David Miller of Semmes to represent USA in World Transplant Games in Argentina; Seeks support

David Miller, transplant recipient and World Transplant Games competitor

David Miller of Semmes became a bone marrow recipient 29 years ago; 16 years ago, he received a liver transplant.  Since then, Miller has taken every opportunity to raise awareness for the need for organ, tissue, bone marrow and blood donations.  For example, every year at the Semmes Azalea Festival, Miller chairs an auto and motorcycle show at which he is able to distribute information on transplants and to tell his own story.

The event also helps raise funds to send transplant athletes to the biannual World Transplant Games, to be held this year in Mar Del Plata, Argentina.  As a member of Team USA, Miller has captured the gold in bowling the last two Games and hopes to bring home the medal again in 2015.

At a FundRazr crowdfunding site entitled "Lets Get David to Argentina with Team USA, GOLD!", Miller tells his story and seeks donations to fund his trip to the competition (USA does not contribute to the team.)

Paraphrased below is Miller's FundRazr information:

My name is David Miller.  I am a proud member of Tean USA and a participant since the 2011 World Transplant Games in Sweden.  

I received my first transplant from my brother in 1985 (a bone marrow transplant) and my second--a liver--from a family who lost their 13 year old son tragically.  To honor them, I train and compete in National Competitions as well as traveling with Team USA every 2 years to compete at the World Games.  Team USA, unlike many other countries, does not pay for athletes' registration or travel; each member pays for his own.

"As a PROUD American," Miller writes to prospective contributors, "if you pledge to support me, I promise to represent you and this great country as I travel to Argentina to wear our nation's colors and bowl against more than 69 other countries.  

"PLEASE consdier making a donation to assist me attend the 2015 games to help TEAM USA stay on top of Ten Pin Bowling and bring home another GOLD!  2011 Sweden GOLD, 2013 Durban, South Africa,  GOLD, 2015 Argentina ????"

Miller goes on to say that any donation would be appreciated, and that if donors will e-mail their address to him, "I will send you a personal Thank You and post card from 2013 in S. Africa.  You can also follow him on Facebook for updates on training and competition at David Miller (World Transplant Games Page) Team USA WTG2015.  At the link noted above, donors can make contributions that go toward David Miller's trip to represent the USA in world competition.

Miller said that he is the only Transplant Games representative from Alabama; he can be contacted at 251-510-5160 for more information.

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