Scholarships
We are currently recruiting new members to participate in the upcoming 2026 Transplant Games in Denver, Colorado June 18-23. We encourage all recipients, living donors, donor family members and supporters to join Team Maryland! No athletic experience is necessary to participate.
The Decision Project® Legacy in Motion Scholarship
In Memory of Emily Biondi and Michael Gahagan, Team Maryland Members
Overview
The Decision Project® Legacy in Motion Scholarship honors the lives and legacies of Emily Biondi and Michael Gahagan, two dedicated Team Maryland members whose strength, resilience and impact continue to
inspire the transplant community.
Established in their memory, this scholarship provides financial support to individuals connected to the transplant community who plan to participate in the Transplant Games of America. The goal is to reduce financial barriers and ensure that more individuals have the opportunity to participate, connect and share their stories.
Award Structure
Five scholarships will be awarded annually in the amount of $500 each, totaling $2,500 in annual support.
Scholarships will be awarded in May 2026, prior to the 2026 Transplant Games, and distributed via ACH payment.
Purpose
This scholarship is designed to:
- Provide financial assistance to individuals participating in the Transplant Games of America
- Increase access to participation by removing financial barriers
- Elevate real stories of donation and transplantation
- Encourage community engagement through storytelling and lived experience
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be registered or accepted to participate in the Transplant Games of America
- Have a direct connection to the transplant community, including recipient, living donor,
donor family member or caregiver - Demonstrate financial need related to participation
- Not be an employee of Infinite Legacy or an immediate family member of an employee
Selection Criteria
Recipients will be selected based on:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Connection to the transplant community
- Authenticity and clarity of their story
- Demonstrated commitment to raising awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation through community engagement, storytelling or outreach
Application Process
Applicants must complete one of the following submission options:
Option 1: Social Media Submission
- Post a video or photo on Facebook sharing:
-What participating in the Transplant Games means to you
-How this opportunity impacts you or your community - Tag Team Maryland in the post
- Ensure the post is public
Option 2: Written Submission
- Submit a written response (500 words or less) addressing:
-What participating in the Transplant Games means to you
-How this opportunity impacts you or your community - Email submission to: outreach@decisionproject.org
- Include a photo with your submission
Applicants’ registration status for the Transplant Games of America will be verified.
Scholarship Recipient Expectations
Recipients will:
- Participate in the Transplant Games of America
- Share their experience through a testimonial, video or social media to be featured on
The Decision Project’s social media pages or website - Be available for participation in a TDP event or feature by August 8, 2026
Program Statement
The Legacy in Motion Scholarship ensures that the lives of Emily Biondi and Michael Gahagan continue to make an impact through action, representation and community connection. Through this investment, The Decision Project® supports individuals who carry their legacy forward by participating, sharing their stories and inspiring others.