After a Long Road, Aadam Forgan Receives the Gift of Life-Saving Liver Transplant

Photo Credit: Aadam Forgan - Exactly 1 month post surgery - spending some time with family on the road, looking for wild flowers.

The dad who ran a marathon to support children with cancer, all while battling the disease himself, has received the life-saving liver transplant he desperately needed – and he couldn’t be more grateful!

Cape Town, South Africa (11 August 2026) – Last year, we shared the touching story of Aadam Forgan, a father from Cape Town who ran the Outeniqua Half Marathon to raise funds for the Childhood Cancer Foundation South Africa. He did it to support younger warriors facing cancer and life-threatening illness, all while bravely facing stage 4 colorectal cancer himself.

He ran the race, raised the funds and fulfilled his heartfelt mission to restore hope for young people facing battles beyond their years.

And now, there is even more wonderful news to share. After a winding road, Aadam recently received the life-saving liver transplant he so desperately needed!

“A liver transplant is described medically as an operation, but for the person receiving it, and for the family waiting alongside them, it is something much bigger. It is an extraordinary moment when years of training, skill, sacrifice, teamwork and human compassion come together to give another human being a chance at life. On the 10th of July 2026, I was fortunate enough to receive that chance at Groote Schuur Hospital,” a grateful Aadam shares after a long road of medical procedures and chemotherapy.

He shared that doctors Professor Eduard Jonas and Professor Mark Sonderup, as well as their teams at Groote Schuur Hospital, stood out for him during this journey, saying that their dedication, extraordinary attention to detail and, most importantly, their humanity have left a lasting impression on him.

Aadam admits that there were moments during this journey when things were uncertain and complicated. However, what remained constant was the extraordinary level of attention, professionalism and commitment shown by the people caring for him.

“I never lost sight of the fact that while this was one of the biggest events of my life, for many of you [the medical staff] it was another long day or night spent using your knowledge and abilities in the service of another human being,” he says.

He also acknowledged and thanked the family who, while facing a time of unimaginable loss, made a decision that allowed life to continue in others, including him.

“I pray that the life I am now able to live will, in some small way, honour the person whose generosity made it possible.”
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Thanks to this priceless gift, Aadam can now look forward to more days spent with his six-year-old son, Isa, and he recently celebrated his 14th wedding anniversary with his wife, Mariam, who has stood beside him constantly.

For Aadam, Groote Schuur Hospital is more than a collection of buildings in Cape Town. It is a national institution whose staff and service become instruments through which God’s love and mercy are expressed here on earth.

Aadam ended his reflection with deep gratitude for everyone who helped carry him to this side of the operation.

“I know that recovery still lies ahead and that transplantation is a lifelong journey. I intend to approach that journey with gratitude, responsibility, and a determination to make the most of the extraordinary opportunity I have been given.”