The retired educator currently volunteers at the Warren County Summer Music School Program, the Cancer Care Center at Warren General Hospital, and the hospital’s auxiliary board, to name a few.

Although she never intended to be on the podium receiving a silver medal for competing at a nationwide event, Graziano did just that at the American Transplant Games from July 5-10 in Birmingham, Ala.

Graziano inherited Fuchs dystrophy from her father, which an ophthalmologist diagnosed during a routine eye exam. While she did not have symptoms before the diagnosis, the condition causes gradual vision loss and pain. Facing severe vision loss, she had two cornea replacements, one in 2016 and the other in 2017; she got involved with the local transplant community.

Jim Uhrig, a high school friend and fellow transplant recipient, encouraged Graziano to attend and then participate in the Transplant Games.

Barb Graziano with her silver medal at the 2024 American Transplant Games.

Uhrig received a double lung transplant in 2009, competing in his first Transplant Games in 2010. He has been to a total of six, competing in golf, the 5K, and one year, he participated in the 100-meter dash, which is quite a feat for a double lung transplant recipient.

While Uhrig did not participate in the 2024 Transplant Games due to a kidney transplant in February, he was there to support his long-time friend.

“Barb is an inspirational person in many ways because she had the transplant, she has her vision, and she can keep giving back to the community,” said Uhrig.

Graziano attended the Salt Lake City games in 2022 as a spectator, as she could not attend the event in time to participate in the 5K; next year, she is considering attending the World Transplant Games in Germany.

“This year, I was able to be there for the Opening Ceremony, and it was very inspiring to be in such a large arena and see all of the people in this community gather,” said Graziano.

The American Transplant Games include organ, eye, and tissue transplant recipients, living donors, donor families, caregivers, individuals awaiting transplants, donations, and transplant professionals and supporters who show up to celebrate second chances. Uhrig and Graziano are a part of Team Alleghenies, which includes members from Erie, Pittsburgh, West Virginia, and surrounding areas.

Uhrig said, “We are so thankful for the donor families. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do this; it is remarkable.”

Graziano will be at WGH in the lobby on August 1 to help educate the community on the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation and transplant.