For many 17-year-olds, playing rugby, attending a school formal and planning for the future are simply part of everyday life.
But for Matthew, this life wouldn’t have been possible without a lifesaving gift from a stranger.
At 9 years old, Matthew broke his arm. A few weeks later, he broke it again.
The unusual pattern of broken bones led to more investigations. Matthew was then diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis – a rare, progressive liver disease that causes inflammation, scarring and narrowing of the bile ducts.
A common symptom is low bone density, making Matthew more likely to break bones.
“I had quite a few broken bones growing up. I was tired a lot of the time, and my immune system wasn’t very good, so I got sick a lot,” Matthew said.
“I couldn’t play sports like rugby or do some of the same things as my mates.”
For years, Matthew was a regular at the Queensland Children’s Hospital, attending appointments for blood tests and colonoscopies, as well as undergoing multiple surgeries for his broken bones.
With no cure for his rare disease, Matthew was placed on the liver transplant waiting list in January 2025.
Months later, the call came that a liver donation was available.
“My dad called me, and I immediately rushed downstairs to say – Mum, we got the transplant call,” Matthew said.
“It was just a bit hectic from there getting to the hospital. It’s kind of a blur as you’re being wheeled down the hallway and into the transplant surgery.”
Matthew’s surgery went well and after recovering in the intensive care unit, he was able to go home.
Eight months later, he is back on the rugby field and looking forward to graduating high school.
“I have so much more energy now and I’m feeling more confident in general. When you’re waiting for a transplant, you’re always trying to not get sick or not get injured, but now I’m able to just live life,” Matthew said.
“I don’t think I will ever have the words to thank my donor and their family.
“I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t get this transplant, and I am just so grateful that they decided to give me this gift. It really has changed my life,” he said.
Matthew is sharing his story as part of DonateLife Week helping raise awareness of the life-changing impact of organ and tissue donation.
He is also a passionate advocate for Jersey Day, an annual awareness event held on the first Friday of September that encourages people to wear their favourite jersey and start conversations about organ and tissue donation.