Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Team Nevada in top form for Transplant Games

Elizabeth Foyt

Thursday, Sept. 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

HOME AFTER the exhilarating experience of participating in the U.S. Transplant Games are members of Nevada's own Dream Team, also known as Team Nevada.

Our local representatives, each a member of the Nevada Kidney Foundation, flew to Salt Lake City to take part in the games held at the University of Utah campus. Prior to their departure, Team Nevada members and their families were honored by an informal send-off party at the Foundation offices on East Desert Inn Road.

Serving as team manager was Rick Clark, a veteran of all three of the Transplant Games. With Clark was Jeff Blitchfield, also a three-time competitor; Stella Reola and Fran Ford, both competing for the first time; and Marcel Del Rosario, making his second appearance on behalf of Team Nevada. Each, like every other athlete competing in the biennial Olympics-style contest, has undergone successful transplants, including liver, lung, kidney, heart, pancreas and bone marrow.

Larry Hagman, known for his roles in "Dallas" and "I Dream of Jeannie," presided over the inspiring parade of athletes and representative flags, then led the speeches in opening ceremonies. Hagman, spokesman for the U.S. Transplant Games and its national sponsors, the National Kidney Foundation and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, was given a rousing burst of "Happy Birthday" by the crowd to celebrate his one-year transplant anniversary. Joining him on the dais was Aron Eisenberg, a fellow kidney-transplant patient, known for his continuing role as Nog on "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," who not only spoke at the Transplant Games, but was an entrant in the team racquetball event.

While the selection of sports was wide, including swimming, track and field, tennis, bicycling and more, our Team Nevada tried their skills at golf, with Del Rosario winning a bronze medal in the 46-55 age bracket. Also taking home an award was Ford, who placed fifth in the 1,500-meter race-walk. Others competed in track races, bowling and softball throwing.

Closing ceremonies, an emotional time for all in attendance, were held in the Delta Center, home of the Utah Jazz. Among the speakers of the final evening was U.S. Sen. Jake Garn, proud donor and parent, who gave one of his kidneys to his daughter.

AAUW brunch

The recent membership brunch hosted by the American Association of University Women was a gracious affair held in the Augusta Room of the Golden Nugget Hotel. Members were registered and guests greeted by Pat Duncombe and Carolyn Stone, who assigned tables and personalized name tags. During the hospitality hour, attendees, including Arlene Southard, Pat Frank, Jeanne Stone, Barbara Straight, Mary Robinson, Shirley Eyler and Mary Robinson, greet friends and their guests and spoke with Monica Fuller, vice president for membership.

The delightful brunch was served among tables filled with displays of the association's many interest groups. During the morning's program, led by President Teddie Brewer, representatives spoke about AAUW's community projects, which include "Get Out the Vote" efforts and other political action, the Nevada teen-pregnancy study, scholarship foundation, gender-equity workshops and local environmental concerns.

AAUW, while concerning itself with many contemporary issues, also has chapter interest groups tailored to members' desire to learn about antiques, film and theater, bridge and personal investment strategies. AAUW is an international organization of women who have graduated from four-year colleges and universities.

In attendance were several past presidents: Lilly Fong (1966), Mary Gafford (1977), Suzanne Chabre (1995) and Las Vegas charter member Florence Schroeder, who served as president in 1939. Sprinkled through the crowd were active members, including Jo Durham, Judy Ingraham, state Sen. Kathy Augustine, Bobbie Gang, Juanita, Fain, Deanne Peacock Cardinelli, Glinda Bullock, Judy Belknap, Ruth Norton and Winnie Teeter. Carol Chestnut, attending with husband Dwayne, enjoyed the occasion with tablemates Louise Banks and Kathy Hardcastle, program chairwoman Barbara Slivak and scholarship chairwoman Alana Noyes.

Silver and Blue Dinner

With Vivienne and Bill "Wildcat" Morris taking the lead, the annual Silver and Blue Dinner is on the way to becoming one of the season's hottest tickets.

A call to students, past and present, this evening of tradition for alumni and friends of the University of Nevada, Reno will be Oct. 4 at the Top of the Riv at the Riviera. Honoring James Rogers and the late Louis Wiener, the occasion will spotlight recent advancements made by the University of Nevada School of Medicine.

Chef Rene Werner promises a superb meal and certainly the company of the UNR alumni will be lively. Tickets are $55, with reservations handled by UNR's Southern Nevada office, 258-8011.