2016 Miren Ivankovic

Miren Ivankovic_AATBMIREN IVANKOVIC

Bone Graft Recipient

Age 49 ~ Clemson, South Carolina

College Professor

Honored by aatb.org

Miren would not be active today and enjoy the quality of life he has, if it were not for another person making the decision to become a tissue donor.  Miren was an avid runner for many years, competing in the South Carolina Grand Prix Circuit.  Running came to a halt when he developed arthritis in both hips, causing pelvis damage.  Fortunately, that damage was repaired with several bone grafts in 2005.  Miren’s transplant has allowed him to return to his active lifestyle and in 2014 he won several gold medals at the Donate Life Transplant Games as a member of “Team South Carolina”.

Miren’s Story

Miren Ivankovic was born in Zadar, Croatia. He came to the United States as an exchange student in New York and stayed to receive his undergraduate degree from Lander University and a Ph.D at Clemson University. Miren has been a professor in the College of Business at Anderson University since 2006. He and his wife, Diana, make their home in Clemson.

Miren was an avid runner for many years, competing in the South Carolina Grand Prix Circuit. Eventually, he developed arthritis in both hips and ultimately suffered pelvis damage in 2005. At that time he underwent a series of bone grafts to repair the impairment. Since his surgery, he has continued an active lifestyle, playing tennis and running as often as he can.

A member of “Team South Carolina”, Miren competed in several events last year at the 2014 Donate Life Transplant Games of America in Houston, TX. He won gold medals in the Virtual Triathlon – Overall Tissue Recipient, 5K Run – Overall Tissue Recipient, 5K Run – 40-49 Male Age Group, 5K Cycling, 20K Cycling, and Track & Field – 1500 Meters.  He also won a silver medal in Swimming – 500 Meters.

As a professor, Miren tells his successful transplantation story to each of his classes every semester. That translates to hundreds of students learning about donation and transplantation each year. He is also active on social media promoting organ, eye and tissue donation awareness.

Miren would not be active today and enjoy the quality of life he has, if it were not for another person making the decision to become a tissue donor.  “The cause of organ, eye and tissue donation saves lives. It for sure allowed my orthopedist to repair my very damaged pelvis,” states Miren.  “Donation is amazing. It is a true act of giving.”