Naperville Transplant Patient Wins 3 Gold Medals in Transplant Games
Nathan Weimer, who has overcome extraordinary health challenges including transplants of one kidney and both lungs, has won three gold medals in the Transplant Games of America.
Weimer, 22, of Naperville, Il., won two Gold medals in bowling and one Gold in co-ed basketball. He is a patient at Loyola University Medical Center.
In men's doubles bowling, Weimer came close to breaking the Transplant Games record by scoring a total of 700 in three games, for an average score of 233 per game. He won a Gold in men's singles bowling with a three-game score of 602. And he was the defensive standout for Illinois, which won a Gold in co-ed basketball. With Illinois up by two points and time expiring, Weimer blocked a three-point attempt that ensured Illinois' victory in the finals.
"It is especially remarkable that Nate was able to win three Golds, considering that he wasn't feeling 100 percent," said his physician, Dr. Erin Lowrey. "He was experiencing sinus and bronchitis problems, but fought through them."
Weimer was born with cystic fibrosis, a disease in which thick, sticky mucus builds up in the lungs and other organs. At age 9, he underwent a double-lung transplant. The medications he took to prevent rejection led to kidney failure, so he underwent a kidney transplant when he was 16.
The Transplant Games were held July 28-31 in Grand Rapids, Mi. The games, intended to raise awareness for organ donation, are open to athletes who have received an organ transplant at least nine months prior to the games and are in good health.