A second chance at life sees siblings represent Australia at World Transplant Games

Australia Broadcast Center

a day ago

The bond between siblings, 18-year-old Emma and 20-year-old Jacob Evans, is incredibly strong, forged from a life filled with sickness.
Both were born with an autoimmune condition that put their life expectancy at only 30 years old.
"Stat1 gain of function really did rule our lives for our entire childhoods," Emma told ABC Sport.
"We spent our lives going in and out of hospital for treatments, medication trials, everything you can imagine."
The condition, which had already claimed the lives of some of their family members, meant their immune systems didn't function correctly, and they couldn't fight off some infections.
It's a heartbreaking prospect for any parent.
Emma and Jacob's father, Steve Evans, described those trying years as horrendous.
"We didn't know what the future looked like," he said.
In 2020, Jacob underwent groundbreaking treatment, with Emma following almost exactly a year later.
"After the bone marrow transplant, I started as a fresh new baby," Jacob said
"I now have a very healthy immune system that's functioning the same as everyone else's."
"It was quite scary watching Emma go through something that I'd been through, because I knew how bad of an experience it was, you do feel quite unwell."
Due to the transplants, Emma and Jacob's futures are now longer, healthier, and filled with opportunities.
"These two incredible people have built resilience, have built coping skills, are each other's best friends," Mr Evans said.
"They are so driven to not be defined by what has happened in the past, but to forge a future for themselves that doesn't involve sickness, it just involves health and happiness."
And that's exactly what they're doing now.
This year the siblings are representing Australia at the World Transplant Games being held in Germany.
They are teaming up in the six-a-side soccer, with Emma also competing in the 5 kilometre road race and Jacob teeing off in the golf.
Getting to wear the green and gold is a dream come true, whether he medals or not, Jacob told ABC Sport.
"It's actually going to be quite surreal, putting on the jacket for the first time … walking into the stadium, like you see the Olympians doing, with the flag bearer at the front and all the different countries," he said.
"It'll be a moment to take in, for sure."
The World Transplant Games aren't just creating opportunities for Emma and Jacob; they have been creating community and connection for transplant recipients, donors and their families since 1978.
The aim of the Games is to promote education about the success of transplant surgery for the recipient, and the need for increases in organ donation.
The Games are held every two years, with Australia having hosted the event three times, in Sydney, the Gold Coast, and more recently in Perth in 2023.
Chris Thomas, the CEO of Transplant Australia, told ABC Sport that for transplant patients who have faced their own mortality, the Games are a chance to celebrate their life.
"It's a wonderful way for people who have had that second chance to demonstrate what that means to them on the sporting field, whether it's in the swimming pool, out on the athletic track, or even on the petanque field," he said.
At this year's Games, up to 2,500 athletes will be welcomed from 55 countries, ranging in age from four to over 80.
The benefits of competing in sport are important for transplant recipients, Mr Thomas said, as maintaining an active lifestyle maintains their health during recovery.
There are 17 sports the athletes can compete in, with qualification for the Games managed by member associations in each country.
Mr Thomas said, in Australia, as long as you have had a solid organ transplant or bone marrow transplant, you are welcome to join the team, while living donors and donor family members also have their own category.
"We want it to be inclusive," Mr Thomas said.
Emma and Jacob have been training hard for the Games, with Emma undertaking multiple cardio and running sessions a week, Jacob spending time hitting the golf ball at his local club and together kicking the soccer ball around their local park.
Incredibly proud of all that they are achieving, their parents will be in Germany to cheer them on.
"We're going to have tears in our eyes, but they're going to be tears of joy," Mr Evans said.
For Jacob and Emma, the World Transplant Games isn't just about the sport, it's about meeting new friends and recognising the impact that organ donation has on people's lives.
"My donor still has such a special impact on my life," Emma said.
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"I have my [transplant] date tattooed on my wrist and every single time I look down at it, it is just such a good reminder of what he gave me, the sacrifice he made for me and the impact he has every single day because I simply would not be here without [it]."
The World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany runs from August 17 to 24.