Everyone has a story to tell, some are happy, some are sad, some are successes, and a lot are failures but there is nothing more refreshing than hearing about someone overcoming their difficulties in their life.
One such man is Victor Conroy who hails from Clonad in Laois, who has overcome many obstacles in his life and has always turned the negatives into the positives.
Conroy was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis from birth which is an inherited genetic disorder that affects all organs of the body but mainly the lungs.
After years of suffering, Conroy’s life changed for good in 2017, as his health deteriorated meaning it was a matter of life and death.
If Victor didn’t get a double lung transplant, he would die.
Thankfully Victor got one three weeks later and his life changed for the better.
Since the successful transplant Conroy has gone onto represent Ireland on a National stage at the European Transplant games.
Conroy spoke to LaoisToday about his incredible journey to date; he highlighted the importance of organ donation and how sport has given him solace over the years.
He said: “I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis from birth. It’s an inherited genetic disorder that affects all organs of the body, but primarily normal functioning of the lungs and digestive system.
“Over time, repeated chest infections damage the respiratory organs to the point where they can no longer get enough oxygen into the body.
“It’s at that point, the option to put your name down as a candidate on the transplant list is discussed with the medical team.
“In my case, I was a patient in the care of a phenomenal Cystic Fibrosis Team in St. Vincents Hospital and in 2017 my health had deteriorated so much that if I didn’t get the transplant, I would die.
“I was very grateful to be offered a place on the list and after three weeks, I received the call for a double lung transplant and repair of a rare heart condition in the Mater Hospital, Dublin.
“Pre and post operative care by the Mater Transplant Team were World class. Every effort is made to ensure a successful outcome.”
Conroy couldn’t find strong enough words about how important organ donation is to people and also shared a brilliant piece of advice for people waiting on a transplant.
He continued: “Organ donation is the greatest gift someone can give.
“It’s the furthest thing from an easy decision and the most selfless, life changing, beautiful act to do.
“Saying ‘yes’ to donating organs saves countless lives and allows the people that receive the transplant to go on and have fantastic futures full of hope and positive experiences that may never have happened, only for the kindness of incredible donors.
“They’re the heroes we need in the world today. I’m very thankful and appreciative of my donor and all the medical teams for saving my life.
“I would say to people who are waiting on a donation, never give up, never quit on yourself.
“There’s going to be days when it seems like it’s unbearable and too much to carry. Lean on your medical team, family, friends. Get up and do what you can, with what you have.
“As long as you’re alive and get to see the sunrise, you’re unbreakable. What convinced me most to have a transplant was seeing my friends so happy.
“The same people who previously couldn’t breathe without oxygen tanks or walk a few metres, went on to get married, have families, travel around the world, hold down a job, do all the activities and sports they once dreamed of. Now I know what that feels like and I have no regrets.”
After his incredible journey, Conroy started a brand-new chapter in his life and is studying and working towards becoming a registered veterinary nurse in Cork.
Conroy has also found a solace in sport which has helped him greatly and even more incredibly he represented at the European Transplant games coming away with medals in darts, shot putt and swimming.
He said: “Sport has done a lot for me in terms of physical and mental benefits. Thanks to my transplant, I now have more options in sports I want to do.
“I have the motivation, energy and strength to pursue activities that I once believed were for other people. I’ve made great friends and travelled a lot more for competitions
“Representing Ireland at the European Transplant Games was an honour.
“I’m proud of where I’m from and the moment I put on that Irish jersey, I’m giving nothing less than my best. I won gold in darts and shotputt, silver in the 50 metres freestyle swim.
“I got to meet athletes from around the World who had been through a similar experience, hear their amazing stories of bravery and courage to fight for life.
“There’s an overwhelming sense of community and instant connection, supporting each other to do their best and have fun.
“There’s a lovely social atmosphere and host of events for athletes to attend.
“Taking part is an opportunity to promote the benefits of organ donation and how it transforms lives for the better. We get a chance to honour our donor and ensure they will never be forgotten; they’re with us every step of the way.”
There is a bright future for Conroy who is working to become a kayaking instructor and also has an eye on The European games next year.
He said: “At the moment, I’m working towards my Canoeing Ireland qualifications, to become a sea kayaking instructor and training to compete in the World Transplant Games in Dresden, Germany. My main sport will be Olympic recurve archery.
“Then it’s straight into training for the British and European games in 2026. Life is an open road, and I intend taking in every mile.
“I hope to have tea with tribes in the Amazon, go on a kayaking expedition in the Arctic, eat pastries in Paris and just enjoy every breath. To quote the film, The Shawshank Redemption, ‘get busy living or get busy dying.”
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