Two little girls have a summer of big excitement ahead thanks to generous organ donors and our valued hospital partners.
Liver recipient, Taylor Dyer, and two-time heart recipient, Layla Hickey, – both 11 years old – will be part of Gift of Life’s Team Philadelphia at the Donate Life Transplant Games of America in Salt Lake City from Aug. 2-7.
“I just love how much attention the Games bring to being an organ donor and show there’s a lot you can do after transplant,” said Layla’s mom, Rylie Gross, of North Wales, Pa.
Layla suffered from hypoplastic left heart syndrome, underwent two surgeries and ended up in heart failure before her first birthday. She received a heart transplant at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE in 2008 and a second heart transplant in Charlottesville, VA last year.
“She’s doing great. We’ve been very fortunate,” said Rylie. “She’s playing a lot of basketball to get ready for the Transplant Games.”
Layla and Taylor were both part of Gift of Life’s gold medal-winning youth basketball team at the 2016 Games in Cleveland.
Taylor, of Philadelphia, plans to compete in darts as well as basketball and hopes to add to her collection of five medals. She received her liver transplant at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children.
For families, the Games provide a special connection.
“I was overwhelmed. It was so emotional – just to feel part of a community that understands. We don’t really know anybody outside of the Transplant Games that’s been through anything like this,” said Rylie.
Read more stories about Team Philadelphia at the Transplant Games of America!