Please ask for help; double-check your waiver before you send it in; don’t wait until the last minute to send it to Bruce; keep a copy for your own records; and make sure that you use this as a check-list – both for the information you filled in and the information your physician filled in.
Bruce and I are here to help you,
GO TEAM IOWA!
Thanks, Diane
Friday, March 7, 2008
Update #23: PJ's transplant, Survey deadline March 12
Dear Team Iowa members,
Our computers/emails are back up and running again (I hope). I have several things to talk about today.
(1) PJ Wyatt – Many of you on this list know PJ. He has been an avid basketball player on our team for the past couple of Games. PJ lives in Cedar Rapids and is a schoolteacher. Recently, his kidney failed. On Monday, February 25, 2008 he received a new kidney at the U of I. If anybody would like to send him a card, he is staying at his mom’s at 514 – 15th Avenue N., Clinton, IA 52732. His mother has asked all of us to say a prayer for the donor family and their loss. From the whole team – “PJ, we wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you at the 2010 Games on the Basketball court.”
(2) Survey Monkey. If you are getting this email from me, you should have received a message from Shelley Knepper to complete a survey via survey monkey. The first question on this survey is “do you plan to attend the 2008 U. S. Transplant Games.” You need to answer “yes” or “no.” If you answer “no,” that is the end of your survey. If you answer “yes”, you need to complete the rest of the survey – letting us know your travel plans, # people coming with you to the Games, team sports you wish to participate in, uniform sizes, etc. WE NEED EVERYBODY TO ANSWER THIS SURVEY BY NEXT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12th.
We are trying to finalize plans for the bus, the hospitality suite, an opening party and a closing party for the team, uniforms, team sports, whether or not we need to try to add more rooms to our hotel block, etc. We can’t make plans that include you in our count if we don’t hear from you.
Beginning Monday, March 17th, we will only communicate with the people who are planning to go to the Games. If you want to continue to receive important updates, you must answer the survey and let us know your intentions.
(3) HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
(4) GO TEAM IOWA!
--Diane
Our computers/emails are back up and running again (I hope). I have several things to talk about today.
(1) PJ Wyatt – Many of you on this list know PJ. He has been an avid basketball player on our team for the past couple of Games. PJ lives in Cedar Rapids and is a schoolteacher. Recently, his kidney failed. On Monday, February 25, 2008 he received a new kidney at the U of I. If anybody would like to send him a card, he is staying at his mom’s at 514 – 15th Avenue N., Clinton, IA 52732. His mother has asked all of us to say a prayer for the donor family and their loss. From the whole team – “PJ, we wish you a speedy recovery and hope to see you at the 2010 Games on the Basketball court.”
(2) Survey Monkey. If you are getting this email from me, you should have received a message from Shelley Knepper to complete a survey via survey monkey. The first question on this survey is “do you plan to attend the 2008 U. S. Transplant Games.” You need to answer “yes” or “no.” If you answer “no,” that is the end of your survey. If you answer “yes”, you need to complete the rest of the survey – letting us know your travel plans, # people coming with you to the Games, team sports you wish to participate in, uniform sizes, etc. WE NEED EVERYBODY TO ANSWER THIS SURVEY BY NEXT WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12th.
We are trying to finalize plans for the bus, the hospitality suite, an opening party and a closing party for the team, uniforms, team sports, whether or not we need to try to add more rooms to our hotel block, etc. We can’t make plans that include you in our count if we don’t hear from you.
Beginning Monday, March 17th, we will only communicate with the people who are planning to go to the Games. If you want to continue to receive important updates, you must answer the survey and let us know your intentions.
(3) HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
(4) GO TEAM IOWA!
--Diane
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Update #22: Computers down, 5K/Race Walk confusion
Please remember that our computers and emails at the NKF of Iowa office will be going down at 9:30 a.m. (Wednesday) and I don’t know when they will come back up – I will email you again when we are back in business.
Below is a message that I received Wednesday morning from National regarding the 5K event at the Games and the differentiation between athletes participating and non-athletes participating. Please read this – if you have questions, let me know after I have email again.
Managers:
The 5K at the Games is actually two events conducted concurrently. The first is a road race, which is one of the twelve sports that are being organized for transplant recipients ("Athletes") competing in the Games. The second is a run/walk for organ, eye and tissue donation awareness, which is open to all other Games participants ("Non-Athletes") and the general public.
Athletes register for the "5K Road Race" as one of the competition options in the Sports section of their registration. There is no additional charge to participate in this event and, as stated in the Upgrades section of the Athlete's registration, the public 5K Race t-shirt is not included. However, this t-shirt can be purchased as an upgrade for an additional $8.
Non-Athletes register for the "5K Race for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Awareness" in the Upgrades section of the online registration and pay a fee of $15 thru June 5th (or $20 on race day). This fee includes a 5K t-shirt.
Below is a message that I received Wednesday morning from National regarding the 5K event at the Games and the differentiation between athletes participating and non-athletes participating. Please read this – if you have questions, let me know after I have email again.
Managers:
The 5K at the Games is actually two events conducted concurrently. The first is a road race, which is one of the twelve sports that are being organized for transplant recipients ("Athletes") competing in the Games. The second is a run/walk for organ, eye and tissue donation awareness, which is open to all other Games participants ("Non-Athletes") and the general public.
Athletes register for the "5K Road Race" as one of the competition options in the Sports section of their registration. There is no additional charge to participate in this event and, as stated in the Upgrades section of the Athlete's registration, the public 5K Race t-shirt is not included. However, this t-shirt can be purchased as an upgrade for an additional $8.
Non-Athletes register for the "5K Race for Organ, Eye and Tissue Donation Awareness" in the Upgrades section of the online registration and pay a fee of $15 thru June 5th (or $20 on race day). This fee includes a 5K t-shirt.
Update #21: NKF Iowa computers down, Notes about the Games, Golf Tournament Auction items needed
For Your Information – the NKF of Iowa office has been having some computer problems. We are having an IT consultant in our office today Wednesday, March 5, 2008. Our computer system will go down approximately 9:30 a.m. – and when it comes back up, nobody knows. So, I would suggest that you DO NOT email us until I send out another update and assure you that we are back up and running. If you send us emails before notification that we are back in business, you risk that we will never get the message. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
I want to commend most of you! Many of you have navigated the on-line registration system and successfully registered and made your hotel reservation within our Team Iowa block of rooms. Congratulations! Some of you have contacted the NKF of Iowa office and requested help with registration – we have already registered several of you this way. For the rest of you….. Please do not procrastinate. Early bird registration runs through the month of March – until March 31st. We need all of you to register by then to avoid extra registration fees and penalties. Please, please get on-line and attempt to register. If you need help, give us a call or email us to set up a time for us to take your registration over the phone. You do not need to come to the office to do this – we can easily handle this over the phone. We are here to help you in any way we can. If you have registration questions, please ask them – you know what they say, “the only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask.”
Updates from National regarding the Games:
(1) CHILDREN'S COMPETITIONS AT THE GAMES
As a general rule, athletes will compete by gender in the following age
groups: 17-and-under, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and
70 and over. This means that children may participate in virtually every competition being contested at the Games. Due to the popularity of badminton, bowling, table tennis and certain events in swimming and track and field with children, we have subdivided the 17-and-under category into the following age groups for these events: 2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-17. In addition, we will conduct special competitions specifically for younger children (14-and-under), including the 1K in Cycling (rather than the 5K), 25m freestyle in Swimming (rather than the 50m) and 50m dash in Track and Field (rather than the 100m).
While actual event times are subject to change, every effort has been made to arrange a schedule that will allow children to participate in Kids' Time activities and youth competitions.
(2) SPORTS RULES & FORMATS: For additional details regarding 2008 Games sports rules and formats, please visit http://www.kidney.org/news/tgames/usgames/pdf/2008RulesDraft.pdf.
(3) 2008 MEDICAL WAIVER FORM
The 2008 Medical Form has been posted on the Team Managers' Resource Page. Please be sure that the form is filled out in its entirety for each athlete so that they can be accepted and approved. Most common reasons for returned medical waivers are:
* Physician's approval is more than four months prior to the event. (Prior to March 11th for this year's Games)
* Missing Blood Pressure
* Missing indication of athlete being/not being diabetic
* Missing indication by the Doctor of the athlete's level of clearance for in the Games (marking A, B, or C)
* Physician did not sign and/or date the form
(4) STAR SEARCH (AUDITION TAPES) - LAST CALL
It's not too late to submit tapes/cd's/performance materials to us!!! We have extended the deadline for all talent submissions to Friday, March 7, 2008.
We are currently scouting for transplant recipients, living donors and/or donor family members to sing or otherwise perform at the Opening and Closing ceremonies and other programs such as the Donor Recognition Ceremony and Living Donor Recognition Event being held as a part of the NKF 2008 U.S. Transplant Games. Please encourage your most talented team members and/or family members to send an audio or video audition tape
to:
Verena Huetteneder
National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd St.
New York, NY 10016
Tell your team members "YOU CAN BE A STAR AT THE GAMES!!!!" Any questions can be directed to verenah@kidney.org.
(5) ATTENDEE PROFILES
It is important for us to receive interesting athlete, living donor and donor stories, which allow us to "put a face" on organ donation, transplantation and the Games. Please ask your team members to submit their profiles on the Games Web site. They could be selected to be featured in a Games media story and/or the program's home page. They can simply go to www.transplantgames.org
click on athlete, living donor or donor family profile form (above rotating photos).
That’s all that is new news from National.
FROM TEAM IOWA STAFF AND VOLUNTEER MANAGERS:
(1) SURVEYS
Shelley has reported that less than one-half of you have completed the survey sent to you via survey monkey. Please, within the next couple of days – meaning this week – get this survey completed. You know what they say, “we are only as strong as our weakest link.” We need each of you to do your small part so that we can take care of the big picture for the team. We are trying to form teams, match up bowling partners, acquire uniform size needs, organize the bus, etc. and we need your help to do all of this.
(2) ITO AUCTION ITEMS
Some of your fellow team members that live in and around Muscatine will be holding the second annual Iowa Transplant Open Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 31st. They are asking for your help. Can any of you secure auction items?
Some ideas: a team member living in Dubuque could get an overnight stay at the Dubuque Hotel with the indoor waterpark and a gift certificate from Pizza Hut. These two items could be packaged together and sold as a weekend getaway to Dubuque for a family.
A team Iowa member that lives in Des Moines could do the same sort of thing – think of places that a visitor might want to go – ask them to donate tickets – add a night or two at a hotel and some restaurant gift certificates.
Maybe you have something at home you could donate – an antique piece of furniture, a piece of jewelry?
Are you an artist? Do you make a special dish? Do you have a special craft or hobby? Do you know somebody that owns a business? Ask them to donate to this event.
This is a great way for some of you who still need to earn scholarship points to help out. You can do it at your own time, in your own community, and there is no limit to what you can secure for the live and silent auction. Items need to be identified by the first of May so if you are interested – you have two months to work on this.
If you have some ideas, or need some ideas, contact me and we’ll discuss it.
(3) REMEMBER – no computers or email at the NKF of Iowa office from 9:30 a.m. March 5 until further notice.
GO TEAM IOWA!
--Diane
I want to commend most of you! Many of you have navigated the on-line registration system and successfully registered and made your hotel reservation within our Team Iowa block of rooms. Congratulations! Some of you have contacted the NKF of Iowa office and requested help with registration – we have already registered several of you this way. For the rest of you….. Please do not procrastinate. Early bird registration runs through the month of March – until March 31st. We need all of you to register by then to avoid extra registration fees and penalties. Please, please get on-line and attempt to register. If you need help, give us a call or email us to set up a time for us to take your registration over the phone. You do not need to come to the office to do this – we can easily handle this over the phone. We are here to help you in any way we can. If you have registration questions, please ask them – you know what they say, “the only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask.”
Updates from National regarding the Games:
(1) CHILDREN'S COMPETITIONS AT THE GAMES
As a general rule, athletes will compete by gender in the following age
groups: 17-and-under, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and
70 and over. This means that children may participate in virtually every competition being contested at the Games. Due to the popularity of badminton, bowling, table tennis and certain events in swimming and track and field with children, we have subdivided the 17-and-under category into the following age groups for these events: 2-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14, 15-17. In addition, we will conduct special competitions specifically for younger children (14-and-under), including the 1K in Cycling (rather than the 5K), 25m freestyle in Swimming (rather than the 50m) and 50m dash in Track and Field (rather than the 100m).
While actual event times are subject to change, every effort has been made to arrange a schedule that will allow children to participate in Kids' Time activities and youth competitions.
(2) SPORTS RULES & FORMATS: For additional details regarding 2008 Games sports rules and formats, please visit http://www.kidney.org/news/tgames/usgames/pdf/2008RulesDraft.pdf.
(3) 2008 MEDICAL WAIVER FORM
The 2008 Medical Form has been posted on the Team Managers' Resource Page. Please be sure that the form is filled out in its entirety for each athlete so that they can be accepted and approved. Most common reasons for returned medical waivers are:
* Physician's approval is more than four months prior to the event. (Prior to March 11th for this year's Games)
* Missing Blood Pressure
* Missing indication of athlete being/not being diabetic
* Missing indication by the Doctor of the athlete's level of clearance for in the Games (marking A, B, or C)
* Physician did not sign and/or date the form
(4) STAR SEARCH (AUDITION TAPES) - LAST CALL
It's not too late to submit tapes/cd's/performance materials to us!!! We have extended the deadline for all talent submissions to Friday, March 7, 2008.
We are currently scouting for transplant recipients, living donors and/or donor family members to sing or otherwise perform at the Opening and Closing ceremonies and other programs such as the Donor Recognition Ceremony and Living Donor Recognition Event being held as a part of the NKF 2008 U.S. Transplant Games. Please encourage your most talented team members and/or family members to send an audio or video audition tape
to:
Verena Huetteneder
National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd St.
New York, NY 10016
Tell your team members "YOU CAN BE A STAR AT THE GAMES!!!!" Any questions can be directed to verenah@kidney.org.
(5) ATTENDEE PROFILES
It is important for us to receive interesting athlete, living donor and donor stories, which allow us to "put a face" on organ donation, transplantation and the Games. Please ask your team members to submit their profiles on the Games Web site. They could be selected to be featured in a Games media story and/or the program's home page. They can simply go to www.transplantgames.org
click on athlete, living donor or donor family profile form (above rotating photos).
That’s all that is new news from National.
FROM TEAM IOWA STAFF AND VOLUNTEER MANAGERS:
(1) SURVEYS
Shelley has reported that less than one-half of you have completed the survey sent to you via survey monkey. Please, within the next couple of days – meaning this week – get this survey completed. You know what they say, “we are only as strong as our weakest link.” We need each of you to do your small part so that we can take care of the big picture for the team. We are trying to form teams, match up bowling partners, acquire uniform size needs, organize the bus, etc. and we need your help to do all of this.
(2) ITO AUCTION ITEMS
Some of your fellow team members that live in and around Muscatine will be holding the second annual Iowa Transplant Open Golf Tournament on Saturday, May 31st. They are asking for your help. Can any of you secure auction items?
Some ideas: a team member living in Dubuque could get an overnight stay at the Dubuque Hotel with the indoor waterpark and a gift certificate from Pizza Hut. These two items could be packaged together and sold as a weekend getaway to Dubuque for a family.
A team Iowa member that lives in Des Moines could do the same sort of thing – think of places that a visitor might want to go – ask them to donate tickets – add a night or two at a hotel and some restaurant gift certificates.
Maybe you have something at home you could donate – an antique piece of furniture, a piece of jewelry?
Are you an artist? Do you make a special dish? Do you have a special craft or hobby? Do you know somebody that owns a business? Ask them to donate to this event.
This is a great way for some of you who still need to earn scholarship points to help out. You can do it at your own time, in your own community, and there is no limit to what you can secure for the live and silent auction. Items need to be identified by the first of May so if you are interested – you have two months to work on this.
If you have some ideas, or need some ideas, contact me and we’ll discuss it.
(3) REMEMBER – no computers or email at the NKF of Iowa office from 9:30 a.m. March 5 until further notice.
GO TEAM IOWA!
--Diane
Friday, February 29, 2008
Upcoming bake sale needs workers, bakers
Kathy Miller announces the last sale at the U of I Hospital & Clinics before the games is being held on Monday, March 17th 2008 in the Papajohn glassed in area just inside the West Entrance across from the information desk. The sale is running from 7:00 am until around 4:00 pm.
Kathy is still looking for one person to work during each shift, and she still needs three bakers.
The following people are scheduled to work/bake or both:
Shift 1 (7-11:00): Doug Stewart, Bill Klahn, Paula Wood, Kathy Miller
Shift 2 (11 - 2:00) Bill Klahn, Paula Wood, Kathy Miller, Midge Rollins (?)
Shift 3 (1:00 - 4) Bill Klahn, Paula Wood (co-coordinator), Kathy Miller (coordinator), Midge Rollins (?)
Bakers: Paula Wood, Bill Klahn, Ruth Gerlach, Midge Rollins, Natalie(Robbie), Ardy Boucher, Autry Marley
Interested in helping out? Please contact Kathy Miller: Kbowenmill@aol.com (319) 396-5329
Kathy is still looking for one person to work during each shift, and she still needs three bakers.
The following people are scheduled to work/bake or both:
Shift 1 (7-11:00): Doug Stewart, Bill Klahn, Paula Wood, Kathy Miller
Shift 2 (11 - 2:00) Bill Klahn, Paula Wood, Kathy Miller, Midge Rollins (?)
Shift 3 (1:00 - 4) Bill Klahn, Paula Wood (co-coordinator), Kathy Miller (coordinator), Midge Rollins (?)
Bakers: Paula Wood, Bill Klahn, Ruth Gerlach, Midge Rollins, Natalie(Robbie), Ardy Boucher, Autry Marley
Interested in helping out? Please contact Kathy Miller: Kbowenmill@aol.com (319) 396-5329
Update #19: Survey #2, Living Donors
A couple of things:
(1) Please complete the survey sent to you by Shelley Knepper via survey monkey. We need this information as soon as possible so that we know if we have enough hotel rooms in our block to accommodate everybody, what size bus to rent, what types of items to consider for uniforms, and to match up athletes for doubles and team events.
(2) Living Donors. We have been asked about sending living donors to the Games at Team Iowa expense. Those of you who have gone in the past know that Team Iowa has sponsored non-related living donors as team members. If you know of somebody that should be considered for this, please email me and provide their name, phone, address, and describe the circumstances of the living donation – approximately when it took place, what transplant center, and how (or why) they became a donor.
NOTE: At this time, we will not consider sponsoring a living donor that we have sponsored for a previous Games OR a living donor that donated to a spouse, parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc.
Any questions about this, feel free to contact Diane.
(1) Please complete the survey sent to you by Shelley Knepper via survey monkey. We need this information as soon as possible so that we know if we have enough hotel rooms in our block to accommodate everybody, what size bus to rent, what types of items to consider for uniforms, and to match up athletes for doubles and team events.
(2) Living Donors. We have been asked about sending living donors to the Games at Team Iowa expense. Those of you who have gone in the past know that Team Iowa has sponsored non-related living donors as team members. If you know of somebody that should be considered for this, please email me and provide their name, phone, address, and describe the circumstances of the living donation – approximately when it took place, what transplant center, and how (or why) they became a donor.
NOTE: At this time, we will not consider sponsoring a living donor that we have sponsored for a previous Games OR a living donor that donated to a spouse, parent, child, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, etc.
Any questions about this, feel free to contact Diane.
Update#18: Medical Waivers!
Diane sent you and email with the subject "Update #18" with the medical waiver form attached in pdf format. You should be able to open and print out. You can also print a copy by clicking the link in the left column of this site for 2008 Medical Waiver - if you should need an additional copy. The form is required by all participating athletes at the U. S. Transplant Games. An athlete is the organ recipient that is attending the Games and actually competing in the athletic events.
Important things to note about this form:
1. If attending the Games as An Athlete, you must have one of these forms – please, please try to open and print the one attached if you don’t already have one. Do NOT use the purple one we handed out at the last team meeting – that was just for illustration purposes.
2. This form CANNOT be completed prior to March 11, 2008 – you must wait until March 11th 2008 or later to complete this and get it signed by your doctor.
3. The athlete needs to fill out – by printing so that we can read it: your name and date of birth, organ(s) transplanted and date of last transplant, and indicate donor type. You fill out your address, city, state and zip code. Indicate if you are allergic to bee stings and if you have any other allergies. You need to list the name, relationship and phone # of an emergency contact – this must be somebody that will NOT be at the Games with you. You will all list your Team Name as: Team Iowa. You will all list your Team Manager as Bruce Hoffmaster. You will then list all prescription and non-prescription medications AND THE DOSAGES on the form – or attach an additional sheet. I would suggest that you use an additional sheet of paper and type or neatly print this information and attach it.
4. You need to be registered for the Games before completing this form. Why? Because you have to indicate on the form what athletic events you have signed up for. You cannot cheat on this – because national NKF will compare what you are signed up for with your form to be sure you have permission to participate in that particular event(s).
5. Then, you take this form to your physician for them to mark either A, B, or C. They will need to show your blood pressure reading, indicate if you are diabetic, and comment on any other health issues. In the line that says, “I certify….”, the physican must write in the appropriate letter, “a”, “b” or “c” to match the box checked in the middle of the page. The physician needs to sign and date, plus print their name, phone, pager, fax and address. Your physician does NOT need to be your transplant surgeon. If by chance, you are going to be seeing your transplant surgeon anyway, by all means, take this form and have them fill it out. But, if you are not scheduled to see your transplant surgeon during the next couple of months, just make an appointment with your regular doctor. Who do you see if you have strep throat or a broken arm?
6. Bruce Hoffmaster needs this form – once completed – returned to him no later than Friday, May 23, 2008. On the form, it says June 11, 2008 – but that is the date that it has to be in our national NKF office. Bruce needs to collect these forms, review them to be sure that they are completely filled out and that they can actually be read. Then he mails them, in a bulk package, certified mail, to the national NKF office.
In 2006 we had many, many problems with the Medical Waivers – some were not completely filled out, some were not legible, some athletes did not mark the events on the form that they actually registered for, some doctors didn’t mark A, B, or C, some doctors didn’t sign and provide the necessary contact information, etc.
The NKF (National) will NOT allow an athlete to compete without this medical waiver. They are absolute sticklers on every item on this form. Failure to get this form filled out, signed by a physician and returned to Bruce Hoffmaster by May 23, 2008 will disqualify you from participating in the Games. We don’t want that to happen to anybody on Team Iowa.
If you are not an athlete, you do not need a medical waiver.
If anybody has questions, contact Bruce Hoffmaster or Diane Hagarty.
Important things to note about this form:
1. If attending the Games as An Athlete, you must have one of these forms – please, please try to open and print the one attached if you don’t already have one. Do NOT use the purple one we handed out at the last team meeting – that was just for illustration purposes.
2. This form CANNOT be completed prior to March 11, 2008 – you must wait until March 11th 2008 or later to complete this and get it signed by your doctor.
3. The athlete needs to fill out – by printing so that we can read it: your name and date of birth, organ(s) transplanted and date of last transplant, and indicate donor type. You fill out your address, city, state and zip code. Indicate if you are allergic to bee stings and if you have any other allergies. You need to list the name, relationship and phone # of an emergency contact – this must be somebody that will NOT be at the Games with you. You will all list your Team Name as: Team Iowa. You will all list your Team Manager as Bruce Hoffmaster. You will then list all prescription and non-prescription medications AND THE DOSAGES on the form – or attach an additional sheet. I would suggest that you use an additional sheet of paper and type or neatly print this information and attach it.
4. You need to be registered for the Games before completing this form. Why? Because you have to indicate on the form what athletic events you have signed up for. You cannot cheat on this – because national NKF will compare what you are signed up for with your form to be sure you have permission to participate in that particular event(s).
5. Then, you take this form to your physician for them to mark either A, B, or C. They will need to show your blood pressure reading, indicate if you are diabetic, and comment on any other health issues. In the line that says, “I certify….”, the physican must write in the appropriate letter, “a”, “b” or “c” to match the box checked in the middle of the page. The physician needs to sign and date, plus print their name, phone, pager, fax and address. Your physician does NOT need to be your transplant surgeon. If by chance, you are going to be seeing your transplant surgeon anyway, by all means, take this form and have them fill it out. But, if you are not scheduled to see your transplant surgeon during the next couple of months, just make an appointment with your regular doctor. Who do you see if you have strep throat or a broken arm?
6. Bruce Hoffmaster needs this form – once completed – returned to him no later than Friday, May 23, 2008. On the form, it says June 11, 2008 – but that is the date that it has to be in our national NKF office. Bruce needs to collect these forms, review them to be sure that they are completely filled out and that they can actually be read. Then he mails them, in a bulk package, certified mail, to the national NKF office.
In 2006 we had many, many problems with the Medical Waivers – some were not completely filled out, some were not legible, some athletes did not mark the events on the form that they actually registered for, some doctors didn’t mark A, B, or C, some doctors didn’t sign and provide the necessary contact information, etc.
The NKF (National) will NOT allow an athlete to compete without this medical waiver. They are absolute sticklers on every item on this form. Failure to get this form filled out, signed by a physician and returned to Bruce Hoffmaster by May 23, 2008 will disqualify you from participating in the Games. We don’t want that to happen to anybody on Team Iowa.
If you are not an athlete, you do not need a medical waiver.
If anybody has questions, contact Bruce Hoffmaster or Diane Hagarty.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Don't forget the cookbooks!
As a fundraiser, we have more Team Iowa Cookbooks for sale. They are $10 each and contain recipes submitted by Team Iowa members and supporters. There is a special section in the cookbook for renal and diabetic patients.
Everybody should purchase one for their own home. Plus, these make great gifts – think Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation, weddings and bridal showers, birthdays, etc. Also, think about who you might sell some to – coworkers, family members, church members, neighbors, fellow support group members, employees at your dialysis or transplant unit??
If you are interested in getting some of these cookbooks, please email Ardy Boucher at Ardyth.Boucher@fmc-na.com
If you have taken cookbooks to sell, please turn your money in as soon as possible. You can mail it to Diane, at the P. O. Box address below or email Ardy Boucher to make arrangements to get it to her.
GO TEAM IOWA!!
Diane L. Hagarty, M.B.A.
Executive Director
National Kidney Foundation of Iowa
701 10th Street SE, Suite 3614
P.O. Box 1364
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1364
Everybody should purchase one for their own home. Plus, these make great gifts – think Easter, Mother’s Day, Graduation, weddings and bridal showers, birthdays, etc. Also, think about who you might sell some to – coworkers, family members, church members, neighbors, fellow support group members, employees at your dialysis or transplant unit??
If you are interested in getting some of these cookbooks, please email Ardy Boucher at Ardyth.Boucher@fmc-na.com
If you have taken cookbooks to sell, please turn your money in as soon as possible. You can mail it to Diane, at the P. O. Box address below or email Ardy Boucher to make arrangements to get it to her.
GO TEAM IOWA!!
Diane L. Hagarty, M.B.A.
Executive Director
National Kidney Foundation of Iowa
701 10th Street SE, Suite 3614
P.O. Box 1364
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-1364
Update #16: 10 things to do in Pittsburgh
Shelley sent out a questionnaire to all of you via survey monkey this morning. Please complete it at your earliest convenience so that we can better serve you – the Team!
Since there's nothing new and official to report (so far), here's a list of the Top 10 Pittsburgh Must-Sees.
Also, please remember, we do expect everybody to be at Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the events that you are signed up to participate in. As time and interest allow, we hope that you will attend other U. S. Transplant Games events and activities and cheer on your team members. However, we also realize that for many of you this is a vacation – with that in mind, check this site often for some information about activities in Pittsburgh.
Top 10 Pittsburgh Must-Sees
Pittsburgh is a beautiful, dynamic city full of sights and attractions sure to please the avid sports fan, history enthusiast, culture maven, or outgoing child. Whether you're in town for a visit, or just looking for something new to try, these must-see Pittsburgh spots offer something for everyone.
1. Mt. Washington and the Inclines
No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a ride on one of the restored 1800s inclines to the top of Mt. Washington - just across the river from downtown Pittsburgh. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from on top of this former "Coal Hill," and the stunning view of downtown (especially beautiful at night) was ranked by USA Today as the second best beautiful place in America.
2. Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
This former ice house has been reborn as a seven-story museum, with interactive exhibits that bring more than 250 years of Western Pennsylvania history to life. Discover how immigrants shaped the region, uncover the myths of the Underground Railroad or climb aboard a 1940s Pittsburgh trolley. Two floors are dedicated to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. After all, what's the history of Pittsburgh without Franco Harris, Mario Lemieux, Roberto Clemente, Arnold Palmer and the gang?
3. The National Aviary
Just across the Allegheny River from the History Center is the National Aviary, where over 600 of the world's most incredible birds are displayed in naturalistic exhibits and walk-through habitats. Marvel at hummingbirds the size of a thumb or Andean Condors with giant 10-foot wingspans at the nation's premiere bird zoo!
4. The Strip
Join locals for a Saturday tour in Pittsburgh's popular warehouse district. Grab a great cup of coffee and a fresh biscotti, before taking a stroll through this combination farmer's market/street fair. Vendors, shops and exotic grocery stores offer everything from kitchenware to costumes and Steelers merchandise to fresh flowers and fish.
5. Andy Warhol Museum
Campbells soup cans anyone? Continue your exploration of Pittsburgh at the Andy Warhol Museum, an ultramodern tribute to the founder of pop art. The most comprehensive single artist museum in the world houses more than 4,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, films, and videos, from this native Pittsburgh artist. While dedicated to Andy Warhol, the museum also hosts rotating exhibits by artists who push the boundaries of art, just as Warhol did.
6. Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History
The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History combine two world renowned museums in one unforgettable visit. Same day admission to both museums provides a wide variety of things to explore, and many sections include hands-on activities where children are encouraged to touch as well as look. Enjoy one of the best dinosaur exhibits in the world, breathtaking gems and minerals, an extensive Native American gallery, plus the museum ranked by Child Magazine among the "10 Best Art Museums for Kids."
7. Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Stroll through one of the largest Victorian "glass houses" in the country to see towering tropical plants that were the original seedlings at the 1890 Exposition, beautiful orchids, indoor and outdoor gardens, and a fabulous bonsai collection. Children will revel in the Discovery Garden, where they are invited to exercise their green thumbs and explore the world of plants and flowers, worms and all. Seasonal exhibits include a butterfly garden, flower shows, and a miniature railroad display.
8. Carnegie Science Center & UPMC Sportsworks
It's an "amusement park for the mind" at this large science museum, where more than 250 hands-on, interactive exhibits bring together science and fun for all ages. Tour a WWII submarine, marvel at a four-story Omnimax film, or tour Southwestern Pennsylvania via miniature railroad - all under one roof. Then, race against an Olympic sprinter, try out your fastball, or climb a rock wall, all at the place where science and sports comes together - UPMC SportsWorks next door!
9. The Mattress Factory
Get into art - literally! The beds are gone, and this former mattress factory is now home to a one of a kind arts experience. The Mattress Factory museum of contemporary art is the best facility for installation art in the United States, all created by in-residence artists. From floors made of green-apple candy to a frozen room full of Victorian furniture, the avant-garde art is sometimes a bit bewildering, but always fun.
10. Nationality Classrooms at the Cathedral of Learning
Located in the inspiring Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus, each of the 24 classrooms reflects the culture and heritage of one of the area's diverse ethnic groups, and represents that nationality's contribution to the fabric of Pittsburgh. Visit the classroom that represents your heritage and establish your own emotional bond with the peoples of Pittsburgh! An interesting attraction that defies description!
Since there's nothing new and official to report (so far), here's a list of the Top 10 Pittsburgh Must-Sees.
Also, please remember, we do expect everybody to be at Opening and Closing Ceremonies and the events that you are signed up to participate in. As time and interest allow, we hope that you will attend other U. S. Transplant Games events and activities and cheer on your team members. However, we also realize that for many of you this is a vacation – with that in mind, check this site often for some information about activities in Pittsburgh.
Top 10 Pittsburgh Must-Sees
Pittsburgh is a beautiful, dynamic city full of sights and attractions sure to please the avid sports fan, history enthusiast, culture maven, or outgoing child. Whether you're in town for a visit, or just looking for something new to try, these must-see Pittsburgh spots offer something for everyone.
1. Mt. Washington and the Inclines
No visit to Pittsburgh is complete without a ride on one of the restored 1800s inclines to the top of Mt. Washington - just across the river from downtown Pittsburgh. There are plenty of great restaurants to choose from on top of this former "Coal Hill," and the stunning view of downtown (especially beautiful at night) was ranked by USA Today as the second best beautiful place in America.
2. Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center
This former ice house has been reborn as a seven-story museum, with interactive exhibits that bring more than 250 years of Western Pennsylvania history to life. Discover how immigrants shaped the region, uncover the myths of the Underground Railroad or climb aboard a 1940s Pittsburgh trolley. Two floors are dedicated to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum. After all, what's the history of Pittsburgh without Franco Harris, Mario Lemieux, Roberto Clemente, Arnold Palmer and the gang?
3. The National Aviary
Just across the Allegheny River from the History Center is the National Aviary, where over 600 of the world's most incredible birds are displayed in naturalistic exhibits and walk-through habitats. Marvel at hummingbirds the size of a thumb or Andean Condors with giant 10-foot wingspans at the nation's premiere bird zoo!
4. The Strip
Join locals for a Saturday tour in Pittsburgh's popular warehouse district. Grab a great cup of coffee and a fresh biscotti, before taking a stroll through this combination farmer's market/street fair. Vendors, shops and exotic grocery stores offer everything from kitchenware to costumes and Steelers merchandise to fresh flowers and fish.
5. Andy Warhol Museum
Campbells soup cans anyone? Continue your exploration of Pittsburgh at the Andy Warhol Museum, an ultramodern tribute to the founder of pop art. The most comprehensive single artist museum in the world houses more than 4,000 works of art, including paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, films, and videos, from this native Pittsburgh artist. While dedicated to Andy Warhol, the museum also hosts rotating exhibits by artists who push the boundaries of art, just as Warhol did.
6. Carnegie Museums of Art & Natural History
The Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History combine two world renowned museums in one unforgettable visit. Same day admission to both museums provides a wide variety of things to explore, and many sections include hands-on activities where children are encouraged to touch as well as look. Enjoy one of the best dinosaur exhibits in the world, breathtaking gems and minerals, an extensive Native American gallery, plus the museum ranked by Child Magazine among the "10 Best Art Museums for Kids."
7. Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
Stroll through one of the largest Victorian "glass houses" in the country to see towering tropical plants that were the original seedlings at the 1890 Exposition, beautiful orchids, indoor and outdoor gardens, and a fabulous bonsai collection. Children will revel in the Discovery Garden, where they are invited to exercise their green thumbs and explore the world of plants and flowers, worms and all. Seasonal exhibits include a butterfly garden, flower shows, and a miniature railroad display.
8. Carnegie Science Center & UPMC Sportsworks
It's an "amusement park for the mind" at this large science museum, where more than 250 hands-on, interactive exhibits bring together science and fun for all ages. Tour a WWII submarine, marvel at a four-story Omnimax film, or tour Southwestern Pennsylvania via miniature railroad - all under one roof. Then, race against an Olympic sprinter, try out your fastball, or climb a rock wall, all at the place where science and sports comes together - UPMC SportsWorks next door!
9. The Mattress Factory
Get into art - literally! The beds are gone, and this former mattress factory is now home to a one of a kind arts experience. The Mattress Factory museum of contemporary art is the best facility for installation art in the United States, all created by in-residence artists. From floors made of green-apple candy to a frozen room full of Victorian furniture, the avant-garde art is sometimes a bit bewildering, but always fun.
10. Nationality Classrooms at the Cathedral of Learning
Located in the inspiring Cathedral of Learning on the University of Pittsburgh campus, each of the 24 classrooms reflects the culture and heritage of one of the area's diverse ethnic groups, and represents that nationality's contribution to the fabric of Pittsburgh. Visit the classroom that represents your heritage and establish your own emotional bond with the peoples of Pittsburgh! An interesting attraction that defies description!
Update #15: Fun facts about Pittsburgh
I have bombarded you with “serious” information the past seven days – stuff you need to know about hotels, registration, medical waivers, transportation, etc. While that is all necessary information, it doesn’t make for the most delightful reading, does it?
I have decided to start sending out some Fun Facts about Pittsburgh. Today’s fun facts will be about one of my favorite topics - food. Below is some information about Pittsburgh’s Famous Foods.
Pittsburgh Famous Food - Ask for it By Name
Pittsburghers love their food and with our rich cultural and ethnic background we have quite a variety from which to choose. Here are some of the foods you will see Pittsburghers asking for the most.
Watch for tomorrow’s fun facts. GO TEAM IOWA!! Diane
I have decided to start sending out some Fun Facts about Pittsburgh. Today’s fun facts will be about one of my favorite topics - food. Below is some information about Pittsburgh’s Famous Foods.
Pittsburgh Famous Food - Ask for it By Name
Pittsburghers love their food and with our rich cultural and ethnic background we have quite a variety from which to choose. Here are some of the foods you will see Pittsburghers asking for the most.
- The Big Mac, the world's most famous hamburger, was "invented" in Pittsburgh by McDonald's franchise owner Jim Delligatti in 1968.
- Pierogies, found at restaurants all over Pittsburgh, reflect Pittsburgh's Polish heritage. Cooked in butter, these delicious dumplings are stuffed with potato and other flavorings, depending upon the creativity and tradition of the cook. You'd be hard pressed to find a fair or festival around this area without a pierogie stand!
- Chipped Ham is one of Pittsburgh's most famous foods. It is a spicy lunch meat that made its debut in 1933 at Isaly's, a locally based family chain of dairy stores. Former Pittsburghers have been known to have it trucked or flown across the country when they get a hankering for this hometown favorite.
- Klondikes, another Isaly's original, is a vanilla ice-cream bar dipped in pure chocolate and packaged in a familiar silver wrapper. When Sam Isaly invented them in 1929, they cost a nickel.
- Wedding Soup, that delectable Italian broth with tiny meatballs and rich egg pastina, is served throughout the city, even at area McDonald's
- Fried Zucchini Strips, thin, crisp and savory, are a hometown original and popular as an appetizer.
Watch for tomorrow’s fun facts. GO TEAM IOWA!! Diane
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