Maddie Poranski

Hometown
Minneapolis, MN

Connection to donation/transplantation
I received a double lung transplant from the University of Minnesota in October of 2020 at the age of 27 due to cystic fibrosis complications.

Competitions/Events at the 2022 Transplant Games of America
I plan to participate in singles tennis, doubles pickleball, volleyball, and the 5K.

How many Transplant Games have you attended?
This is my first Transplant Games!

Why do you participate in the Transplant Games?
I hope the Transplant Games will give me a sense of community by getting to know others who have gone through transplant and families of organ donors. I am excited to celebrate the achievements of transplant survivors and to remember those who have given the gift of life. Training for the Transplant Games also motivates me to maintain an exercise regimen that will keep my transplanted lungs as healthy as possible. I feel most like myself when I am playing sports and being active – being able to return to sports has been the greatest joy post-transplant and I am forever grateful to my donor for giving me that.

One thing you want others to know about donation
Organ donation not only saved my life but gave me my quality of life back. I wish everyone considered organ donation and told their families their wishes so that no one would be denied this opportunity.