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Mary Bawden, VIC

Liver Transplant Recipient

I was given a second chance at life in the form of a liver transplant in 2004. While on the waiting list I struggled to move around the house, let alone do any exercise. I couldn't mind my grandchildren and didn't have the energy to play with them. When I received my transplant in 2004 my life changed. I have never felt so alive and full of energy - I now look after my grand kids two days per week and I am always playing with them and taking them out on adventures. And it is all thanks to a gift I received from a stranger. I think about my donor and my donor family every day - their selfless decision has allowed me to live a full and happy life.

Monty Summers

Bone Marrow

In 2006 I was 17 and had just competed at the National Cross Country Titles when I was diagnosed with Leukaemia. Leukaemia became a big part of my life over the next few years but I had so much to do in living life - it was never going to rule me, I had too much living to do. A bone marrow transplant saved my life, and has given me the chance to make the most out of every day. I train regularly to keep my fitness up and I compete for my state team, QLD, at every Australian Transplant Games. I also dedicate time to helping transplant kids get active again giving them a platform for success.

Grace Pearce

Heart Transplant

When Grace was only a toddler doctors discovered that she had a very rare, very serious heart condition. As a little girl she could barely walk. To survive she would need a new heart, and was placed on the transplant waiting list. Four years ago Grace's wish for a new heart came true. At midnight her mum, Tammy, took a phone call from the hospital saying they had a heart for Grace, to bundle her up and get her down to the hospital. After a nervous wait, Grace came out of her operation smiling - and she has been smiling every day since. Now there is no stopping ten year old Grace who loves sports and playing with her friends. And to her donor family - Grace would like to say '"thank you for my new heart".

Voices of Transplant Australia

With so many inspiring stories in our community we want your voice to be heard!

With such a diverse membership that includes recipients, their families, living donors and donor families, we want to voice all sides of organ donation. Our hope is to draw the community together by allowing our members to get to know stories from other families, provide support and hope for all members and reaffirm the strength and bond of the transplant community.

Being a contributor is your time to shine! You don’t have to be an amazing writer or have experience in writing, you just need to have something to share. Share your story, voice your opinion on organ donation and provide an engaging piece to excite and motivate your community about organ and tissue donation.

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