MAYWOOD, Ill. - 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, 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, an average 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 2 points and time expiring, Weimer blocked a 3-point attempt that ensured the state's victory in the finals.
"Nate is a very determined individual and a great kid. It's remarkable he was able to win three golds despite not feeling 100 percent," said his physician, Dr. Erin Lowery. "He was able to fight through his health issues and achieve his goals. It's a great accomplishment."
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.
Nathan always comes into clinic with a smile on his face and he never thinks of himself as a transplant recipient but instead tries to live life to the fullest.
The Transplant Games were held July 28-31 in Grand Rapids, Mich. The games, which are 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.
Media: To speak with Nathan Weimer or his doctor, please call Jim Ritter in Loyola Media Relations, (708) 216-2445 or email him at jritter@lumc.edu.