Geraldton boys Ben Creasy and Kai Hughes set for success in World Transplant Games in Perth

Two Geraldton boys, united by circumstance, will prove how powerful the gift of life is after receiving lifesaving organ donations in early childhood.

Not only are Ben Creasy, 16, and Kai Hughes, 8, now thriving, they will also be participating in the 2023 World Transplant Games at Perth’s HBF Stadium, starting April 15.

Sarah Creasy is no stranger to the journey organ donation. Her son Ben was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a disease that inhibits the heart in pumping blood to the rest of the body. Ben was on the donor list for one month before receiving a complete heart transplant at the age of seven.

Mrs Creasy discovered the opportunity for her son to take part in the games through an email from Transplant Australia. “I see it as a celebration, it’s spreading an important message,” she said.

Ben’s basketball career began shortly after in an under-8s team. Now 16 and 6’2”, Ben was awarded the runner-up most valuable player of his under-18s team. He is an assured asset to his team ahead of the games on between April 16 and 21.

Naomi Hughes and her son Kai share an inspiring journey through living organ donation. When Kai was born, his kidneys had not developed properly. His kidney function was so limited, Kai required “round-the-clock support, and constant medication, we had vomit bags in every corner of the house”, said his mum.

The quantity of toxins in Kai’s body meant he couldn’t keep food down and required a feeding tube. In the lead-up to his transplant, he was bedbound. Finally, when Kai turned four, Naomi was able to donate one of her kidneys to her son.

Four years on and Kai is filled with energy, with his mother’s donation giving his life new meaning.

Ms Hughes also heard about the games through Transplant Australia. “Aas soon as I saw it, I thought it would be an amazing opportunity and experience,” she said.

The games will be Kai’s first time competing in athletics, but he is no stranger to the soccer pitch, playing for the Olympic Football Club.

Ms Hughes, who reminds Kai to slow down, a great indicator he is living his life to the absolute fullest, will be competing alongside other living donors, running in the 5km and 100m races herself.

“I’m just doing it for the experience, I’d love to meet other living donors, there’s a very small community of us up here,” she said.

Before the games, Anil Srivatsa will be the guest speaker at a Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton function on Wednesday. Since donating his kidney to his brother Arjun in 2014, Mr Srivatsa is on a mission to spread his message on the impact of organ donation.