Born with aortic stenosis, Brian Gilliam wasn't diagnosed with congestive heart failure until 2004. His only chance for survival was a heart transplant, which he received on Nov. 23, 2008. Brian's experience, and the loss of his son Chad in 2000, has made him extraordinarily passionate about donation and the Transplant Games of America. As team manager for Team Texas, Brian spearheaded the effort to bring the 2014 Transplant Games to Houston. "I promote the Transplant Games and compete in honor of Chad and my donor, a young man whose name I do not know," said Brian.

Brian's Story

Born with aortic stenosis, Brian Gilliam was diagnosed with congestive heart failure in 2004 at age 42. After many years of medication and other therapies, Brian's heart began to weaken. His only chance for survival was a heart transplant. On Nov. 23, 2008, Brian received a new lease on life with the gift of a new heart.

Married to his high school sweetheart, Kim, Brian is no stranger to loss. In Sept. 2000, their son, Chad, was killed in a car accident. He was killed instantly; there was no opportunity to donate his organs.

Brian and Kim have two daughters and are the proud grandparents of Jackson Chad, born in June 2010 and Sadie, born in May 2012. "Without the generosity of a donor and the miracle of transplantation, I would never know my grandchildren," affirmed Brian, now 51.

To say that Brian Gilliam is now passionate about donation is an understatement, and he has played a key role in the Transplant Games of America. As team manager for Team Texas, Brian spearheaded the effort to bring the 2014 Transplant Games to Houston, near his hometown. Enthusiastic about the Games and what the experience provides for recipients, Brian constantly underscores that the athletes play in honor and in memory of their donors.

"I promote the Transplant Games and compete in honor of Chad and my donor, a young man whose name I do not know," said Brian.