Michael Scozzaro
This news came into the Tribune today:
Arizona athletes in the National Kidney Foundation’s 2008 U.S. Transplant Games brought home a team cup they will present Jan. 21 to Jeffrey Neff, CEO of the Arizona Kidney Foundation.
The athletes - including Michael Scozzaro, a medalist in the swimming games from Chandler and Mesa principal Jill Bowers, a gold medalist in cycling and tennis - captured 52 medals during the four-day Olympic-style event as part of Transplant Team Arizona, the local organization that draws attention to the critical need for organ donation and inspires others to take the first step towards saving a life.
“Our organizations are uniquely linked with a proud tradition of caring and I am humbled to accept the team cup on behalf of all of the courageous men and women whose lives showcase the success of transplantation while calling attention to the great need for organ donors,” remarks Neff. “I can’t give enough thanks to John Landers, Managing Director and CEO of Transplant Team Arizona, whose tireless efforts make it possible for Arizona athletes to participate in the U.S. Transplant Games.”
Scozzaro is a multiple kidney donation recipient, first from his sister, and the other two he’s had to wait on. He also had to have a hip replaced due to not being helped by prednisone, a medication used to fight kidney disease.
Bowers received a kidney from her husband, also a middle school principal.
