Rebecca Dixon

Queensland's 200th lung transplant recipient

When 20-year old Rebecca Dixon moved from Auckland to Brisbane, she saw Australia as a stepping stone to an acting career in the United States.

But shortly after arriving, Bec had met Darren and her health had started deteriorating. While her parents wanted her to come home, Bec laid her cards – and her health – on the table for Darren and the couple decided that she would stay in Australia.

“It’s been difficult with my being family in New Zealand, but Darren’s been the most supportive person ever. He’s fantastic,” she says. “He’s supported me financially and mentally all the way. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

Born with cystic fibrosis, the world’s most common life-threatening genetic condition, from the age of 12 Bec was having three-monthly ‘tune-ups’ in hospital, being treated with antibiotics. As a competitive cross country skier, Rebecca was a member of the New Zealand national team. She was also the face of Cure Kids, travelling the country helping raise money for research into life-threatening illnesses.

“I was always really active, which I think helped my health in the long run,” she says. “I was just trying to keep up with everyone else.”

When she moved to Australia, Bec was referred to The Prince Charles Hospital, Queensland’s specialist adult cystic fibrosis service. Within a few weeks her health was so bad there was talk she may need to be listed for transplant.

“In New Zealand it’s a long process, transplants happen but they are rare,” she says. “My cousin had CF and he was on the list for two years. He died waiting for a transplant. Before I moved here I never even considered a transplant. I didn’t want to die waiting.”

By May 2009, Bec’s six-weekly hospital visits had increased to two weeks in, two weeks out and she had to quit her job. She was developing allergic reactions to the antibiotic treatments. Earlier this year, Rebecca became Queensland’s 200th lung transplant recipient after being listed a few months earlier.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity for a transplant. It’s the most remarkable experience,” she says. “I’m so thankful to my donor family and to the transplant and CF teams. They’ve made it so easy for me.”

Her mother Robyn came to help her through the transplant and recovery. Bec admits her parents were nervous when their youngest of three girls migrated, but they knew there was no stopping her. One of her two older sisters moved back to Brisbane, having lived a few years earlier.

“My sisters don’t have CF, but they’ve had their own issues. They both had to get braces,” she jokes.

Now feeling fantastic and with the first real chance to make plans, 24 year old Rebecca and Darren are negotiating whether to buy a boat before they get married and plan to buy a house this year. Bec’s looking forward to next year’s Transplant Games and would like to start doing triathlons and duathlons.

“I’m getting used to my new breathing. Last week Mum and I went for a power walk and I had to keep looking behind for Mum!” she says. “Before the transplant I worked in hospitality. Acting requires you to commit to being available for a period of time and I couldn’t do that with my health. I couldn’t make plans.

“Eventually I’d like to start an acting school for kids. For now it’ll be nice to kick back and live for a while.”