ANDREW Cox views each of the 12 medals he won at this month’s National Transplant Games as a reminder of the importance of organ donation.
The Hoppers Crossing resident took part in the games in Newcastle for the fourth time since receiving a heart transplant when he was 30.
Cox needed the transplant after being diagnosed at 15 with cardiomyopathy, a deterioration of the heart muscle which puts sufferers at risk of sudden death.
Doctors made the diagnosis after he went into cardiac arrest during a year 10 physical education class. He was clinically dead for several minutes before paramedics revived him and took him to The Alfred hospital in a critical condition.
Cox also sustained a hypoxic brain injury as a result of his brain being starved of oxygen when he collapsed, forcing him to have to learn again to walk and talk.
Four years later, Cox went into cardiac arrest again during a game of netball. Doctors fitted a pacemaker but it failed to control his condition and he needed a heart transplant at 30.
During his recovery, Cox was advised to take part in the transplant games.
A keen sportsman, he had been a state-level cricketer, tennis player and talented ballroom dancer as a teenager, so Cox jumped at the chance.
“I found that the games were a good way to meet other people who were in the same boat and could tell me about the journey ahead of me.”
This year, Cox competed in team and individual events in cycling, track and field, swimming, volleyball and ten-pin bowling.
He won gold medals in his individual ten-pin bowling event and the five-kilometre walk.
“The games have helped with my self-confidence and knowing that I can do physical activity,” Cox said.
“I did a lot better this year than the last time I competed and it was good knowing I could cope with the pressure.”
Cox said the aim of the games was to encourage people to think about organ and tissue donation before it was too late.
He said too many people waited until something happened to their loved ones before they thought about being an organ or tissue donor.
“I urge everyone not to wait, to get on the donor register.”
To become an organ donor, go to donatelife.gov.au.
