Colorado heart transplant recipient trains for Transplant Games, advocates for organ donation

Michael Twitchell is preparing to compete in the 20-kilometer cycle road race at the 2026 Transplant Games of America.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:38am

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate internal structures of a human heart in motion, symbolizing the fragility and resilience of the human body.An X-ray view of a transplanted heart in motion, a testament to the life-saving power of organ donation.Denver Today

Five years after receiving a heart transplant, Michael Twitchell is training daily for a national cycling competition while using his story to advocate for organ donation during National Donate Life Month.

Why it matters

Twitchell's journey highlights the profound impact of organ donation, as his new heart has given him a second chance at life. His participation in the Transplant Games and advocacy work aim to inspire others to consider becoming organ donors, which can save numerous lives.

The details

Twitchell was diagnosed with a rare heart condition called 'idiopathic restrictive cardiomyopathy' over 20 years ago, which caused his heart to stiffen and unable to properly accept blood. After being placed on the transplant list in 2019, he waited almost 1,000 days before receiving a donor heart in 2021. His recovery included three weeks in the hospital, cardiac rehabilitation, and physical therapy. Cycling, a passion before his illness, became central to his rehabilitation, and he now logs 20 to 35 miles per day near his home.

  • Twitchell was diagnosed with a rare heart condition over 20 years ago.
  • He was placed on the transplant list in 2019.
  • Twitchell received a donor heart in 2021.
  • He is now training for the 20-kilometer cycle road race at the 2026 Transplant Games of America.

The players

Michael Twitchell

A Colorado man who received a heart transplant in 2021 and is now training daily for a national cycling competition while advocating for organ donation.

Donor Alliance

A nonprofit that coordinates organ and tissue donation across Colorado and Wyoming.

Cheryl Talley

The director of public relations and communications at Donor Alliance.

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What they’re saying

“For me, this is going to be, primarily, a race against myself. It's a timed race, so I may not have any competition in my age range except me, and that's fine. And I'm just going to do the absolute best I can.”

— Michael Twitchell

“Today in Colorado 1,300 people [are] waiting for a life-saving transplant, but there [are] hundreds of thousands more waiting for a life-saving and healing tissue transplant.”

— Cheryl Talley, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Donor Alliance

“The most important thing to know is that one person can save up to eight lives through organ donation and save and heal 75 lives through tissue donation.”

— Cheryl Talley, Director of Public Relations and Communications, Donor Alliance

“The smallest thing you can do can have the largest impact. And sometimes a greater impact than you will ever know.”

— Michael Twitchell

What’s next

Twitchell will continue his training for the 20-kilometer cycle road race at the 2026 Transplant Games of America, which will take place in a location to be determined.

The takeaway

Twitchell's inspiring story demonstrates the profound impact of organ donation and the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of registering as an organ donor and the transformative effect it can have on individuals and communities.