Transplant teen's medals
Liver transplant patient Matthew Mokoroa was given one month to live when he was nine years old.
The shy, sports-mad boy, who grew up in Rarotonga, couldn't walk, his stomach had swelled to the size of a pregnant woman's and his skin was jaundiced. Doctors at Auckland's Starship Hospital diagnosed a rare condition called Wilson's disease in 2006.
Matthew's parents were told their son needed a liver transplant or he would die. Chrismayne Mokoroa donated a third of his liver and saved his son's life.
Matthew's amazing recovery was clear for all to see last week when the 15-year-old sprinted 100 metres and claimed gold in a junior section at the 18th World Transplant Games in Sweden.
The St Paul's College student, who lives in Grey Lynn, had already won a silver medal playing squash and a bronze medal in the ten-pin bowling at the games.
The teenager was part of a team of 14 New Zealand athletes who competed at the games.
More than 1500 athletes from 69 countries were at the event, which is one of the largest donor awareness fixtures in the world.
Team manager Sheryl Power says two other New Zealanders won medals at the games playing golf.
Former Christchurch resident Steve Rhind won a silver medal while Aucklander Dave Swarbrick got bronze.
"It's just people living life to the full," Ms Power says.
"They've had a transplant and been given the gift of life."
Matthew thinks of his transplant as a "gift because I get to travel to places like this. It's given me opportunities".
Meeting people from all over the world has been a highlight of the trip for him, but the theme park, trams, the friendly people and the "funny language" in Sweden have also been memorable, he says.
Matthew's proud mother Annie Heather watched her eldest son compete from the sideline all week.
"It's just that he does his best in everything that he does.
"We were very worried of losing him.
"It was very hard at the time." Matthew's success highlights the good quality of life available to transplant patients, Miss Heather says.
"We've treated him like normal.
"Sport is good for his health and keeps him healthy and fit. We've had no problems, just medication morning and night."
Matthew first competed at the World Transplant Games on Australia's Gold Coast in 2009 where he won gold and three silvers.
The trip was funded by a Variety Scholarship, which paid for airfares and accommodation.
The Auckland community had rallied to help fundraise for the $11,000 trip, Miss Heather says.
One woman raised $7000 by organising a dinner at her house.
Matthew hopes to compete in his third world games in South Africa in 2013.
By Blair Ensor - Auckland City Harbour News
