Tesch urges Coasties to think about organ donation

With about 1,800 people on Australia’s organ transplant waitlist and 14,000 more on dialysis for kidney failure needing help, Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch is urging Coasties to consider organ donation.

Jersey Day took place on August 30, encouraging people to wear a jersey and begin a conversation with their family and friends about the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor.

It was inspired by the gift of life that Nathan Gremmo gave to six people, five young adults and a baby, when he became an organ donor at the age of 13.

“Organ donation saves lives, and increasing awareness and consent is fundamental to lifting the donation rate,” Tesch said.

“It’s gut wrenching knowing that more than 50 Aussies passed away last year while on the organ transplant wait list.”

Tesch said opportunities for transplants were being missed because families were uncertain about their loved one’s wish to be a donor.

“I encourage people who are considering becoming an organ donor, or already are organ donors, to have conversations with their family and friends, letting them know of their wishes,” she said.

“Families are always asked to support someone’s decision to be a donor before donation goes ahead.

“Families are much more likely to agree if their loved one is registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register, and their family knew they wanted to be a donor.

“It therefore is so important that you begin the discussion today and not only register for organ donation, but begin the conversation with your family and friends.”

Anyone aged 16 and over can register at donatelife.org.au to become an organ donor in just one minute, or with three taps in the Medicare app.

People who think they may have already registered can perform an online check in just one minute.

Data shows that four in five Australians say they support donation, but only 36 per cent are registered.

“I urge our generous Coasties to please register as an organ and tissue donor,” Tesch said.

“Just a minute of your time today can change so many lives in the future should the worst happen.”

One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.

For the seriously ill, an organ or tissue transplant can mean the difference between life and death, being healthy or sick, seeing or being blind.