Team Richie 2022

Ethan Burant | Pulaski, WI

At only 13 years old, Ethan is a dedicated organ donation advocate. Ethan received a liver transplant when he was just 11 months old. The life that organ donation was able to provide to Ethan inspired him and his parents to start the NorthEast Wisconsin Donate Life Walk, a project aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation, serving as a platform for recipients and donors to tell their stories, and raising funds for Donate Life Wisconsin. Ethan will be competing in table tennis, golf doubles, and cornhole at the Transplant Games.

Nicole Brown | Chicago, IL

Nicole received a life-saving heart transplant after an almost fatal encounter with endocarditis led to left and right ventricular heart failure, leaving her forever grateful for the miracle of organ donation. Despite all that she has had to overcome before and since her transplant, including a stroke, partial vision loss, and nerve damage, Nicole continues to honor her donor’s legacy and allow her to live on through her. Nicole’s advocacy for organ donation is her life’s work and greatest joy. Nicole will be competing in cornhole and volleyball at the 2022 Transplant Games in San Diego.

BrookE Miley Lillie & Adam Lillie | taylorsville, MS

At only 13 months old, Brooke was diagnosed with restrictive cardiomyopathy. Her parents were told a heart transplant was the only cure. Just 5 weeks later, she received the gift of life - and went on to become a nurse. In 2019, Brooke was diagnosed with kidney failure, and her husband Adam was found to be a perfect match. He gave her his kidney, and thanks to this selfless act she was given another chance at life. The bond these two share and the story they have to tell is inspiring. The pair will be competing in golf, 5K, and swimming.

Calvin Henry | Atlanta, GA

Determination and a strong will to live were key in Calvin’s fight to overcome his health challenges. Originally told that he was unlikely to make it to the transplant stage, Calvin persevered and received a life-saving double-lung transplant. Calvin is passionately vocal in his support for organ donation, whether engaging with local high school students, attending government events, or hosting organ donation registration tables. Calvin will compete this year in ballroom dancing, badminton, table tennis, the 5K, trivia and darts in San Diego.

Arabella Bowen | Louisville, KY

Arabella was diagnosed with a rare liver disease at 11 years old. By the time she was 12, she had progressed to ESRD and required nightly dialysis in her own home. Arabella’s mother became her living kidney donor, saving her life and freeing her from dialysis. Now, Arabella is a rising senior in high school, exploring different colleges, and traveling the world with her service dog. Arabella will be competing in ballroom dancing and track and field at the Transplant Games along with her mother.

Cody Wood | Broken Bow, OK

Cody served in the U.S. Air Force for 18 years until his recent retirement. He experienced acute hepatic failure in 2016 and received a liver transplant, allowing him to serve for 6 more years under current reserve enlistment. Always keen to give back to the community, Cody has participated in various organ donation awareness events and is part of the Veterans Transplantation Association, where advocates for veterans in need of organ donors. Cody will be competing in Texas Hold’em, golf, basketball, and volleyball in the Transplant Games this year.

Kayla Sanders | Springfield, MO

Having suffered from cystic fibrosis, Kayla received a life-saving double lung transplant in 2013. The ability to have a second chance at life truly inspired her to live hers to the fullest. She now educates those around her on what organ donation is and how it helps people across the world. Kayla has attended past Transplant Games, and will be taking on pickleball, volleyball, basketball, the 5K, and track and field at this year’s Games in San Diego.