Sienna Howkins: From Childhood Cancer Survivor to Heart Transplant Recipient and Future Nurse

Sienna Howkins, 20, underwent a heart transplant a year ago, a necessity stemming from heart damage caused by chemotherapy she received as a child for rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer. Now 20, she is pursuing a nursing degree, citing inspiration from medical caregivers, and has resumed physical activities.

Her experience aligns with recent DonateLife data indicating an increase in organ donations and transplantations across Australia, though approximately 2,000 Australians remain on transplant waitlists.

Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Sienna Howkins was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma at age four. The cancer, described as the size of a football, was located in her left kidney and had spread to her lungs. Howkins faced a 30% survival chance during this period. Her treatment regimen involved 18 months of chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Following the successful cancer treatment, she engaged in an active life, including school and dancing.

Development of Heart Condition

At age 11, routine check-ups revealed that Howkins's heart was functioning at less than half its capacity, an identified long-term effect of the life-saving chemotherapy. She experienced breathing difficulties during exercise and was prescribed medication to manage heart failure.

Her heart condition progressively deteriorated during her final year of school and continued into her nursing degree studies, marked by significant fatigue.

Transplant and Recovery

While enrolled in a nursing degree at Griffith University, Howkins was placed on the organ transplant waitlist. Five months after being listed, she received notification that a donor heart was available, an event that occurred while she was at Logan Hospital due to heart failure.

Following the transplant, Howkins reported an immediate improvement in her health, including a reduction in dizziness.

Despite requiring dialysis due to kidney issues post-transplant, Sienna described the overall procedure as successful and has since resumed activities such as dancing and playing netball.

Future Aspirations

Approaching her one-year transplant anniversary, Howkins is continuing her nursing studies and plans to graduate next year, considering specializations in pediatric oncology or intensive care. These areas are directly influenced by her personal medical journey.

Sienna has communicated with her donor's family to provide updates and express gratitude, stating a profound commitment to living fully.

Howkins also encourages others to consider joining the Australian organ and tissue donation registry.

National Organ Donation Landscape

New data from DonateLife indicates that 1,438 Australians received organ transplants last year, marking an 8% increase in transplantations. This was facilitated by 557 individuals who donated organs after death nationally, a 6% increase from the previous year. In Queensland, 16 individuals received heart transplants in the past year.

While 1,438 Australians received organ transplants last year, the consent rate for organ donation stands at 53%, and only 35% of eligible Australians are registered organ donors.

Additional statistics from 2025 show that the consent rate for organ donation was below the 2018 peak of 60%. Fewer than 1,700 people in 2025, representing about 2% of hospital deaths, met the criteria for organ donation. Currently, approximately 2,000 Australians are on organ transplant waitlists.