Canton heart transplant patient headed to Transplant Games of America

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Bonnie Rhoner said this will be her second time at the Transplant Games of America, and hopefully, her very first medal.

But overall, just being able to compete feels like a win.

Rohner plays pickleball four times a week these days, along with basketball and volleyball and table tennis — all part of the 67-year-old’s training regimen for the 2026 Transplant Games of America.

“I have been training hard this year it would be great to have a medal,” said Rohner.

The Transplant Games of America have been around since 2012, taking place every other year in different cities. Last year was Rohner’s first time as part of Team Georgia at the games in Birmingham, Alabama.

“I did not win one medal, but I had a blast and my motto was: I went in there as a winner because I got a new heart and I came home a winner because I still can live my life and enjoy it,” said Rohner.

It’s a far cry from how Rohner has lived much of her life, dealing with heart issues and pacemakers and defibrillators and finally, heart failure.

“It got to where just small tasks, like going to the grocery store was tough,” Rohner said.

Then in October 2019 that all changed when she received a heart transplant.

“The first thing you really notice you’re able to breathe,” said Rohner.

Her transplant cardiologist at Piedmont Hospital, Dr. Arun Krishnamoorthy, said he was not surprised at all that Rohner is participating in these games, again at this level.

“She wants to celebrate this amazing gift she was given. She wants to show what’s she’s able to do now that she has a normal heart,” said Krishnamoorthy.

Rohner said this year, she has her eyes on the prize.

“I’m going after those gold and silver winners this time,” she said.

And her heart is all in.

“Yes, I’m ready,“ said Rohner.

The Transplant Games of America will kick off in Denver on June 18.