Pat had a kidney and pancreas transplant

Patrick
After a slow recovery from surgery, I am now enjoying a full and productive life.

In the mid 1980s I was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic. I coped reasonably well until about 2000, living a busy and varied life. I then suffered two diabetic comas and became aware of my failing kidneys.

I underwent dialysis for 2 and a half years, then I was gifted with a kidney and pancreas transplant. After a slow recovery from surgery, I am now enjoying a full and productive life.

I am a professional squash coach, conduct my own wholesale business and act as a community advocate for organ donation and transplantation. I assist my local hospital staff in public awareness and education programs for diabetes and renal health.

I wrote a letter through the hospital system to my anonymous donor family to thank them a year after my transplant, and I will cherish their card of appreciation forever!

We want all Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation. If you want to be a donor, make sure you tell your family and friends.

Registering is easy and only takes one minute. All you need is your phone, Medicare card and one minute to register.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are — you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.

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