25-Year Heart Transplant Celebration at the Dublin Marathon for the Irish Kidney Association

Описание: Give to Ernesto's fundraiser here https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pa...

An interview with Ernesto Antonio, a heart transplant recipient, who marks his 25th anniversary since receiving this life-changing gift. Ernesto is preparing to run for charity in the Dublin Marathon, running in support of the Irish Kidney Association.

Ernesto's story is a testament to the power of second chances and the profound impact of organ donation. Back in 1999, doctors gave Ernesto less than 15 hours to live. At just 36 years old, his life hung by a thread, until a heart transplant turned everything around. Since then, Ernesto's achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. From breaking a world-time record for a heart transplant recipient in the 2009 Dublin Marathon to participating in numerous athletic feats worldwide, his journey is a testament to resilience and gratitude.

Ernesto’s story extends beyond marathons. Earlier this year, he walked over 1,200 km across Spain to honor his donor’s gift. His life has been a series of triumphs—from swimming the English Channel and climbing Kilimanjaro to participating in Ironman triathlons and Heart & Lung Transplant Games.

Yet, amidst all these accolades, Ernesto shares that his greatest achievement was caring for his beloved wife Kate during her battle with cancer and watching their daughter Isabella grow up. These personal victories define the man behind the medals.

Raised in Galway and trained as a nurse, Ernesto’s early career brought him face-to-face with organ donation processes—a connection that would later save his own life. Now residing in Devon after retiring from nursing, Ernesto continues to inspire with every step he takes.

Join us in celebrating life, resilience, and gratitude through Ernesto Antonio's incredible story—a journey that reminds us all of the profound impact one life can have on another.

Visit our website https://ika.ie/

#IrishKidneyAssociation #DublinMarathon2024 #HeartTransplant #OrganDonation