Transplant Fundraiser

I cannot begin to express my thanks for the outpouring of love and support we have seen through this kidney donation process. So many of our family, church family, and friends have approached us to ask what they can do during this time. And so I'm excited to tell you about an incredible event happening this Thursday!

One of Ricky's friends has put together a transplant fundraiser to cover travel, lodging, and medical expenses for both of our families. And of course, he's created an event that is only fitting for us Gatlin and Garcia folks: a Fit for the Cross workout (WOD).

Here is a copy of the flyer and an explanation of the WOD itself. If you're in the area and would like to join us, come on out. If you can't join us, but would like to contribute just let me know. And if you can't or don't want to do either, then please hold us up in prayer. We appreciate your support and encouragement no matter in what form it comes.

This WOD was programmed to honor the pain and sacrifice Ricky and Todd have and are about to endure. Todd's humbling sacrifice and gift to Ricky will allow him to continue being a wonderful father, husband and Christian with an improved physical and mental health with no more dialysis treatments. Ricky is an inspiration to all Crossfitters by being living proof that anything is possible with the right attitude. He still continues a tough workout regimen even with kidney failure.

This WOD represents the upcoming procedure.

It will be performed in a team of 2 to represent the unique bond Ricky and Todd will always have. Each team member will perform the reps alone while the other team member gives support/coaching. You cannot move to the next exercise until the team is done with all reps. Team completes the reps however they want to split the load for each exercise. Each team member must perform a minimum of 15 reps per exercise. STAY TOGETHER except during the run/row.

The rope climb represents the 1 kidney that both Ricky and Todd each will function with for the rest of their lives.

The number of exercises represents the projected 6 week recovery time for Ricky. The number of reps for each team member represents the number of members in the Fit For the Cross group."

The average cost of a kidney transplant is $160,000. Every 1 meter represents a $25 contribution to the cost from each team. So 1600m = $ 40,000. One member will run while the other rows. Switch positions during following runs/rows. (last one that ran, rows this time) ANY DONATION OF YOUR CHOICE WILL BE ACCEPTED.

By: Jamie Moon 

I don't want to sound pretentious, but after all the Lord has done so far, I can just picture the four of us standing in awe on Thursday as people flood in to participate in this WOD. I mean, already our little group of FFTC challengers has grown from the 3-10 people of past years to a consistent 40-60 people PER DAY way beyond our usual 7 weeks. So imagine if everyone who comes invites a friend, and then they show up on Thursday.... WOW. I don't know how many will come out, but I do know this: God has proven His sovereignty and faithfulness through every detail of this process, and I trust Him to continue to blow our minds. I can't wait to share what HE does on Thursday and in the weeks to come!!

Officially Official - Kidney Donation Update

Well folks, it's all officially official. Yesterday the donor board at the Transplant Institute voted and cleared Todd to be Ricky's donor! They are supposed to call Ricky today to fill him in on details, and then we just wait. In 2 weeks, both men will do another round of blood work to check for possible infections, etc. If there is anything that could cause potential harm, they will postpone until both are well. If both are infection-free (and we're believing they will be!), we will head to San Antonio on Thursday, July 5. Todd has to register the night before, we'll stay in a hotel that night, and then we'll arrive on Friday morning, July 6, for the transplant.

Here are the current prayer needs:

• Health & wellness for Ricky & Todd. Specifically, Todd has been struggling with a sore throat this week, and we have youth camp next week. He needs to kick this sore throat and stay well despite the busy weeks ahead!
• Continued peace beyond all understanding for Melissa, me, and our families
• Travel safety for all involved
• Finances for the Garcias (all medical costs fall on them)
• The Lord to do show Himself in a mighty way to those doctors and nurses who perform the surgeries
• Quick recovery & healing
• Ricky's body to accept Todd's kidney with no complications or infections

Thank you for your love and support. We continue to be in awe of this whole process, and we covet your prayers now more than ever.

We love you all,
Nikki & Todd