Not a day goes by that double lung recipient Rod Marshdale isn't thankful for the gift he received back in 2015.
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In the past five years Rod has made it his mission to spread the importance of organ donation.
Rod knows all too well he wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the medical team at Sydney's St Vincent's Hospital.
Rod was born with cystic fibrosis (CF), a condition which was passed on via his parents, unbeknown to them, who were both carriers of the condition.
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Rod wasn't expected to live much beyond his teenage years. He is now just a couple of years shy of his 50th birthday.
But, Rod has turned his once life threatening condition into an opportunity to explore and embrace a new direction in his life.
Eighteen months after receiving his new set of lungs Rod began testing his fitness ability entering a host of breathtaking marathon sporting events both domestically and internationally.
Three years ago Rod represented Australia at the World Transplant Games in Spain taking home a fifth in the 200m men's freestyle after competing in the Australian Transplant Games the previous year winning three silver medals and a bronze in swimming events.
It's so easy and only takes about two minutes to register.
- Rod Marshdale
While Rod is realistic about his competitive sporting ability, this has not stopped him from participating in Olympic distance triathlons, half marathon runs or long distance swims, many in the name of charity.
His amazing sporting achievements have not only helped raise much needed funding but the profile of transplant recipients across the country.
He said participating in sporting events has demonstrated to people who have undergone a transplant they can overcome anything.
"And, it shows a family who has donated the success of the transplant."
Rod's positivity and enthusiasm earlier this year earned him the role of Australian Heart/Lung Transplants Association ambassador, the first in the AHLTA's long history.
This Donate Life Week, which extends until this Sunday, August 2 Rod is keen to encourage Australians to register to be an organ and tissue donor, and to let family and friends know of their wishes.
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While the majority of Australians believe it's important to be an organ and tissue donor, only one in three are registered.
"It's so easy and only takes about two minutes to register," Rod said.
The easiest way is to get on your smart phone or laptop and visit the Donate Life register as a donor page to register, he said.
"And, don't forget to let your family and friends know of your wishes."
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