Claude Turco
By Claude Turco

Born: Melbourne, Victoria

Bad Boy Story

The Vice President - 2009

Favourite colour - Red

Favourite country/place - Australia / Venus Bay, Vic

Favourite Food - All

People who inspired me the most - My wife, children, brothers, family and firends

The most memorable moment - Being told that someone (my donor) had given me a second chance at life

A funny moment - Being told I looked like the Ape Man (amazing what Drugs do)

What led to you needing a transplant

It was 1.30 am on Tuesday 16 October, 2001.  I was feeling a little off, took two panadol and then collapsed.  I called my wife.  Seeing the greyness in my face she called the ambulance.  A Mica unit arrived within minutes.  I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about s I only felt a discomfort in my back.  Arriving at the Austin Hospital I was met by a huge medical team and within minutes transferred to ICU.  I let out my frustrations to doctors and was told that I had had a Major Heart Attack.  My life flashed before my eyes.

I was 43 years old at the time, married almost 21 years with two beautiful daughters, kicking goals in my job and planned to slow down at 50.  Suddenly I was now being told that I should retire and I wouldn't be able to have a transplant.

In the next 4 1/2 years I went through many changes and after being told countless times what not to do and no, i couldn't have a transplant, and what had I done about retirement.  i decided to go for a second opinion and was referred t The Alfred.  Within 10 days I had information overload.  Over the coming months, many life threatening moments and many strenuous tests, i was advised that I had made the Transplant List (words I only dreamed of).

In the past 8 years most people I have met are patients that have had an illness, or picked up a bug.

My Bad Boy story is a bit different.  i smoked, drank, i was obese, did no exercise, ate junk food, had border line blood pressure and cholesterol and later advised of some history of heart disease.  I was a Time Bomb in the making!!!

On the morning of 18 July 2007, I was driving to The Alfred to meet the dietician when suddenly I received a call from Kylie Jones advising me that there may be an organ available and to meet her in Emergency, an within a few hours I was lucky enough to be given the gift of a heart transplant.

Since my transplant I have reflected on the past and come up with  what is commonly known as my Bucket List which I am strenuously working through (slight hiccup at present) and dreams I had in ICU.

I took my life fro granted.  I thought I was invincible.  How wron I was.  I've slowed down.  Ismell the roses.  I'm grateful for every single day.  I enjoy my family and friends.

Lastly I want to thank my Donor Family for the Gift, Doctors and nurses for the Magic and God for his Miracle.

Best wishes to you all, and keep healthy.

Claude

 

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