FREE falling for 60 seconds from 13,000 feet in the sky is not everybody’s idea of fun, but for Mount Gambier man Anthony Schulz it is about making sure every moment of his life counts.
Anthony will tomorrow take off in a plane at Mount Gambier Airport and skydive at Mil Lel as he ticks a wish off his bucket list.
Anthony Schulz is making the leap to mark his 40th birthday, which he is lucky to be celebrating after living with life-threatening medical problems.
Living with the fear his health problems could resurface at any time, Anthony said he wanted to complete his bucket list.
He has already patted a tiger at Australian Zoo in Queensland and enjoyed the thrills of the rides at the Gold Coast theme parks.
“The next thing I wanted to do was to parachute,” Anthony told The Border Watch.
Anthony – who was born with only one kidney – had abdominal sepsis eight years ago and continues to face ongoing health issues.
He died three times before being revived by medical staff and has subsequently endured 20 surgeries.
“I want to finish my bucket list because I never know when my kidney might shut down,” he explained.
“After I got sick and nearly died I said it was ‘about time I started living’ because I never know what might happen.”
Standing at the Mount Gambier Airport ahead of his jump, Anthony revealed he was both excited and nervous about his looming adventure.
“I will be dropped at the Mil Lel Hall, I paid for 12,000 feet, but because I got in early, I will get an extra 1000 feet,” Anthony explained.
Anthony – who lives with 20pc kidney function – is kept well with medicine and will eventually need a kidney transplant given his low renal function.
“I take six tablets for breakfast, two for lunch and four for tea,” Anthony said.
Anthony – who is likely to receive a donor kidney from his father if his kidney completely fails – has welcomed the looming redevelopment of the Mount Gambier Hospital’s renal unit.
He has also welcomed the establishment of the Limestone Coast Renal Support Group, which was an initiative of the Mount Gambier Hospital Health Advisory Council.
“This is great. It has given me people to speak with rather just my parents. I can go to them if I am worried or need a chat,” Anthony explained.
“There have been cancer support groups, but nothing for people who have renal problems – this group is a great idea.”
Anthony expressed gratitude for the work being undertaken by the HAC.
A former 5GTR radio presenter, Anthony said he planned to go back to the broadcaster after taking time out for health reasons.
Anthony said he would also like to go on a cruise as part of his bucket list.
