Tracy Copeland: Liver Transplant Recipient Achieves Athletic Success

Reno Gazette-Journal | Jim Krajewski

A liver transplant woke up the athlete in Tracy Copeland.

And she hopes her athletic success can change attitudes about donating and receiving organs.

Copeland, who received a liver in 1998 after hers suddenly died for no apparent reason, is president of Sierra Nevada Donate Life, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness of the growing need for organ and tissue donation.

She won six gold medals and was named Outstanding Female Athlete at the World Transplant Games in Göteborg, Sweden, over the summer. The 47-year-old Reno resident also was recently featured in Sports Illustrated's Faces In The Crowd section.

"I've heard from a lot of friends (about the article)," Copeland said. "It's really cool. I'm truly blessed to honor (the donor) and his family."

Read more: http://www.rgj.com/article/20111106/LIV/111060302/1089/liv