LifeStars make a difference for organ donors and recipients alike

Marcie Waldron has a renewed spring in her step, recently back from the National Kidney Foundation’s annual Transplant Games. Held biennially, the games celebrate organ donors and recipients and all the emotions that stem from both.

But rather than attend the games as an athlete, this year Waldron went simply to give something back – her beautiful star jewelry. As a double transplant recipient –– having gained a pancreas and kidney after 40 years of diabetes and daily rounds of dialysis – Waldron is an enormous supporter of organ donation. After her own transplant, her donor’s parents told her a story about designating a certain star in the sky to represent the spirit of the son they lost who now watches over Waldron. In response Waldron, a jewelry designer, created the first sterling silver LifeStar for her donor’s mother.

“The central spiral of the LifeStars depicts the continuity of life,” said Waldron. “This spiral turns suddenly to travel a new path and create a new shape – a star – representing new life for others. It is a symbol of gratitude for the precious gift of life.”

What Waldron calls her “project,” began as a way for her to thank her donor’s family. It is now more – a business of sorts as she sells her jewelry in addition to giving it away. She is a strong believer in donor awareness and uses her star jewelry to raise consciousness through her appreciation of the gift of life.

“Others are living on thanks to what these donor families give. That’s what my stars are all about – giving families something personal so they know that their gift is appreciated.

The games are an Olympic-style event. Pioneered in 1982 by a handful of transplant athletes, the first games were held in Texas and the venues have changed and the event grown with each passing year. More than three decades later, the games are now organized by the National Kidney Foundation and include 13 different sporting events that are not limited to transplant recipients as living donors can now participate in the track and field portions.

At this year’s games, Waldron gave two presentations. She spoke first to donor families about her own experiences as a recipient. She also gave a speech during a ceremony honoring living donors. Both presentations were impactful, with about 600 people in attendance at each. She gave LifeStar pins to both groups.

“The Transplant Games are about so much more than winning an event. They are about being happy to be alive and showing gratitude for the gifts we’ve been given as transplant recipients,” said Waldron.

Waldron often speaks to schools and organizations about the importance of organ donation. For more information about this or LifeStars jewelry contact her at 935.7873 or visit her web site at lifestar.info.