Being at a point where I had gained almost 50 kilos, I came face to face with my mom needing a kidney and me being a compatible donor; as it turned out, I couldn't give it to her because of my excess weight. I explain through my story the start of a life-changing journey (eating healthy and running) in order to achieve the ideal weight so that I could donate my kidney to my mom. After reaching that goal, I came to an understanding that I love running and I'm actually good at it. A few weeks prior to the surgery I realized that post surgery I wouldn't be able to run again having only one kidney. But, as it happens, we are stronger than we often realize, and giving a kidney does not have to change someone's life. Nicolas was born in the USA but lived almost his entire life in Cyprus with his two brothers and sisters. He is a proud father and works in the Cyprus Army as a Non-commissioned Officer since 2009 after graduating military school in Greece. He served for almost 10 years in the Cyprus Special Forces and is currently serving as an Explosives Ordnance Disposal operator. At the age of 32, he has combined one of his favourite activities, running long distances, with promoting awareness for the cause of the Cyprus Transplant Association.
Follow Nikolas on Facebook @/nicolas.miltiadous This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx