Christmas is special for me, personally. It was this season for me three years ago, that threatened to be the last time I would be together with my family. Fortunately, I am still here because of the generosity of an organ donor, and now in this season, I get to celebrate these times in notable health and happiness.
As a double lung transplant recipient, I have my world back now, after so very nearly having it taken away from me due to cystic fibrosis – a condition I’ve had since birth. I am now able to study again, work, contribute to the community around me and enjoy my life, family and friends…living life to the full.
But others are not yet so fortunate. Some 1600 people are on the transplant waiting list in Australia at any given time.
As we gather with our families and friends around Christmas and the New Year, keep in mind that there is one person on this list each week that is taken away from their family before they are able to get their awaited transplant, no longer able to enjoy these occassions that we often take for granted.
As we celebrate in each other’s homes or at the park or the beach, remember those patients in hospital over this holiday, waiting for the one and only thing they want for Christmas – their life back. I’ve spent a few Christmases in hospital, and while the nursing staff make it as festive as they can, it’s just not the same as home. Spare a thought for these families, who eat their Christmas ham from a tupperware box and pretend their plastic cups are filled with blackcurrant juice when the doctors ask.
Thanks to work by DonateLife, donation rates are increasing – 2011 has been a successful year with an estimated total of 338 donors – certainly more than the 309 donors from 2010 and the 247 in 2009.
Top Comments
I really don't see the point in registering as a donor because it's not a legally binding process. If one does end up brain dead and on life support, your family can say no to organ donation and you won't get a say in it. I am a registered donor but it really means nothing when I have to rely on my family to fulfill my wishes. For all I know they might be too distraught to say 'yes, take the organs then turn off the life support'.
I think organ donation is super important. It's a shame so little people have responded to this post and how afraid people are of their own mortality. Organ donation is one of the last impressions we can leave on this world that have an impact and are probably our only way to change the life of a group of people. Organ donation is the gift of life, so why wouldn't you?