Dr. Gill Brings Home Gold (and More) at Transplant Games of America
Dr. Jim Gill, Founder of Wilkinson Animal Hospital, competed in 6 swimming events at the 2018 Transplant Games of America in Salt Lake City and brought home 4 gold medals, plus 1 silver and 1 bronze and set 3 new American records!
Dr. Gill is also a gold medalist and world record holder in swimming in previous U.S. and World Transplant Games. Athletes that participate in the Transplant Games must have received a life-saving organ transplant – Dr. Gill’s sister Carolie donated a life-saving kidney to him in 2003.
The Transplant Games hope to increase awareness to the importance of organ, cornea, bone marrow and tissue donation and increase the number of donor candidates.
“It’s been nine years since my last Games and I’m stoked that I’m able to take on this athletic challenge and compete again,” said Dr. Gill to the Gaston Gazette. “I’m extremely proud to be a part of Team North Carolina in the Games. The people on my team are truly amazing. I’m very thankful to my sister and hero, Carole, for her gift of life that makes this all possible. I hope that by participating in the Transplant Games, it will show that transplantation not only works, but people can live a successful life as a result. Hopefully, this will get more people to think about becoming an organ donor.”
Wilkinson Animal Hospital, along with sister veterinary clinics in North Carolina – Bonnie Brae Veterinary Hospital and Charlotte Street Animal Hospital – and Southern Veterinary Partners, sponsored Team North Carolina.
For information about the Transplant Games go to www.transplantgamesofamerica.org. To support Dr. Gill and Team North Carolina – visit www.nctalife.org.
