My name is Corne Rautenbach, but these days everybody knows me as the OneLungBandit. In February 2014 my left lung was removed because of a carcinoid tumor. One of my heroes, Dr Neville Govender, discovered the tumor. He is a Pulmonologist at Cape Town Medi-Clinic. If it was not for his persistence, I do not know where I would be now.

Luckily, for me, Dr Govender knew a cardio-thorasic surgeon, Prof. Mark de Groot, who removed my Left lung on 25 February 2014.  One would ask, is it possible to function with only one lung.  Well, the simple answer is yes. Like Prof de Groot said to me when I asked, the same question, do things in moderation and just keep healthy and fit.

Since my operation, I have completed one hundred 5km Parkruns, finished two Two Oceans Marathons and several 10km trail runs through our beautiful Western Cape Vineyards.

With the help and encouragement of family and friends, it was easy to get fit and stay healthy. I am truly blessed to have been given a second chance, and for this reason, I decided to become an organ donor.

I might not have received an organ yet, but to get a second chance in life is precious and certainly changes your perspective on many things. When you get a second chance in life like I did, it is important to “Pay it forward”. Choosing to be an Organ and Tissue Donor puts my mind at ease that one day, I might be able to save some lives with my organs and tissue.

The next step is to get all my family and friends to also become Organ and Tissue Donors. Together we can make a difference in people’s lives.  Please TALK about, REGISTER as and SHARE your decision to be an organ and tissue donor. You may just save someone’s life one day.

The OneLungBandit