FAQ

Following are some common questions we get from our Transplant Life Illinois members. If you have a question that you can't find the answer to below, please email us at info@goteamillinois.org. We will be happy to reply to you directly.

1

How do I join Transplant Life Illinois?

If you are a transplant athlete, living donor, donor family member or anyone else interested in our mission, we ask that you first sign-up online to “join our team” of organ and tissue donation advocates for free. This simply provides us with your contact information and allows you to “subscribe” to TLI newsletters. You need only sign up once using one email address.

To subscribe go to www.goteamillinois.org and click on “Join the Team.” You can join anytime.

2

How do I sign up to participate on Team Illinois at the Transplant Games?

If you are interested in competing in the Games, go to the Register for the Transplant Games page. This page becomes available around 10 months before the Transplant Games. You will need to complete the Team Illinois Registration and pay the $30.00 registration fee to participate on Team Illinois, the official state team of the Transplant Games. This fee helps cover the costs of organizing and planning travel (if necessary), lodging, team events, uniforms, and trading pins for all participants.

To be eligible for a stipend, you must have subscribed to our newsletter, completed the Team Illinois Competitor Registration Form and paid the team's $30 registration fee before April 1, 2026.

Upcoming Games:

2026 - Denver, June 18 - 23

2028 - St. Paul, Aug 4 - 9

2030 - TBD

2032 - TBD

3

Why do we have to pay a membership fee to Team Illinois on top of a registration fee for the Games?

Transplant Life Illinois is made up of volunteers who spend a lot of time planning and organizing for the Games. We are held accountable to our corporate sponsors to use their money wisely and in accordance with their funding requirements. This fee helps with upfront costs associated with your team membership and helps offset the cost of uniforms and trading pins.

4

Do I have to register separately for the Games?

Yes. The next step would be for you to register for the Games as an athlete (competitor) or as a support person, including family members (non-competitor).

Transplant recipients, living donors, and donor family members may compete for medals on Team Illinois. However, medals for donor family members do not count towards a team award.

Team members who wish to participate as athletes must be at least nine months post-transplant, have stable graft function, be medically fit, and have their doctor’s approval.

5

What if I can’t afford team or registration fees or travel expenses? Can TLI help me out?

Transplant Life Illinois will provide competitors, as defined in the Team Illinois Registration form, a stipend to help with the costs. The amount of the stipend depends on how much the volunteers with Transplant Life Illinois have raised in fundraising efforts. Team Illinois will also provide:

One Team shirt for each registered “competitor” and up to two (2) additional Team shirts for supporters for participation in the Opening/Closing parade/ceremony and/or everyday wear
Two competition shirts for every registered competitor for competition wear.
- Note: Size selection may be limited if you register with Team Illinois and/or the games after April 1, 2026. Additional shirts may be available for advance purchase.
One set of trading pins for each registered “competitor” and up to two (2) additional sets for supporters.
Access to at least one hospitality event/meal for all attendees.

Team Fundraising: Team Illinois will provide opportunities for individuals to raise funds on behalf of the team. In the event that funds raised are in excess of the costs, the board may vote to increase the stipend equally among all competitors.

Individual Fundraising: Individual team members will be responsible for raising personal funds for their own expenses for the Games. Please see the TLI policy on sponsorship and fundraising.

6

Whom do I contact if I need help with anything?

You will find lots of helpful people on Team Illinois. Feel free to call anyone on the Board of Directors and/or committees. The team manager/co-manager is always available to answer your questions about the Games, or you may contact any Board member with a specific question. You’ll always find us ready and willing to answer your questions!

You’ll also find the most up-to-date information on our website at www.goteamillinois.org or on the TGA website www.transplantgamesofamerica.org.

Back to Members Main Page