Born with cystic fibrosis, Murray Brown was told by doctors he was unlikely to reach 20. He says, at his worst, he had just 15 per cent lung function.
"Pretty much like breathing through a straw, and it would take about an hour and a half to go for a shower," he said.
But in July 2012, that all changed - and a double lung transplant helped Murray reach his 21st birthday.
"I can work full time, and I can play sport anytime I want, I can run around," Murray said.
"I will make sure I live this new lease of life to the best of my ability and hopefully as much as the donor would have lived their life."
He's now been running with the bulls in Spain and climbed the Acropolis in Greece. His experience has encouraged his loved ones, like girlfriend Danielle McConnell, to become donors.
"Until you know someone who's gone through it, you don't realise how big a deal it is and how much it matters and just how priceless the gift is."
That gift is what keeps Kumar Siriwardene and his wife going after their only child, Michelle, died of a brain aneurysm, three years ago.
"[She] Loved life that there was no tomorrow, she loved life, she was ever willing to help everyone," he said.
Michelle wasn't a registered donor but had spoken of her desire to give, and it was that wish that helped Kumar make the difficult decision on her behalf.
"Six individuals got her organs, they're all doing well, including an infant."
Last year 391 Australians donated their organs, giving 1,122 others, another chance at life.
And while the number of registered donors is at a record high, Donate Life Australia says we still need to build on those figures, and the best way to do so, is through family discussions.
Something Kumar agrees with.
"It is very important to know your loved ones wishes, because you don't know what time it'll happen."
