Author(s): Colleen Ashby

Local Books

Type 1 diabetic, fitness fanatic, dancing queen, Canasta champion; only some of the tags to describe Colleen Ashby. Daughter, sister to five brothers, wife and mother of three sons further define Colleen.

Add to that, she is a heart transplant recipient who is now visually impaired, with only 5% sight and you realise there is much more to learn.

Although very physically fit, problems with her heart began to plague her and slow her down. Twelve stents later, the thirteenth was unlucky and resulted in open heart surgery.

It was soon obvious however; her heart was not going to last much longer and Colleen was given a new heart but her sight was taken away. Due to severe blood loss during the surgery, Colleen lost 95% of her vision. She is grateful she still has 5%.

“I’d have been really pissed off if I’d lost it all but 5%? I can cope” – Colleen Ashby.

With a bucketful of hope, perseverance, gratitude and the unwavering support of friends and family, Colleen has navigated her new normal, discovering what makes her tick and what her purpose in life is.

Funny, down-to-earth, harrowing and at times, heartbreaking, ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ is the rollercoaster ride of a woman who continues to defy expectations.

Colleen lives in the Perth Hills, in Western Australia. A former high school special-needs educational assistant and fitness instructor; she is also a type 1 diabetic.

With her heart failing, Colleen was finally put on the transplant list and had a heart transplant in January 2017. It wasn’t something normally offered to type 1 diabetics. While she gained a new heart, Colleen lost 95% of her sight. This hasn't stopped her indomitable spirit or living life to its fullest.

She is an advocate for DonateLife WA, has been a ‘poster-girl’ for Vision Australia, a participant in the Transplant Games and an avid supporter of Transplant Australia.

Colleen is sharing her story of resilience in the hope it will help, inspire and encourage people to appreciate what they have and what they can achieve. With her experience, knowledge and zest for life, Colleen wants to be a mentor and motivational speaker.