Second Chance at Life Inspires Organ Donation Appeal
Catchphrase: A Tweed kidney transplant recipient is encouraging more Australians to register as organ and tissue donors after receiving the life-changing gift of a donated kidney.
A Northern Rivers woman whose life was transformed by a kidney transplant is sharing her story during DonateLife Week, encouraging more Australians to register as organ and tissue donors and discuss their decision with their families.
Tweed Heads grandmother Eve Martin spent five years undergoing renal dialysis three times a week after developing kidney failure. Her life changed dramatically two years ago when she was rushed to Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital for an emergency kidney transplant.
This month, Eve returned to the renal dialysis unit at Tweed Valley Hospital to thank the nurses and clinicians who cared for her throughout her treatment.
“I woke up from my transplant and on the first day felt almost no pain, I was filled with joy,” Eve said.
“I cannot speak highly enough of the staff who cared for me. I was surrounded by nurses so sweet and efficient and doctors who made me feel wonderful. I’m living the dream now. My surgery was a total success, and I urge everyone to register to become an organ and tissue donor.”
Her story forms part of DonateLife Week, with Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) encouraging more people to join the Australian Organ Donor Register. Pop-up stalls are being held at Tweed Valley Hospital, Lismore Base Hospital and Grafton Base Hospital throughout the week, giving residents the opportunity to learn more about organ and tissue donation and the registration process.
NNSWLHD Organ Donation Lead Dr Michael Lindley-Jones said Northern NSW continues to record organ donor registration rates well above both the NSW and national averages. More than 139,000 people across Northern NSW have registered their decision to become organ donors, with Ballina recording the state’s third-highest registration rate at 60 per cent, behind only Bellingen and the Blue Mountains. Registration rates are 58 per cent in Kyogle, 57 per cent in Byron, Clarence Valley and Lismore, 53 per cent in Tweed, and 50 per cent in Richmond Valley, compared with 41 per cent across NSW and 35 per cent nationally.
Despite these strong figures, new registrations across Northern NSW fell by 21 per cent last year, mirroring the statewide decline. Dr Lindley-Jones said it was vital that more people register and discuss their decision with family members. He also acknowledged the dedication of healthcare staff involved in facilitating organ donation across the District.
The need for donors remains significant. Around 2,000 Australians are on the transplant waiting list, while another 14,000 people are receiving dialysis treatment. Organ donation is only possible in around 2 per cent of hospital deaths, and more than 50 Australians die each year waiting for a life-saving transplant.
Throughout DonateLife Week, Twin Towns Services Club at Tweed Heads and the Grafton Clock Tower are being illuminated in DonateLife’s signature magenta to raise awareness. Health authorities are encouraging eligible Australians aged 16 years and over to register on the Australian Organ Donor Register and, importantly, ensure their family knows their decision.
