30/07/2026
Sixteen years ago, Brendan Cole received Australia's first multivisceral transplant at Austin Health, receiving a small intestine, liver, pancreas and duodenum from a single organ donor.
Today, he's a father, works full time and is giving back to his community – everyday moments he once wasn't sure he'd ever experience.
"A lot of people take the simple things for granted, whereas those simple things mean the world to me," Brendan says.
"When I stop and reminisce, it reminds me what a big gift I've been given and how lucky I am.”
This DonateLife Week, Brendan is sharing his story to highlight the extraordinary impact of organ donation and the importance of having the conversation with your loved ones.
"You don't know the impact you can make until you have that talk and make that decision. You could change people's lives. You could make a difference in the world."
Read Brendan's story: bit.ly/4wxuIUk