We often hear the phrase ‘Ride for a purpose‘, but Krugersdorpers take the expression to a whole new level. This Sunday, a substantial number of cyclists – most of whom reside in Krugersdorp – will take on the Telkom 947 Cycle Challenge.

Their purpose: to create awareness about organ donation.

The organisation they chose to represent is the Organ Donor Foundation of South Africa (ODF). It was established for the benefit of the public, to address the critical shortages of organs and tissue in South Africa. The foundation aims to create awareness and educate donors about how their organs can save someone’s life. ODF also allows the public to register as organ donors.

The group of cyclists gathered at Riverstone Lodge, Muldersdrift on Saturday, 12 November for a team-building ride along the R114.

While the group was cycling along their route, the News had the opportunity to hear the incredible story of Candice Eno, who received a simultaneous heart and lung transplant after suffering from Ebstein’s anomaly for more than 15 years.

Her condition is an incurable heart defect that negatively affects the quality of a person’s life due to fatigue.

Candice also said that she could not taste food, could not drive a vehicle, and missed out on so much activities because she was too frail and tired to do anything.

She was on the transplant list for 22 months before receiving the almost heart-stopping news about possible lungs and a heart in April.

By the time she got to the hospital she had already experienced prolonged loss of her senses of hearing, smell, taste and even touch.

The transplant was done in Netcare Milpark Hospital and Candice spent nearly three months wearing a mask to prevent her from contracting any illness.

On Saturday, 12 November it was seven months since she had the transplant and her quality of life has already improved significantly.

“My senses are incredibly acute now,” Candice said. “I can taste for the first time in years. If my mom picks up the car keys, I jump into the car and ask where we are going.”

Wendy Eno, her mother, has never been so thrilled about anything in her life.

“It’s so surreal,” Wendy said. “It is so humbling that a person we don’t even know gave her back to us when she was fading away so quickly.”

And this is only one person’s story. There are thousands of people who live with incurable and terminal illnesses that need to receive organs.

One such person is Ruby Ballask, who turns 14 in late November. Ruby has restrictive cardiomyopathy, which means she also needs a new pair of lungs and a heart desperately. The defect causes abnormal failing/ relaxing of the heart.

An additional health problem has also surfaced because of the defect – Ruby’s liver is also enlarged. “Statistics say she will not make it to her 16th birthday,” said Wanda Ballack, Ruby’s mother.

She was recently put on the donor list and is awaiting a heart and lungs. She had a very disappointing phone call in July.

“We were told there were some organs for Ruby, but on our way to the hospital the doctor called and said the transplant had been cancelled,” Wanda said. “We live in constant anticipation, awaiting the call that will save our daughter.”

Wanda has started a website in Ruby’s honour and to create awareness about the constant struggle to receive matching organs. The website is www.hope4my16th.co.za.

“To me, it is important for Ruby to have a second chance, but to the world it is important to call someone a hero,” Wendy said.

When a person saves another’s life, he is considered a hero, but when you die and you donate your organs you can save seven people’s lives. That makes you a superhero.

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