Steve had a liver transplant

A man and woman pose with their two young boys in front of a large waterfall on a sunny day. The family is smiling and wearing swimmers.
Without this gift of life, I would not be here today. This has changed my life and my family’s lives for generations to come.’

Steve was born with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and was always unwell. He remembers surgical procedures and many visits to gastroenterologists to try to gain weight. 

Steve was on the waitlist for a liver transplant for 5 months before his family got the life-saving call. He was only 6 years old. 

In the 30 years after his transplant, Steve went on to live life to the fullest. He completed school, graduated from university, competed and won Athlete of the Games twice at the Australian Transplant Games, and won multiple gold medals at the World Transplant Games. But his most cherished memories are from his wedding day, being a father to his 2 boys (aged 9 and 6), and seeing his nephews and nieces grow up. 

When he's not competing in the Transplant Games or working as a math teacher at the local high school, Steve enjoys playing tennis, golf, touch footy, and skiing. 

‘I love sports and will watch almost any game or competition. I'm also a die-hard fan of the Brisbane Broncos. When I was in the hospital, I met some of them like Alfie Langer, Steve Renouf, Darren Smith, and Wendell Sailor,’ says Steve. 

Reflecting on his life, Steve is grateful for his donor and their family. 

‘I live life to the fullest and intend to keep my liver for as long as I can. Without this gift, I wouldn't be here today. This has changed my life and my family's lives for generations,’ says Steve. 

‘Registering as an organ and tissue donor is the simplest, most selfless choice anyone can make. I am living proof of this and a very grateful recipient.’

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.

The Organ and Tissue Authority acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.

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