FIVE years ago Newport resident Paulie Stewart was given a second chance at life and he owes this to the donation of a stranger.
In 2009 Mr Stewart was diagnosed with hepatitis C and as a result his liver started deteriorating, forcing him on the waiting list for an organ transplant.
After 18 months of painful waiting and treatment in and out of Western Hospital Footscray and The Austin, he had said his final goodbyes to loved ones.
Mr Stewart said an East Timorese nun had been keeping vigil at the end of his hospital bed as his hope of a transplant waned.
Miraculously, a new liver came the next day. He then underwent successful transplant surgery
at the Austin Hospital.
“As soon as they tell you they wheel you away into the operating theatre,” he said.
“My family and my girlfriend are the ones that deserve the credit – they had to live through it.”
Mr Stewart said the nun’s visit inspired him to travel to the country and help suffering children
Last December Mr Stewart returned from East Timor making it his 13th visit to the country since his operation.
“You really do appreciate things a lot more, nothing fazes me any more,” he said.
Since the transplant Mr Stewart, who is also a musician, has spent much of his time giving back to his community.
“I’m grateful to be alive and living in the beautiful West… and eternally grateful for the unknown Australian who has given me a second chance.”
Statistics from DonateLife Victoria reveal one donor can transform the lives of up to 10 people and significantly improve the lives of many more.
“You are giving someone the gift of life in Australia when you donate your organs. The act of generosity is amazing, I wouldn’t be here, it’s amazing,” Mr Stewart said.
In 2012, the generosity of 354 organ donors and their families who agreed to donation gave 1052 Australians a second chance at life, up five per cent from 2011.
Go to www.donatelife.gov.au for more information.
