Chance For A New Life
Central Coast Herald
Monday March 1, 2004
A CENTRAL Coast man rushed to Westmead Hospital early yesterday morning for a kidney-pancreas transplant almost missed the call that would change his life.
In a 3.30am mobile phone conversation from a car on the F3 on his way to Westmead, John Vincin told friend and former partner Sherry Clarkson he slept through the hospital call.
``His father had to wake him up to tell him a donor had been found," Ms Clarkson, of Bateau Bay, said. ``He was so nervous about it but he was also excited.
``He's waited more than 18 months for this and he's been through a lot."
Mr Vincin's 10-hour transplant operation began at 11am, at the start of organ donor awareness week.
Ms Clarkson said Mr Vincin knew nothing about the circumstances that led to his transplant, but it would change his life.
``He has had diabetes since he was a child," she said.
``He's had so many complications from it. He had to have a toe amputated and has had so many broken bones I wouldn't even be able to list them.
``This transplant should mean the end of injections and all the things that people with diabetes have to do just to get through their day."
Mr Vincin had worked as a salesman until his condition deteriorated and he could no longer work.
``It's been very hard for him. He's only 37. For the past 18 months he's been waiting for this call but he's been very sick," Ms Clarkson said.
``When my mobile rang at 3.30am I thought it was the alarm, so I turned it off because I didn't realise it was John ringing me.
``When he rang again he just said: `I got my phone call for my transplant'. He is aware of the risks but he's looking forward to a brand new life."
A Westmead Hospital spokesman confirmed a Central Coast man was in surgery for a ``large operation" but refused to give details.
© 2004 Central Coast Herald