He was confronted with a choice that would be life changing and deeply impacting for himself, his family, friends, and community. After collapsing at home after a soccer match in 2010, he was given a life altering diagnosis: Hepatitis B. As his health declined, he eventually required a liver transplant. His story is a testament to incredible personal resilience. In doing so, it further highlights the urgent need to raise awareness around organ donation in Australia.
In 2013, Lokiden received a liver transplant that marked a new beginning for him and coincided with the birth of his son. His journey was far from over. Fast forward to 2016, and his new liver started to fail, forcing him to go through another ordeal. Even after going through adversity himself, Lokiden remained committed to his craft in disability support and youth services. His passion came from an intense wish to forge a better path for his kids.
According to the Organ and Tissue Authority, religious and cultural beliefs are one of the most common myths that stop Australians from signing up to become organ donors. Currently, more than 1,800 Australians are on the transplant waitlist. Yet, shockingly only one in three Australians are registered as a donor despite the fact four out of five Australians supporting the cause.
“Sometimes, the lack of information, and the lack of access to those resources, it can be an incredibly daunting topic to consider.” – Trina Ripoll
Coupled with his background, Lokiden has a unique perspective on the importance of organ donation. He escaped the civil war in South Sudan as a young teen and reached refuge in Australia in the late nineties. This journey filled Josh with an appreciation for life that became its own sense of purpose.
His own experience with organ transplants has ignited in him the desire to speak up for others. Lokiden, reflecting on what he learned, said, “My time is not yet. That thought motivates me to do something great with my life because I don’t want to just do something great for myself but for my children too. His wish to benefit other people prompted him to make plans to register as an organ donor himself.
Dr. Opdan emphasized the importance of diversity among donors, stating, “The more diversity we have in people willing to donate, the more chance that all Australians will receive a well-matched organ transplant if they do need one.”
Lokiden’s emotional journey has truly been more than a game. Follow along with her uplifting story and the spirit of community support that’s made this possible. As he dealt with the unknowns of his illness, he discovered faith in his healing. And so that just gave me a lot of faith, at least hope,” he said.
Public dialogue around the act of donation is constantly changing. Story’s like Lokiden’s serves as a powerful reminder of the collective change the individual can make. By telling his own story, he hopes to encourage others to do the same. By advocating for organ donor registration, he challenges us all to follow through on our own commitments.
