Grant’s story
In 1995, ten-year-old Grant’s world changed in an instant. A serious car accident in the UK left him, his mother, and his two sisters injured. Rushed to the local hospital with severe internal bleeding, doctors discovered Grant had a ruptured spleen.
Loss of Spleen led to an invaluable connection
Emergency surgery saved his life, but he woke up to a long abdominal scar and a completely new reality regarding his health.
Grant quickly found that being 'spleen-lessness' is easily overlooked by medical professionals.
Because it is an invisible condition, he frequently has to remind healthcare providers about his increased risk of serious infections, advocating for his own safety during routine medical visits.
Looking back to move life forward
A new chapter began in 2010 when Grant moved to Australia. Recognising the need for specialised ongoing care, his new General Practitioner referred him to Spleen Australia.
Looking back, Grant remembers the registration process being incredibly easy, noting with a smile that it might have even been done with pen and paper back then.
Over the last decade, this connection has been invaluable. Receiving regular email updates and health reminders helps Grant seamlessly manage his condition.
More than anything, knowing he has a dedicated medical contact to reach out to with questions provides immense reassurance.
A permanent commemoration
Grant’s journey has transformed from simple health management into a celebration of survival. He views his condition not as a deficit, but as a badge of uniqueness.
To commemorate his journey, Grant decided to celebrate living without a functioning spleen in a highly personal way.
He got the word ‘Spleenie’ tattooed on his shoulder. "I believe having no spleen makes one unique and this is worthy of recognition," Grant says. For him, the tattoo is a light-hearted, permanent celebration of his resilience and spleen-lessness.
If you would like to share your spleen story please get in contact with us. We would love to hear from you.
