Former Victoria soccer star Simon Keith was discharged from hospital on Monday in San Diego, 15 days after receiving a life-saving heart and kidney transplant.
Keith learned he needed another heart transplant 32 years after the first one, which he received when he was 21. At the time, the Mount Douglas Secondary graduate was a rising player on the soccer pitch for the University of Victoria Vikes and being touted for a pro career and Canada’s national team.
Three years later, Keith became the first heart-transplant recipient to play pro sports.
His transplanted heart started to fail last year. The 53-year-old Keith received a new heart and kidney on March 17.
“The support from Victoria, Canada; Las Vegas, Nevada; across the U.S. and the planet has simply been incredible,” Keith said in a statement Monday.
“There are no words for what we have felt as a family as we have travelled down this most unique journey. Of course, our deepest and most heartfelt thanks belong to the donor and their family. Without the simple yet significant act of registering their wishes to donate, none of this would be possible.”
In 2011, Keith started the Simon Keith Foundation, which is dedicated to raising awareness for organ donation and providing support for families of children who have undergone life-saving transplants.
“I will spend every day honouring the heroes and families who have saved me,” said Keith.
“By sharing my story and the stories of those who’ve made it possible, I hope it inspires others to give the gift of life.”
