Supported by the Australian Sports Commission, Transplant Australia’s Heal Well Program aimed to reduce financial barriers and help transplant recipients experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of participating in sport and the Australian Transplant Games.
John: Finding connection and discovering a new passion
Attending the 2026 Australian Transplant Games was not something John was certain would be possible.
Before receiving support through the Heal Well Program, John was unsure whether he would be able to attend. Assistance with travel costs helped make the experience more accessible and meant he could spend more time enjoying everything the Games had to offer.
One of the most memorable parts of the experience was meeting people who shared similar experiences and connecting with more members of his donor’s family. The Games also provided an opportunity to try something new, with an experience that has now inspired a sporting journey back home.
After participating in lawn bowls at the Games, John has since joined their local lawn bowls club and is preparing to play in the club’s pennant team this season.
Reflecting on this unexpected outcome, John shared:
“I’ve now joined the local lawn bowls club and will be playing in their pennant team this season. I wouldn’t have done that if I didn’t play bowls at the Games.”
It is a wonderful example of how the Games can encourage participants to step outside their comfort zone, discover new interests and continue building an active lifestyle within their local community.
John also recognised the value of the financial support, explaining:
“Receiving the funds from the program can go a long way to helping someone attend the Games.”
Holly: Celebrating the journey and believing in what is possible
Attending her first Australian Transplant Games was an opportunity to celebrate her transplant journey and connect with a community that truly understands.
While Holly was committed to attending the Games, the costs associated with registration, travel and accommodation would have placed additional financial pressure on her family.
The Heal Well Program helped cover these expenses, easing the financial burden and providing encouragement and confidence to be part of the event.
But it was the sense of belonging that made the experience particularly special.
Being surrounded by other transplant recipients created an environment where transplantation was simply part of the shared experience. There was an opportunity to talk openly, share stories and participate in sport alongside people who understood the journey.
Holly explained:
“Feeling completely normal around the transplant community, transplant was a normal topic to talk about without feeling annoying. Participating in sports against transplant athletes.”
Attending the Games also had a lasting impact on her outlook and motivation.
The experience reinforced the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, pursuing personal goals and recognising what is possible after transplantation.
“Attending the Games has really inspired me to keep up that positive mindset and pursue my goals and dreams post transplant. It may be a hard thing to go through and sometimes live with, but we are still here.”
For Holly, the process of applying for the Heal Well Program was also an opportunity to reflect on everything it had taken to reach the Games, making the experience even more meaningful.
Her gratitude for the opportunity was clear:
“The Heal Well Program encouraged me to reflect on my journey training and living with a transplant. I am so incredibly grateful and thankful to the Australian Sports Commission for funding my very first Transplant Games that will now be a lifetime event I would hate to miss!”
The impact continues long after the Games
Both Holly and John identified positive impacts from attending the Games across their physical activity, mental health and emotional wellbeing, confidence, sense of belonging and connection to the transplant community.
Their experiences demonstrate that the value of the Australian Transplant Games extends well beyond competition and medals.
It is about finding a community, discovering new possibilities, building friendships and feeling encouraged to keep moving forward.
These are the kinds of outcomes that make opportunities like the Heal Well Program so important.
Transplant Australia sincerely thanks the Australian Sports Commission for its support and investment in the program.
By helping reduce financial barriers to participation, the Heal Well Program has helped more transplant recipients connect, participate and experience the many benefits of sport and community.
