It might be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but the Lions Club of Emu Plains is encouraging all locals to discuss organ and tissue donation with their families ahead of this year’s DonateLife Week.
Running from July 29 to August 5, the Lions Club is hoping to inspire more people to get on board and make a difference in the lives of others by becoming a donor.
Emu Lion, Jim Devine, said he had seen firsthand how important these donations were.
“My granddaughter, Kyla, had a liver transplant at five-months-old,” he said.
“She’s now 10, playing netball, doing gymnastics and swimming.
“All this was only possible because of a selfless decision of a donor and their family, to donate an organ.”
With over 1,400 Australian families currently waiting for a lifesaving organ to become available, statistics from the Organ and Tissue Authority show that 90 per cent of families agree to donation if their loved one is registered.
“Many people think that they have declared their intention on their driver’s licence, but of course that isn’t relevant anymore,” Mr Devine said.
“They need to register online, and they also need to discuss with their families what their decision is, so that when and if the time comes their family is aware of their desire to donate organs and tissue.”
To register, visit http://www.register.donatelife.gov.au.
Lauren Suttie
Lauren Suttie is the Weekender's General & Community News journalist.