Glenashley transplant athlete continues to inspire

IN 2015 Glenashley resident Henk Goris received the news that would change his life forever. He was in line for a kidney transplant after spending two years on the waiting list.

The operation was a success and Goris used his story to inspire others to join the organ donor list in order to help others like him.
So successful was the transplant that Goris would go on to represent South Africa at the World Transplant Games (WTG) in Malaga, Spain last year. He won a bronze medal in the 30 kilometre road race.

“Last month was national Organ Donor Awareness month and for me it was a chance to tell others my story and hopefully inspire them to register as an organ donor, which I continue to do today. The number of patients waiting for transplants continues to increase however there is a serious shortage of potential donors and that remains a great concern,” he said.

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Goris said last year’s WTG was also a time for reflection on his personal journey.

“To think that two years ago I was praying for general health and now I’m a bronze medalist just surreal. I’m so thankful it’s for my second chance in life and I feel like I’m honouring them when I compete. The spirit and the camaraderie among the athletes was fantastic, knowing that we’ve all walked similar journeys is a special feeling,” he said.

“I know how important it is to have donors out there. For me it is critical to get the word out to everyone about what it means to be an organ and tissue donor and all they have to do is look at me or others who have received a second chance in life,” he said.

If you would like to become an organ donor, find out more www.odf.org.za.

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