Matthew Spiteri was just five days old when he underwent open-heart surgery. That first operation was followed by another nine days later, and then again as a three-year-old, when an artificial tube was put into his heart to help regulate blood flow.
But the Taylors Hill resident has refused to let his congenital heart condition get in the way of a full life. The 33-year-old is a disc jockey who performs under the stage name DJ Genesis. He runs his own mobile entertainment business and more recently, became a father.
“I’ve been in and out of hospital all my life. It’s been an ongoing thing for me, but I’ve managed to build my own company,” he says.
He has monthly blood tests, is on medication for the rest of his life, and sees a heart specialist yearly. He is also an avid fundraiser for The Heart Foundation and The Fontan Registry (a registry of patients who have undergone a particular type of heart surgery).
This year he’s gearing up for another gig he’s called Heartbeats, which will be held on October 22 at Taylors Lakes Hotel. Tickets cost $80 and cover a two-course meal and drinks. Mr Spiteri says all proceeds from the raffle and auctions will be donated.
“Last year, we managed to raise more than $10,000 and had 187 turn up. This year we’d like more than 200 people and would love to smash that target,” he says.
Tickets: 0414 822 474
