Dr. Terry Box, 69
Liver Recipient
Salt Lake City, Utah
Transplant Games Attended: 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018
Dr. Terry Box is one of only two liver transplant specialists in the world to also be a liver recipient. Thus, Dr. Box has a unique understanding of what his patients experience. However, it is his advocacy of transplant that serves as perhaps the most compelling evidence for his patients. “Many patients are fearful that they will never have a normal life after transplant. Nothing is as compelling as telling my patients, “I’ve been there also and I know that it can be done.”
Dr. Box's active participation and passion for the Transplant Games helps him inspire others, as well as honor his 2002 donor. “I’ve been ‘loaned’ a very precious treasure, and I intend to do everything I can to return it in the same condition I received it. That’s my personal commitment to my donor and donor family.”
For the past ten years, Dr. Box has been competing in the cycling and track competitions at the Transplant Games. Training and participating in the Games has helped Dr. Box stay fit and healthy, while showing his patients, and the world, the marvel of donation and transplantation.
Q&A with Dr. Box
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ELEMENT OF THE TRANSPLANT GAMES?
The Transplant Games demonstrates to the non-transplant community how the “miracle” of transplant restores health and gives recipients the ultimate second chance in life.
HOW HAS BEING A PART OF THE TRANSPLANT GAMES IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?
I have an even greater appreciation for the magnitude of effort that goes into creating awareness about the need for organ donation.
WHAT RELATIONSHIPS HAVE YOU ESTABLISHED BECAUSE OF THE TRANSPLANT GAMES, AND HOW HAVE THOSE RELATIONSHPS HELPED YOU IN YOUR TRANSPLANT JOURNEY?
Relationships with teammates and team supporters has given me a better understanding of how transplant affects a diverse group of people and their families.
“My best memories revolve around the parts of the Transplant Games that celebrate our donor families and our living donors, because none of us organ transplant recipients would be participating in the Games if it weren’t for donation.” – Dr. Terry Box
Donate today to help the Transplant Games continue our amazing work!
The Transplant Games of America is a six-day, festival style event that brings together the entire transplant community to celebrate the gift of life and to honor those who have given the gift of life.
Please consider donating to this special 30th Birthday Celebration so that we can continue to save lives through organ, eye and tissue donation.
The Transplant Games of America is an initiative of the Transplant Life Foundation, the nation's leading advocacy non-profit for those in the donation and transplantation community. To learn more about the Foundation, the Games and the work we do, visit our websites!