Maria stuns at Australian Transplant Games

A Townsville transplant recipient has defied the odds and brought home the gold after her triumphant appearance at the Australian Transplant Games (ATG) in Canberra. 

Maria Parenti was born with reflux nephropathy in utero, a condition where urine flows backwards and scars the kidneys. 

Since receiving a kidney transplant seven years ago at the age of 57, Ms Parenti has been under the watchful eye of a dedicated team of renal physicians including Townsville University Hospital’s (TUH) Dr Valli Manickam. 

Ms Parenti said her goal for the ATG was to increase her participation in events from the three she entered at the Perth World Transplant Games in 2023. 

“I was keen to improve my fitness level more,” Ms Parenti said. 

“I’d met so many inspiring people in Perth, I thought, ‘If they can do it, so can I.’ 

“This led me to enter seven events in athletics, two in tennis and the 5km road race.” 

Ms Parenti medalled in all 10 of her events with a bronze in the 5km walk, silver in the ladies’ tennis doubles, and gold in the mixed tennis doubles, javelin, discus, shot put, high jump, ball throw, long jump and 100m. 

Working with an athletic track and field coach, Ms Parenti trained out of Ultimate Results Training in Aitkenvale, and incorporated three to five strength and conditioning fitness sessions a week to get her ready for the games. 

“Four months before the games I started on skills and technique in athletics, took up tennis lessons and running,” she said. 

“By then I was ready to participate in the Townsville Running Festival, which was great preparation for the road race in Canberra.” 

Donation specialist nurse coordinator for DonateLife at TUH Meagan Baldwin has been in regular contact with Ms Parenti over the course of her athletic campaign. 

She said Ms Parenti was a shining example of what transplant recipients can achieve with their new lease on life. 

“Maria’s journey has been remarkable to see, and we are so proud of her achievements,” Ms Baldwin said. 

“Since receiving her kidney transplant, she’s done activities she once thought were impossible. 

“She’s travelled to the World Transplant Games and been able to connect with other inspiring recipients and donor families.” 

Ms Parenti hopes she can inspire other transplant recipients to get out there and take part in the games. 

“It’s a wonderful experience to meet other transplant recipients because they understand what it’s taken to get here,” she said. 

“Seeing others compete has motivated me to have a go at other transplant games.” 

It’s a timely reminder how organ donation saves the lives of people like Ms Parenti. 

Registration to become an organ and tissue donor can be done online at donatelife.gov.au or with three taps on the Express Plus Medicare app. 

Prospective donors are also encouraged to speak to their family about their wishes.