Two Sunshine Coast men, who couldn’t complete basic tasks when their organs started to fail, are making the most of their second chance at life.
Adam Gerrie’s world was turned upside down in his late 30s when his kidney health declined rapidly.
The avid surfer was unable to do even simple things due to his condition.
But the 41-year-old benefitted from a kidney transplant in 2019 and is making the most of it.
He is surfing again and recently became a father.
Now, he’s among a selection of Sunshine Coast residents getting ready to represent his country at the World Transplant Games at Perth from April 15 to 21.
Adam has trained five times a week, in the pool and in the gym.
“I’m a very competitive person so I’m definitely striving for gold,” he said.
“I’m so honoured to be representing Australia. I hope I make everyone proud and do well for my country.”
He said that receiving an organ transplant had given him a new outlook.
“This is my second chance at life and I want to have fun along the way,” he said.
Meanwhile, Allan Sullivan was an accomplished triathlete before liver disease left him bedridden.
He represented Australia in the World Long Distance Triathlon in 2002.
But when his liver started to fail in his mid-50s, all of that was taken from him.
He was unable to work and often confined to his home, and his health was deteriorating rapidly.
But he received a liver transplant in 2021 and it gave him a new lease on life.
Within six weeks, Allan was back in the gym.
Now, only two years after his transplant, he is ready to represent his country again, this time at the World Transplant Games.
The 59-year-old will compete in the road race and triathlon.
“I can’t believe I’m back racing at this level,” he said.
“Before my transplant I never thought I would be able to do anything like this again.
“Even being able to compete at the Games is such a huge achievement for me.
“I can’t wait to cross that finish line; it will be such an amazing feeling.”
The Games will include 17 sports, involving people who have received transplanted organs such as heart, liver, lung, kidney, pancreas and bone marrow.
Transplant Australia CEO and World Transplant Games Federation president Chris Thomas said more than 1800 Australians were waiting for a transplant.
“Every Australian can make a difference by registering as a donor,” he said.
“It takes just one minute but has the potential to give someone years of extra life.
“These Games demonstrate what transplant recipients can achieve on the sporting field.”
To register as donor, visit donatelife.gov.au.
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