The disappointment of today’s second round Hobart International loss was quickly eradicated for Australian Casey Dellacqua when she met two inspiring supporters.
David Taylor and Heather Nicholls were guests of DonateLife Tasmania during day three of the Hobart International and got to meet the Australian player after her match.
Both are organ transplant recipients and shared their stories with Dellacqua.
Taylor received a double lung transplant in 2010, which has allowed him to play sport again. A keen tennis player, he has since represented Tasmania in the Australian Transplant Games. Nicholls received a kidney from her brother almost three years ago, which has provided her with a new lease of life.
Organ transplant is an issue that is close to Dellacqua’s heart. She knows only too well the worry and pain associated with waiting for a transplant.
“About a year and a half ago my best friend and first cousin Kaila had a double lung transplant,” Dellacqua said. “She has suffered from cystic fibrosis her whole life.”
Dellacqua can still recall being at the US Open in 2012 when she learnt her cousin was going to receive a new set of lungs that would save her life.
“She waited for three years for the phone call,” Dellacqua said. “She is now a year-and-a-half post-transplant and it has changed her life and she is doing amazing.”
Dellacqua said meeting other people whose life had improved because of an organ transplant was a great reminder of the benefits of organ donation and the impact it can have.
“You can’t beat that gift of life and I’ve seen it first hand and what it has done to Kaila’s life,” Dellacqua said.
Dellacqua encouraged others to consider becoming an organ donor.
“Make it a family discussion at the dinner table or whenever you next see your loved ones so you know their wishes,” she said.
DonateLife Tasmania is part of the national DonateLife network, which comprises DonateLife staff in 73 hospitals across Australia and in eight specialist organ and tissue donation agencies.