Friday, September 14th, 2007...10:41 am
Somebody I don’t know
The day before yesterday, somebody I don’t know died. I don’t know anything about them or their death, but I can guess some stuff.
She (I’m guessing) would have been reasonably young. It’s unlikely that she died of a chronic illness - in fact she was probably healthy. It may have been a sudden thing, perhaps an accident? It’s likely she was in hospital when she died.
She was an organ donor. Not guessing that part.
One of my dearest and oldest friends has received the kidney transplant he’s been waiting eight years for. I don’t just love him, I’ve always really admired him too - he is a magnificent individual. There were tears and whoops of joy all over town as our little impromptu telephone tree spread the news. It felt so good to make those calls.
Of course it’s only the beginning. He’s in a lot of pain, and his mum said there were “a few effs”, benignly ignored by the nurses who couldn’t give him any more pain relief in the middle of the night. But it is a beginning, and it is possible because of that donor’s gift.
It’s estimated that around 100 people die every year in Australia waiting for organ or tissue transplant; our donation rate is amongst the lowest in the developed world. Every donor can save the life of up to ten other people. (source)
You can register to be an organ donor online. Please do.
11 Comments
September 14th, 2007 at 11:55 am
You (generally, the readership, not Zoe specifically) should also talk to your family about what you want, because they get final say if you’re in a position where you can donate.
If you don’t want to wait til you die to help people out, you can give blood. Ring them and see if you’re eligible.
September 14th, 2007 at 12:17 pm
Very good points, kate.
My family are all acqainted with my wishes - and they’re all registered too.
September 14th, 2007 at 3:01 pm
I’ve been on the list for years as a potential donor.
Of course, these days it’s likely that no one’s going to want my organs.
Nice to hear about a happy ending, though.
September 14th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
An old friend, in the prime of his life (32, ridiculously fit) died in a tragic accident and his family went along with his wishes to donate his organs. His wonderful mum bragged that the transplant team had said they’d never seen such healthy organs. Thanks for your post. It’s so lovely to think about the happiness and relief such an act of love can bring, in the midst of what is otherwise the most god-awful sadness.
September 14th, 2007 at 6:31 pm
Thank you, Trish. It hurts when they’re young - my friend has just turned 35, and he can still have a life.
The joy, and gratitude, ripples out from that gift. Hundreds of people’s lives are made richer by each donor.
And good on your friend’s family for respecting his wishes. I was talking about this to my mum today - we’re both a bit hardline, and don’t think that families should be able to opt out if a person has registered. That’s a whole other story, though ; )
September 15th, 2007 at 9:07 pm
I agree Zoe, they can’t opt out of a will (though of course it can be contested) why should they be able to opt out of a decision that can save other lives?
September 16th, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Wow, at very close to your friend’s age I can’t imagine what it would have been like waiting 8 years not knowing if I was going to get life saving organs. I hope he recovers swiftly and well.
September 18th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Good on you for drawing attention to organ donation. This has to be the easiest donation a person can make with the most amazing results and yet as you said, we have such a low rate of organ donation.
September 19th, 2007 at 1:34 pm
It was nice of you to think of the donor!
September 19th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
When my uncle died 35 years ago, my father said to use everything that could be used so two people regained their sight. He died in a Catholic hospital but Dad stuck to his guns and it was done.
I carry my donor card with me all the time.
April 7th, 2008 at 12:31 am
I’ve not seen this before - thank you, and I thank her.
She (and I assume that bit too) was 67 and died peacefully - that’s all I’ll ever know.
With her help I’ve been able to drink to her several times since.
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