Today is DonateLife Thank You Day – an annual day where we pause, reflect, and thank donors and their families for generously giving the gift of life.
Federal Minister responsible for organ and tissue donation, Mark Coulton, said the gift of organ and tissue donation is a generous act that is life-changing for another person.
“On DonateLife Thank You Day we stop and give thanks to those who have given someone hope and an opportunity to continue life,” Minister Coulton said.
In 2019, 1,683 lives were transformed by the generosity of 548 deceased and 239 living organ donors and their families that said ‘yes’ to organ donation. A further 12,000 Australians benefited from eye and tissue donation.
“Australia has a world class transplant clinical system but ultimately the gift of a transplant is not possible without donors and their families,” Minister Coulton said.
“Because over 4,500 donors and their families said ‘yes’ to organ and tissue donation since the national program began in 2009, more than 13,000 transplant recipients and their families say thank you.”
“For those waiting for a transplant, organ and tissue donation can mean the difference between life and death, being healthy and sick, between seeing and being blind, or between being active and never walking again. It means that people can resume an active life with their family, in their workplace, their school and their community.
“Australians of all ages, faiths and cultural backgrounds might one day be in need of an organ or tissue transplant.
“I encourage all Australians to reflect on the life-changing benefits of organ and tissue donation and to show your support by joining the Australian Organ Donor Register at donatelife.gov.au – it’s easy and takes less than a minute – and have the all-important conversation with your family, so they know your intentions.”
