What Wellness Means to Me

Transplant athlete David Wladyka

Name: David Wladyka

Age: 22

Occupation: Social Worker

The routine: You can often find David riding his bike at Birds Hill Park. He recently participated in the 17th World Transplant Games held in Australia, competing in cycling, volleyball, and the 100 metre sprint and 4X100 metre relay.

For David, wellness means being able to live life to the fullest. An allergic reaction to a viral infection left him with kidney disease when he was six years old. He received a kidney transplant from his father when he was 15 years old. An avid cyclist, David says he was honoured to represent Canada at the World Transplant Games. Although he did not win any medals, David says he had a great time competing. "Now that I know what the competition is like, I know exactly how hard I have to train for next time." Going forward, he says he would like to do more to raise awareness about organ donation and do what he can to show people that transplant recipients can lead active lives.

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Wave is published six times a year by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority in cooperation with the Winnipeg Free Press. It is available at newsstands, hospitals and clinics throughout Winnipeg, as well as McNally Robinson Books.