Wow. I haven't blogged for a month! that's terrible. I guess I can only blame being so busy with Cake Ink. stuff!! pop over there to see what's kept me busy!!
but anyway - I want to share a story. Just recently was the 5 year anniversary since my Mum became a live organ donor. Her best friend's husband developed kidney failure and deteriorated extremely rapidly. watching their family go through Billy's illness was super hard for my Mum and our family, so much so that my Mum was willing to do whatever it took to help - and so after all the compatiblity and health tests, and a day of surgery, she gave Billy a kidney. And now 5 years on I am so proud to say that both Mum and Billy are perfectly healthy, happy, and have no health issues at all!!
Mum's gift was so massive that I have now gained an extra set of parents and an extra brother and sister as a result! we have all become extremely close, and to symbolise my Mum's bravery her and Dad got tattoos! But I did something a little less drastic, I joined DonateLife as a volunteer. DonateLife are a national organisation creating awareness about organ donation. And there are many different opinions on this topic! But I have met some really inspiring people since joining the group, one of them being Margaret Bland.
Margaret's son David was only 14 years old when he died suddenly in early 2006 after suffering a cerebral oedema. David became one of only four child organ donors in Victoria that year. And in his honour, David's family created the David Bland 'Ride for Life'. It is held annually, and helps to raise money and awareness for DonateLife. This year it is held on October 24th, and goes from Gardiner's Creek in Hawthorn into the city following the Yarra River, and back out again in time for a BBQ. David loved riding, basketball, and was a super active kid so this is a fitting tribute!! For more info about the 'Ride for Life' pop past the website.
So I guess my moral for today's story is just to get you thinking about organ donation. I won't go into it I have talked enough! but visit DonateLife's website to read up about it, and how to ensure your wishes are followed. and get talking about it!!
Thanks so much for raising awareness of this very important issue. I actually have a chronic lung disease and will need some new lungs at sometime in the future. I'm not on the waiting list yet, but I'm hoping that when the time comes, someone will be generous enough to make the ultimate gift.
ReplyDeleteIt is so good that you are posting to raise awareness Samone. How wonderful that David's family have created such an inspiring event from his tragic death. What a great thing your Mum did too. I used to work as a social worker in a kidney transplant unit, and saw on the ground level how these live transplants literally change lives.
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