16 June 2023

Ahead of DonateLife Week, we’re taking a moment to honour the resilience of people like Asanka Silva, who not only endure their illness and transplants, but triumphed over them.

At the young age of 22, Asanka was a man full of vitality and passion for fitness. Little did he know that his life would take an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy – a kidney disease causing inflammation that gradually impairs the kidneys' ability to filter waste.

While Asanka's physical health deteriorated slowly over the course of nearly two decades, the toll it took on him went beyond the physical realm.

"In the beginning, my illness didn't affect me as much. I was young and felt invincible," Asanka recalls. "But things changed after the birth of our first child. The realisation that I would eventually need a transplant and the uncertainty of witnessing my children grow up weighed heavily on my mind. Would I be there to see them finish primary school, high school, or even get married? It was emotionally overwhelming."

In 2020, as Asanka's kidney function continued to decline, he and his wife faced a crucial decision: either opt for dialysis or undergo a kidney transplant. Choosing the latter, Asanka found himself in need of a suitable donor. Fortunately, his father, Chandra, selflessly volunteered to be a live donor, exemplifying his profound love and devotion.

However, yet another new challenge emerged: the year was 2020, and the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the obstacles, the Austin Hospital worked tirelessly to expedite the transplantation process, reducing the waiting time from 18 months to a mere seven.

“The Austin staff were fantastic. I wouldn’t be here without their skills, their empathy, and kindness. The renal team under John Whitlam was just unbelievable. Everyone from the nursing staff, support staff, pharmacy, catering, and personal attendants were so wonderful.”

Driven by a desire to regain his strength and resilience, Asanka wasted no time in resuming his martial arts practice just two days after the surgery.

Soon enough, he found himself completing half-marathons and cherishing precious moments with his children.

Asanka's remarkable recovery sparked a new aspiration within him: to participate in the 2023 World Transplant Games – an Olympic-type event where athletes and teams from 45 countries around the world come together for a week of competition and solidarity.

"My goal for the games was not only to achieve my personal best but also to connect with others who have embarked on a similar journey," Asanka explains. "I wanted to gain insights into their experiences and offer support based on the lessons I've learned from my own. It was a way for me to give back and make a difference."

Despite limited preparation time, Asanka represented Australia in various events, including the 5-kilometer road race, sprint triathlon, shotput, and basketball. Fuelled by his determination, Asanka finished among the top 30 participants in his races (out of hundreds), while the Australian team secured an admirable fourth place in basketball.

With the next World Transplant Games scheduled for Germany in 2025, Asanka is cautiously contemplating pushing his limits even further.

“I’d love to compete at the 2025 games, but, living with organ failure is that one cannot look too far into the future. I prefer to live more in the present day. My focus now is do whatever I can to raise awareness and give as much as I can so others with organ failure coming behind me have a better life than myself.”
Asanka's remarkable journey serves as a poignant reminder of the immeasurable value and impact of organ donation.

Today, only one in three individuals are registered organ donors, with more than 1,800 people anxiously waiting for a transplant at any given moment. Additionally, around 14,000 people rely on dialysis to sustain their lives.

In 2022, around 1,400 people who passed away in Australian hospitals had the potential to be organ donors, yet only 701 families agreed to donation, representing a national consent rate of 54 per cent.

Increasing consent is crucial for enhancing the donation rate and providing hope to those in need.

We can all make a difference by considering organ donation. It takes just a minute to sign and become an organ donor, and all you need is your Medicare details to complete the form.

By taking this small step, you have the potential to save lives and offer a new start for people like Asanka.