Meet Dean Arnolds, a 26-year-old from Gqeberha, who’s been on an incredible journey of resilience and transformation. Here’s a glimpse into his inspiring story:

1. Which organ did you receive, and in what year?
One of my kidneys was removed when I was 11 years old. My condition was managed by specialist until the age of 17 when I was fortunate to receive a kidney transplant in 2014.

2. How long were you on the waiting list for your organ?
I was on the waiting list for 6 years for a kidney transplant.

3. What was life like before the transplant? How did you spend your days?
I was very sick and spent a lot of time in hospital, my mind was more focused on my health than on schoolwork. Before my transplant it felt like I wasn’t going anywhere in life it felt like I just didn’t want to be here anymore because I was in the hospital day in and day out.

4. Describe the emotions experienced when you received “The Call” for your transplant?
For me when I received the call for my kidney transplant; it was unreal because I know lots of patients waiting for transplants for years.

5. What is life like now, after the transplant?
My life after the transplant has changed dramatically, I could only thank God for giving me a second chance in life, it felt like I could take on the world and inspire people not to give up. You need to take responsibility to eat healthy, stay active, and take your medicine every 12 hours. I’ve qualified to take part in the World Transplant Games in Spain (2017), the UK (2019), and Australia (2023) for 400m and Pétanque sporting codes. In 2022 I took part in the National Games where I broke the 400m South African record. In April at the World Transplant Games held in Perth, our team won a bronze medal in the double Pétanque.

I’m planning to do the Amashova cycling race in Durban to raise awareness and funds for TELL on 22 October. Please support Dean in reaching his goal by donating via https://www.givengain.com/cc/pedaling-for-life/

6. What advice would you give patients on the waiting list?
Continue eating a healthy diet, stay active and never give up because your life is in God’s hands. Your breakthrough will come for a transplant, just trust it will.

7. Why do you think there is a shortage of donors in South Africa?
A lot of people are fearful about organ donation due to lack of knowledge.

8. If you could describe a transplant in one word, what would it be?
Life changing