Emma and Jacob Evans, siblings from Australia, are set to showcase their resilience and determination at the upcoming World Transplant Games. Throughout this unique event, we honor the remarkable accomplishments of transplant recipients. It will be an especially huge milestone for the duo, who have both courageously battled life-threatening health issues since childhood. Emma and Jacob are looking forward to playing in soccer tournaments. They’re most excited about returning to the individual events as they enter this new phase of their journey!
The Evans siblings have put in countless hours of intense training in preparation for the Games. Along the way, Emma has completed several weeks of cardio and running classes, training her body for her first 5-kilometre road race. In Jacob’s case, during this time, he has been practicing on the golf course, looking to be the best golfer he could possibly be. Together, they enjoy kicking a soccer ball around their local park, where they bond over their shared experiences and aspirations.
Her journey took an incredible turn when she received a life-saving bone marrow transplant, after which her health significantly improved. Having fought his own medical battles years earlier, Jacob accompanied her through the procedure and recovery. Their shared experience of their condition, which has taken the lives of multiple other family members, is both central to their life experiences and the deep connection between them.
Life-Changing Health Challenges
Emma and Jacob both spent their formative years living with a genetic condition that ravaged their immune systems. Their father, Steve Evans, called those early years “horrendous.” He spoke beautifully about the way that family lived in fear of what would happen to them and their children. “At that point, we had no idea what was forthcoming,” he added. Nothing compared to the emotional strain of seeing his own kids get caught up in the escalating crisis.
Even with all these testing waters, Emma and Jacob have come out on top. Emma shared her appreciation for her donor, saying, “My donor continues to have a wonderful effect on my life. She proudly wears a tattoo with her transplant date as a daily reminder of the sacrifice made so she can live. So, every time I look at it, I’m thinking of the incredible gift he gave me. It evokes such happy nostalgia to relive those moments.
Jacob reiterated what his sister said, saying that he feels like he was given a fresh start with his transplant. “So, after the bone marrow transplant I was kind of like a newly born baby,” he shared. He now has the strong immune system of a typical seven-year-old, enabling him to do what he loves—biking in particular—without worry.
The Upcoming World Transplant Games
For the siblings, competing in the World Transplant Games holds special significance. The games In a new twist, they will face off as teammates in the first-ever six-a-side soccer competition, emphasizing their solidarity and common experience. Emma will compete in the 5-kilometre road race, while Jacob will be golfing in the tournament. Their father is expecting an emotional day himself as he sees all of them compete on this Olympic level.
It feels still surreal, to put on the jacket for the first time,” Jacob said. He imagines that first journey into the stadium as an athlete representing his country, just like Olympic opening ceremonies. “We’re going to have tears in our eyes, but they’re going to be tears of joy,” Steve said, reflecting on the momentous occasion.
Chris Thomas, ambassador for Transplant Australia, lauded the siblings for their courage to change the course of their lives. They’re so determined to not be characterized by what’s occurred in the past,” he said. He emphasized that events like the World Transplant Games allow participants to demonstrate what having a second chance means to them.
A Future Filled with Opportunities
The patina of shared experience with Emma’s illness and recovery has undeniably cemented this family bond between them even further. They are survivors and beacons of hope, proving that life post transplant can be rich and colorful. Their futures are now filled with opportunities that were once clouded by health worries.
Emma and Jacob are role models for anybody who is dealing with the same challenges. Their story reflects not only their personal triumphs but highlights the importance of support and community in overcoming adversity.
