Celebrating second chances: The Transplant Games of America

While the world has been glued to the London Olympics, another set of games with equally inspiring athletes took place on U.S. soil - The Transplant Games of America.

Sponsored by nonprofit health care system Spectrum Health, the event took place in Grand Rapids, Mich. from July 28 through 31 and included 1,200 transplant recipients in 46 states who participated in over a dozen events including swimming, volleyball, track and field and tennis. The games are meant to call attention to the critical organ shortage in the U.S., where 112,000 people are on a waiting list, and to celebrate the achievements of those fortunate enough to be in good health following a transplant. The event brought thousands of athletes, donors and donor families to the Olympic-style competition.

In this image, Hayden Lafferty, 4, cheers on athletes at opening ceremonies for the 2012 Transplant Games of America.

Credit: Mary Taber Lind, Spectrum Health