Important issue for all to consider

[#Russ#Es#]

A small number of AFF members may be aware that this week is DonateLife week - a week dedicated to raise the awareness of the importance of organ and tissue donation.

Although this subject has often been seen as taboo, it is an important issue for us ALL to consider. Some interesting stats about organ and tissue donation in Australia:

• One organ and tissue donor can save up to 10 lives and improve the lives of many more.
• 98% of Australians agree that organ and tissue donation has the potential to save and improve lives.
• In Australia, the family’s consent to organ and tissue donation is always sought (ie the family can overturn the donor's decision to donate)
• 93% of Australians say they would uphold their loved one’s donation wishes if they were aware of them.
• Currently, less than 60% of families give consent for organ and tissue donation to proceed.

Obviously the time around losing a loved one is traumatic, which explains why so many Australians support organ and tissue donation but block the donation from occurring.

My wife has recently joined the Transplant Australia 'Journey of Hope' awareness campaign, where the media will follow the lives of four people awaiting a transplant - the good days, the tough days, before and after the transplant. The campaign is been supported by 2GB and 2CH in Sydney, and MTR in Melbourne, as well as The Sun-Herald. Tune in or have a read if you get the chance.

I respect not everyone feels the same about organ and tissue donation, but the stats above really show the importance of talking about it NOW. It may seem like a morbid issue to talk about with your family/friends/etc, but it’s a lot easier to have that talk now rather than have to make the call in a hospital corridor.

If anyone has been affected (directly or indirectly) by a transplant and are comfortable sharing their story, please feel free to do so here. Of course general discussion is welcome too.

More info on organ and tissue donation can be found here

If you are unsure of how to be an organ and tissue donor, please see here

Thanks to the mods for letting this thread live in The Pub.