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 he had said his goodbyes when he came across a nun sitting on the end of his hospital bed.
He made a deal with the nun from East Timor that if she got him a new liver he would travel to the country and help the suffering children.
The next day a liver was delivered to Mr Stewart.
“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.”
Last December Mr Stewart returned from East Timor making it his 13th visit to the country.
“You really do appreciate things a lot more, nothing fazes me anymore,” 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 1,052 Australians a second chance at life, up five per cent from 2011.
Go to www.donatelife.gov.au for more information.
