Onyi Kenine, a 20-year-old athlete representing Team Philadelphia, is currently competing at the Transplant Games in Alabama and has already won several gold medals. Despite facing challenges in the past, Kenine’s determination and hard work have led to her success at the games.
Kenine expressed her admiration for the competitive environment that brings out a side of her that isn’t usually visible. “I love the competitiveness that brings out another side of me that I don’t normally show,” she said.
As an infant, Kenine underwent a liver transplant, and today, she is interning at Nemours, the very hospital that gave her a second chance at life.
This college junior has been actively participating in the Transplant Games for several years. Their main goal is to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation and to celebrate the lives of transplant recipients.
The Philadelphia team has over a hundred members participating in various activities this year.
Kenine expressed that it feels like being a part of one big and connected family.
Kenine has been paired with Nate Mann, a 17-year-old from Moorestown, New Jersey, for the mixed doubles tennis event.
Mann, who underwent a heart transplant just a year ago, is participating in the games for the first time this year and had the opportunity to meet Kenine on the tennis court.
Mann expressed a positive attitude despite the loss, stating, “It was still a fun experience.”
Kenine acknowledged that they were able to secure a silver medal, stating “We did medal though. It’s all right.”
When it comes to celebrating organ donation, everyone is a winner.
Kenine expressed gratitude for the second chance at life that she and Nate received through organ donation. She hopes that their story will inspire more people to register as organ donors and help others in need of life-saving transplants. “We get a chance, second chance at life,” Kenine said. “And I would hope that this would make people register to be an organ donor so they can give someone else a second chance of life, just like me and Nate.”
Every individual is a winner simply by being alive. The gift of life is a precious and valuable one that should be cherished and appreciated.
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