American-Australian couple tells love story of Transplant Games

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WIAT) – As Birmingham hosts the 2024 Transplant Games of America, participants from around the world are sharing how the global event is impacting many people’s lives.

Since Holly Wierlan received a life-saving kidney transplant in 2006, she has met people from all over the world who celebrate the gift of life through competition.

Holly’s parents and sister Rachel supported her at annual events and travelled around the world with her. At the 2017 Games in Spain, Rachel met the man who would soon become her husband.

Australian Steven Arthy received a life-saving bone marrow transplant and has not missed the annual Transplant Games since.

When Steven and Rachel met, they weren’t sure where their relationship would lead, but the bond formed through the games proved to be strong.

“I said I would never be in a long-distance relationship again, and then we talked more and more and I said, ‘I think he might be the one for me,'” Rachel said.

The couple married shortly after the 2017 Games and have a daughter who travelled to Birmingham from Australia this week.

“She learns so much from everyone she meets,” Steven said. “They’ve all had challenges in life, but they’re really positive and appreciate the gift.”

Holly met her future husband, who has a heart transplant, the day after she returned from the 2017 Games. They say one of the topics of conversation on their first dates was the transplant Games.

The families still can’t believe how much their lives have changed by participating in this event.

“Sometimes it’s hard to understand that my life was saved, now that I’ve met and started a family,” Steven said. “They’ve given me so much and I don’t want to forget how lucky I am.”