Transplant recipients, including one from Summerland, are competing in sporting events in Burnaby this week at the Vancouver 2018 Canadian Transplant Games.
More than 300 athletes, living donors, donor families and supporters are at the UBC campus for the events.
The athletes include Dick Spencer of Summerland, who has received a double lung transplant.
Spencer is competing in swimming, the ball team and the five-kilometre race walk.
He received his transplant on Jan. 8, 2017 at Vancouver General Hospital.
The transplant is an involved procedure and recovery is difficult, but Spencer is pleased with the results.
“I can breathe much better now than I ever could in my life,” he said.
Spencer has had lung-related problems throughout his life, beginning when he was born prematurely.
Later, his work environments and smoking also contributed to his weakened lungs.
Since the transplant, he has had to take anti-rejection drugs and other medications.
“I take probably 30 pills a day,” he said. These include pills for the transplant, pills for the side effects and pills for the side effects of the side effects medications.
The number of pills is expected to decrease as time goes on.
At the games, Spencer said he is in to compete, not necessarily to win medals.
“I’m not expecting to get first place,” he said.
Earlier this year, he participated in the Giant’s Head Run, where he finished in last place, but was able to finish within the time allotted for the race.
The Canadian Transplant Games are held every two years and are intended to promote organ donations.
“The important thing to remember is you are far more likely to need an organ than be able to donate,” said Brenda Brown, games manager and a kidney recipient.
“When you see what these recipients have been able to do with their second chances, it just affirms the importance of organ donation.”
Elaine Yong, communications lead for the games, said the athletes at the games appreciate the opportunity to be able to compete.
“They are taking their second chances and making the most of them,” she said.
The games are organized by the Canadian Transplant Association. At present, more than 4,000 people in Canada are waiting to receive organ transplants.