Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) Donation Specialist Coordinator Yoni Hope-Hodgetts will ride more than 500km during Donate Life Week (July 23-30) to emphasise the importance of becoming an organ donor.
She will ride in honour of the 71 people from the Central Coast who have become donors since CCLHD introduced its Organ Donation Service in 2009.
Hope-Hodgetts said there are currently around 1,800 people on the organ waitlist.
This includes around 70 people waiting for a life-saving heart and 1,450 people waiting for a kidney.
“We know 80 per cent of Australians aged 16 and over support organ and tissue donation— yet only seven million are actually registered,” she said.
“Once you register it is important to let your family know of your decision.
“They will always be asked to support your decision before organ donation goes ahead.
“It is easier for a family to make a decision when they know the wishes of their loved one.
“Many of the families that I look after tell me that upholding the wishes of their loved one and helping other people provided them with solace during a very difficult time.
“I will spend each ride reflecting on each donor and thinking of their family who so generously said yes to organ donation at such a difficult time in their lives.”
Hope-Hodgetts said she hoped her ride would encourage people to think about organ donation, make a decision and then register their decision.
It takes a minute to register to be a donor at donatelife.gov.au or with three taps in your Medicare app.
Source:
CCLHD