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Help me celebrate the gift of life at the World Transplant Games 2025 in Dresden, Germany!

$2,420 of $3,000 goal
Given by 27 generous donors in around 5 months

I'm stretching the 'legs' of my sisters donated kidney and looking forward to testing myself at the World Transplant Games.

Nelson / Tasman

I was first diagnosed with focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS), a form of kidney disease, in 2007. Progression to renal failure was relatively slow but nonetheless impactful on my life especially in the last 3-4 yrs. I remained active right until the last few days and only just avoided needing dialysis before the transplant. On the 30th of October 2023, I was blessed to have my twin sister donate one of her kidneys. The recovery has been uneventful and now, 17months since the transplant, I'm feeling great and relishing the energy I now have.

I'm looking to compete in the sprint triathlon as my main event (I had to stop triathlon in 2011 due to my kidney disease, I have some unfinished business here!) and also the 5km Run Race, 10km cycle time trial/the 30km road race and possibly one or two track and field events (yet to be decided).

The WTG aims honor living and deceased donors and their families, who join with organ recipients to come together in the spirit of celebration, participation and raising awareness. Attending the world transplant games (WTG) is all self-funded. Despite cost, the ethos of the event got me excited and gave me something to work towards.

Competing at the WTG is my way of celebrating my own journey, creating awareness and discussion around organ donation and promoting the success of transplant surgery. Any support will be much appreciated. I challenge you all to have 'the chat' with friends and family about organ donation.

Use of funds

Donated money will go towards travel, accommodation, registration and insurances as well as other smaller expenses such as uniform and training costs (pool pass, bike servicing, gear/equipment etc) and all the extra food I'll need to eat to fuel myself!

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Latest update

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WTG Dresden 2025!  4 September 2025

Heya,

I'm back home now after an amazing games experience. It truly was a week of celebrating the gift of life, underpinned by a common understanding and connection that comes from shared experience.

We both had a great time; ate lots of ice cream and dessert, Marlies was the unofficial team NZ tram trip planner, we perfected the art of nz flag waving AND ....medal winning! Yes that's right!

Marlies won 4 silver; 50m free, butterfly, breaststroke and 100m sprint (and 4th in the 5km, so close!)

I won 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.; 1st 5km run and sprint triathlon, second 1500m, third long jump (5th 100m freestyle).

The NZ team one a total of 19 medals (6 gold, 7 silver, 6 bronze).

Thank you for your support. Your support went towards the cost of registration for the event. Keep the conversations going. Thank you.

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Latest donations

Patsy
Patsy on 05 Jun 2025
Enjoy every minute😁
Private
Inge Koevoet

Hi Patsy I think I replied in my head but not for real. Sorry. Thank you so much! It's more than you needed to do of course.

Inge Koevoet
Arvenia
Arvenia on 28 May 2025
Good luck Marlies's sister! I dont know you, but I know your sister, and if you're anything like what she is like at work (AN ABSOLUTE MACHINE), you're gonna crush this!
$50
Inge Koevoet

Thank you Arvenia, your support means a lot especially as you don't even know me :) I think Marlies is pretty great too!

Inge Koevoet
Nicola
Nicola on 25 May 2025
$30
Inge Koevoet

Aw thanks Nicola I'll keep you updated. Hope you and the family are well.

Inge Koevoet
Inge
Inge on 25 May 2025
This is for you Marlies, now we are even haha, can't wait!
$100
Wim
Wim on 05 May 2025
$50
Inge Koevoet

Wow thanks Wim, happy riding as the weather gets warmer.

Inge Koevoet

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This campaign started on 31 Mar 2025 and ended on 7 Sep 2025.