By Elizabeth Sullivan, Gift of Hope Ambassador and organ recipient
On June 17, Shaun and I packed our bags and headed to Denver, Colorado, for what would become one of the most unforgettable experiences of our lives.
For six days, I had the honor of competing in the 2026 Transplant Games of America as a Division I Solid Organ Recipient. Throughout the week, I competed in the Murph Challenge, 5K Run, and 5K Cycling. Shaun also had the opportunity to compete this year in the Caregiver Division, joining me in the Murph Challenge and running in the Caregiver Division for the 5K.
If you’ve never heard of the Murph, it honors Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005 and awarded the Medal of Honor. Traditionally, the workout consists of a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run all while wearing a weighted vest.
(We decided packing 80lbs worth of vests into a checked carry-on probably isn’t the best idea!)
We were both able to attend thanks to my work as a Gift of Hope Ambassador and the opportunity to apply as a sponsored athlete. At the end of 2025, I received the incredible news that I had been selected to represent Gift of Hope! It was one of those moments I’ll never forget.
The six days we spent in Denver (and the surrounding areas) became one core memory after another.
We met some of the most incredible people – fellow transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, and caregivers, all with stories that could change the way you look at life. Donor families, who have experienced unimaginable loss, somehow continue to radiate hope, kindness, and love.
And then there was something I never expected.
Being surrounded by thousands of people who simply… get it.
People who understand what it’s like to wait for “the call.” People who know the anxiety of lab days, medication changes, biopsies, surgeries, setbacks, and victories that most people would never think twice about.
It’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it.
New Core Memories
We made history.
I can officially say I’m a Guinness World Records holder!
During the Games, thousands of transplant recipients and living donors gathered together to attempt the record for the largest gathering of solid organ transplant recipients and living donors.
And… WE DID IT!
Two medals!
I was fortunate enough to medal in two events:
- 5K Run: 3rd Place
- 5K Cycling: 3rd Place
Every mile represented everything it took to get back to being able to run, bike, and simply move my body again. The early mornings, late night cycling classes, lifting when I knew I wouldn’t be where I was last week, etc.
Shaun brought home hardware too!
Watching Shaun earn 2nd Place in the Caregiver 5K was one of my favorite moments of the week. This man has been there alongside me on the PR days and the “we are walking” days. Caregivers don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They carry so much of the weight behind the scenes and never complain. They carry the worry, stress, excitement for not only themselves, but also for those who they are taking care of. There is a reason that the first thing they ask you when you are going through transplant listing, “Who is your primary caregiver that can be with you 24/7 for the first year? Now, who is the back-up?”
Rocky Mountain National Park
We also got to explore Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Absolutely breathtaking doesn’t even begin to describe it.
It’s one of those places that makes you stop, breathe, and realize just how beautiful this world really is – and how it was all made possible because of Meaghan.
We’ll definitely be back.
Pin trading!
One of the fun traditions of the Transplant Games is pin trading – kind of like the Olympics. Our lanyards came home much heavier than when we arrived!
Friends for life
More than anything else, we left Denver with friendships that will last a lifetime.
When you first hear the words…“You need a transplant, or you will die.”
…your world becomes incredibly small.
I remember sitting in my brand new hepatologist’s office in November 2023, staring across the room at a world-renowned transplant surgeon and my incredible team of doctors.
At the time? I was terrified. Today? They’re like family.
The world of organ donation feels overwhelming from the outside. But once you’re welcomed into it, you realize something beautiful.
This community doesn’t just save lives.
It surrounds them.
It celebrates every victory, no matter how small.
Medication levels finally within range? Party time. First run after transplant?LET’S GO! One-year transplant anniversary? CELEBRATE! Green labs? GET IT, GIRL!
It’s a community that holds you up when you can’t stand on your own, carries you when life feels impossibly, and cheers louder than anyone when you accomplish something you once thought was impossible.
I never imagined I would become part of this family. Now I can’t imagine my life without it.
To every single person who has supported me over the last few years…The friends who celebrated every milestone. The family who showed up without being asked. The people who picked up groceries. The people who helped with the kids. The people who sat with me in the hard moments. The people who listened while I cried, vented, or wondered if this would ever end.
Thank you. These medals aren’t just mine. They belong to every single one of you.
Because without your love, encouragement, prayers, support, and belief in me… None of this would have been possible.
The countdown to the 2028 Transplant Games in St. Paul, Minnesota has already begun. And I can’t wait to do it all over again.