Volunteer Spotlight: Yvette Matthews

Yvette with all of her medals from the Transplant Games

Donor Alliance volunteers and advocates are the heart and soul of our efforts to inspire and inform our community about the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors in Colorado and Wyoming. Each of our volunteers and advocates has their own unique and inspiring story to tell. This month, we are featuring Yvette Matthews who recently returned home from competing in the Transplant Games, where she brought home 8 medals:

You recently participated in the Transplant Games and brought home 8 medals! Congratulations! What events did you bring home medals in?

The 5k and 20k cycling, long jump, high jump, discus, shot put, softball throw, and 5k run

What was your favorite event at the Transplant Games?

The 20k cycling event because I hadn’t planned on riding in it, but it was a chilly morning. I decided to race the 20k because I figured it would get me warm and I came in 3^rd place.

What has been your favorite memory in volunteering with Donor Alliance?

Walking in The Parade of Lights parade.

What is the last book you read or movie you saw? Would you recommend it?

I’m reading The Fireman by Joe Hill. The book I just finished is The Eighty Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts. Both books are really good.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Never give up. Be patient. Relax!

If you could travel anywhere, all expenses paid, where would you go and why?

I would go to The World Transplant Games in Malaga, Spain. I would like to compete internationally and I would love to meet people from other countries who are part of the transplant community. I also would also love to travel to Costa Rica so I can see the rain forest. It’s supposed to be beautiful.

If you could have any superpower, which would you choose?

That’s a hard question because I kind of like the way I am. I guess I’d like to be able to fly because I could save money on airfare.

Who is your favorite superhero?

Wonder Woman

What is your favorite vacation memory?

Driving from Colorado through Wyoming, to Glacier Lake, to Canada, to Alaska, and then back to Colorado through the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and back through Wyoming. I drove for 4 weeks in the fall with no real agenda. I was lucky enough to find a hotel to stay in every night. After this vacation I can now say that I’ve been to all 50 states.