Sunshine Coast teacher Steven Griffin on why you should be an organ donor

A popular teacher and dad’s genetic condition nearly robbed him of his life before a crucial organ donation, and now he’s using his second shot to encourage others to consider giving a lifesaving gift.

Steve Griffin and Kerrin Litchfield (a bone marrow transplant from Victoria). Picture - contributed.

A forever grateful Sunshine Coast teacher and father of two is calling on Queenslanders to become organ donors – saying he wouldn’t be alive if it wasn’t for his liver transplant at just six years old.

Steven Griffin, 36, of Buderim, was diagnosed with chronic liver disease at birth.

He spent the next six years battling the condition with the support of his family on the Sunshine Coast.

Now he’s a beloved teacher and father of two, training to represent Queensland at this year’s Australian Transplant Games.

Mr Griffin will join nearly 500 other competitors at this year’s games – a week of sport and celebration for all those who have received a lifesaving transplant.

Steve Griffin. Picture - contributed.

The games will take place in Canberra from October 1 to 6.

When Mr Griffin was diagnosed with alpha 1 anti-trypsin, a genetic condition that causes chronic liver disease, an organ transplant was his only hope.

In 1995, at the age of six, he received a liver transplant that saved his life.

He then spent the next few years in and out of hospital making sure his body didn’t reject his new liver, but he was determined to make the most of his second chance at life.

“It was really hard initially but it’s been good for a long time now,” Mr Griffin said.

“Without it I wouldn’t be here.

“I will never be able to say thank you enough to the donor.”

Steve Griffin and family. Picture - contributed.

Almost 30 years on, and Mr Griffin never let his transplant hold him back.

He graduated from university with a degree in teaching, became a father to two wonderful children, and regularly plays social sport with his mates.

Mr Griffin now teaches mathematics at Coolum Beach State High School.

At the Australian Transplant Games he will compete in athletics, golf, volleyball, tennis and badminton.

“Tennis is my main sport,” he said.

At the games, Mr Griffin hopes to advocate for organ donation and honour his donor and the ‘gift of life’ he was given.

“It’s all about showing you can live a normal life too,” he said.

“Competing is such a great way to represent my donor family and hopefully spread the message of organ donation.

“We are the living proof that organ donation is no limitation on life.

“I hope we encourage others to sign up and become organ donors so that more people like us can be given a second chance at life.”

This six-day event provides elite and social athletes the chance to represent their state on the national stage while promoting the important message that transplantation saves lives.

Every Australian can leave a legacy by registering as an organ and tissue donor, something Mr Griffin and his family are thankful for.

Transplant Australia CEO Chris Thomas said with were more than 1800 Australians waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

“Every Australian can make a difference by registering as a donor,” he said.

“It takes just one minute but has the potential to give someone years of extra life.”

The theme for the games and call to action is ‘give the gift of tomorrow, register as a donor today’.

Mr Griffin knows more than most about the value of tomorrow and is forever grateful for his life.

“I really want to encourage people to register to donate,” he said.

“You never know whose life you could be saving.

“My message would be to please also have a conversation with your next of kin.

“If you let them know your wishes it’s much easier and more likely to be carried out.”

Originally published as Sunshine Coast teacher Steven Griffin on why you should be an organ donor