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Aussie heart transplant dad: Gift of life gave me a child

Beautiful baby Konstantina Angelique Gribilas is snuggled on her father’s chest as he talks to New Idea, soothed by the beating heart that gave him a second chance at life.

As she grows up, she will learn that her family have a ‘guardian angel’ named Doujon Zammit, whose tragic death made her birth possible through the gift of a transplanted heart.

"I believe Konstantina has two fathers, and that she is keeping Doujon’s legacy alive," reveals doting Sydney dad Kosta Gribilas, 35 - who was saved by the Zammit family’s selfless organ donation.

Read Kosta's full story in New Idea!

"How can I ever forget Doujon, when every heartbeat reminds me how blessed I am?" he asks in a moving interview with New Idea – out now.

Free-spirited Doujon was only 20 and enjoying his first trip overseas when he lost his life after a cruel bashing on the Greek island of Mykonos in July 2008.

His grief-stricken father Oliver, who had flown from Australia to be by his bedside, decided to assign his beloved son’s heart, liver, pancreas and kidneys for life-saving surgery.

Now, out of unspeakable tragedy, pain and sorrow, a treasured new life has emerged. And Kosta and wife Poppy will never forget it.

"I owe Doujon’s parents not one thank you, but 100," says the eternally grateful new dad.

For the full amazing interview and moving exclusive photo shoot, see this week’s New Idea – out now.

BE A PART OF DONATELIFE WEEK 2013 - FEBRUARY 24 – MARCH 3

Feeling inspired by Doujon’s donation? Next week is DonateLife Week, which is a great time to register as an organ donor at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au. Don’t forget to tell your family about your wishes.

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