"There are so many people out there that have had transplants that have extended their lives and they are able to go out and do things and enjoy their lives," he said. "It's because of an unbelievable gift."

He sponsored donor awareness events to encourage and make people aware of the importance of organ donation.

"All it takes is putting 'yes' on your driver's license and letting your family know you want to be an organ donor."

TRANSPLANT GAMES: "It's good to see him out playing golf and doing things he loves to do," Lisa said. "It's great for other people seeing him do that. If they have tragedy in their life and have to donate an organ to someone, it will help someone have a healthy life."

Strauss, along with 19 other members of Team Utah, will compete in the U.S. Transplant Games beginning July 27 in Minneapolis.

Megan Larsen, 4, of Veyo, Utah, is the youngest team member, and she will be participating in her second Transplant Games. She received a portion of her father's liver at the age of one. She won a bronze in the 50-meter dash in her first games. She will participate in track and field this year.

Leeland Johnson, 61, of Soda Springs, Idaho, is the oldest team member. He is competing in golf and track and field in his second Transplant Games. He participated the first time in 2002 — nine months after receiving a heart transplant.

Strauss will participate in golf and 3-on-3 basketball. He was entered in swimming, but was forced to withdraw because of a cut on his foot that required 18 stitches.

"It's so exciting to meet people who have had organ transplants and see how they are doing," he said. "They are able to function and do things."

He has a 53-year-old woman to thank for his new lease on life, now he's trying to find the right words to express it to her.

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E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com