donate life

Today marks the beginning of Donate Life week. It is a week to remind people to register and discuss with loved ones what your wishes are for your organs and tissue when you die.

Sometimes simply registering isn't enough. Did you know that a family member can override your decision to donate? That is why it is important to let them know your wishes and to ask them to give their consent should such a situation arise. A subject like this is never easy but it is important.

If you have been a follower of my blog for a little while you may remember that just over 10 months ago my dad donated one of his kidneys to my older brother. My older brother will most likely need more than one transplant in his lifetime, at what point is unknown. And whether another family member will be an acceptable donor at the time is also unknown. Having a family members life depend on the organ donation of another makes this week an extra important week for me.

Both my dad and brother are doing extremely well. To see the change in my brothers health and quality of life since no longer requiring dialysis on a daily basis has been incredible to say the least.

There are many interesting facts on this topic over on the Donate Life website. Registering is easy and can be done online here or at any Medicare office in Australia.


2 comments:

Christina Lowry said...

I'm so glad to hear that your brother is doing so well. Thanks for reminding us of this important topic. I've signed up to donate and informed my family. My husband is undecided, but he knows that if the time comes and it's up to me it's a yes. :)

Kylie said...

This is just wonderful Evie, and thanks for the reminder! I've been meaning to do something about this since the last time you posted about it ;) Great to hear that your brother and dad are doing so well.. always brings tears to my eyes to read about that. Kx