PRINT EXCLUSIVE
BRIAN Lombaard, a life-long Alberton resident from the Brackenhurst area, recently returned from Malaga, Spain, where he competed in the 2017 World Transplant Games and won four medals.
In 2007, Brian had to undergo a double-lung transplant when emphysema (or, as he calls it, “naughty boy syndrome”) got the best of him. After his transplant, he had to learn how to breathe again and he has to take a number of pills every day for the rest of his life to prevent his body from rejecting the new organs.
Second chances
Initially, Brian was not prepared to donate his own organs in the event of his death. However, that changed when he realised that, in order to accept someone else’s organs, one must be willing to give one’s own. Needless to say, he was, and still is, grateful for his second chance at life.
As a way to express his gratitude, Brian also offered to do voluntary work for the Organ Donor Foundation. One day, while giving an awareness presentation to school children, he happened to find out about the World Transplant Games (WTG).
Many people encouraged him to participate, and so his journey with WTG started with the 19th WTG, hosted in 2013, in Durban.
Biggest fans
Brian and his wife Gloria have two children and two grandchildren. They are all Brian’s main source of support and inspiration.
When they found out he was going to participate in the 2017 WTG in Spain, they were over the moon, saying: “We want to come with you!”
Brian says they are his biggest fans.
Even though they were unable to join him on his trip, he was still very excited.
The games took place from June 25 to July 2. Brian entered for five events – discus, javelin, shot put, tenpin bowling and pétanque.
At the end of his trip, he brought home four medals – bronze for discus, javelin and pétanque and a silver for shot put.
“I feel absolutely over the moon and I am very proud of what I’ve achieved,” said Brian. “I want to thank Elohim Meyersdal Community Church for everything and Hoërskool Dinamika for opening their training grounds to me. But above everything, I give all praise to God!”
He adds that he would definitely compete in the World Transplant Games again, as often as he can, until the day he dies.
When it comes to inspiration, Brian says he gets most of it from his family.
He has made numerous friends through his transplant journey. These people also had transplants and their friendship and support mean the world to Brian.
He mentioned the doctor who made the transplant suggestion to him, Doctor Paul Williams and expressed great admiration for him.
“He is the most excellent doctor in the world and he inspires me so much,” said Brian. “He also told me that, for what I’ve achieved, I am a great inspiration to many people. That really meant so much to me.”
Save lives
Today, Brian is the vice chairperson of the Gauteng Transplant Sports Association. He wants to encourage everyone to become an organ donor.
He said: “Look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself ‘Am I an organ donor?’ If the answer is no, ask yourself ‘What if my or my child’s body were to pack up tomorrow and the only way to save myself or my child was to get an organ transplant – can I expect to get someone else’s organs if I’m not prepared to give mine up when I die?’ One donor can save seven lives. Become a donor! Let your family know. Let the whole world know.”
His motto is “live life as if someone has left the gate open and you’re the dog running free”. He says every day is a blessing and tomorrow is never promised. Make the most of it and, better yet, if you can give seven other people the gift of life when you’re gone, why not do it?
For more information on the Organ Donor Foundation, visit www.odf.org.za. To view more photos and details from the 2017 World Transplant Games, search for wtgmalaga2017 on Google.
