ORGAN DONOR MONTH: Organ donor gives Matthew a second chance at life- Part 2/3
Matthew needed a heart and bi-lateral lung transplant and to be on oxygen 24/7.
Almost ten months ago, Matthew Legemaate stepped into hospital knowing that he was going to have a heart and bi-lateral lung transplant.
He had known the odds of this happening we extremely slim and being the 7th person in Africa to undergo this particular transplant made this special for him.
Matthew was born with a congenital heart defect, Tetralogy of Fallots and Pulmonary Atresia and had his first open heart surgery at 36 hours old.
What followed were regular checks, further surgeries and numerous interventions until at thirteen years of age, his parents were told it was too risky for any further surgeries.
ALSO READ: ORGAN DONOR MONTH: Have a heart; register to be an organ donor – Part 1/3
Matthew needed a heart and bi-lateral lung transplant and to be on oxygen 24/7.
Matthew made the best of a difficult situation for the next almost 7 years, going to school as long as he could, supporting his fellow pupils as he watch from the sidelines as they competed in sport, doing photography and supporting his favourite rugby team, the Sharks.
When the call came to say there was a potential donor, his family were filled with immense gratitude, sadness for the donor family and trepidation.
The surgery was complex and Matthew fought to live for the next few days.
He left the hospital 23 days later and despite needing physical therapy to increase his strength, he is thriving.
Matthew will tell you that he thanks his donor everyday for giving him this second chance and the opportunity to achieve his dreams.
Over the years the family has continued to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation to help the 4300 people who are on the transplant waiting list.
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