This DonateLife Week (July 23 to July 30), Launceston residents are being urged to take one minute to sign up and support organ and tissue donation.
Throughout this week, Launceston’s Town Hall is illuminated pink in support of the initiative, encouraging Launceston residents to sign up at donatelife.gov.au.
For Launceston’s Michele Polley, DonateLife Week has a special resonance.
In 2003, Michele’s 20-year-old son Aaron was involved in a devastating car crash on Tasmania’s East Coast.
The crash resulted in Aaron suffering a brain death and, as a registered organ donor, his organs were ultimately donated to four different recipients.
“Some months before the crash, we’d had the conversation with Aaron about organ donation and he was clear that if anything ever happened to him, he would want his organs donated,” Ms Polley said.
“As a family we’d had that conversation. We knew what Aaron’s wishes were, and when the doctors asked it made our decision so much easier.”
In the two decades since Aaron’s death, Ms Polley’s family has been contacted through anonymous letter exchanges by all four organ recipients through DonateLife.
She has gone on to tell the story of Aaron’s life as part of Launceston’s Living Library.
“It has been the most amazing light at the end of that tunnel that was our grief,” Ms Polley said.
“It has given us comfort knowing that Aaron’s gift was four people, four families, four lives.”
Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said he was pleased to see Town Hall illuminated for DonateLife Week in 2023.
“Michele’s story is an extremely powerful one and serves as an important reminder to all of us to have that discussion with our families and loved ones about organ donation, just like Aaron did,” Mayor Garwood said.
“Michele regularly tells the story of Aaron’s life as part of Launceston’s Living Library, helping other families have those conversations.
DonateLife Tasmania Executive Officer Davin Hibberd said there were currently 1800 Australians on organ waiting lists.
“This DonateLife Week, don’t forget to tell your family you want to be a donor — someone’s life may depend on it,” Mr Hibberd said.
“We know 80 per cent of Australians aged 16 or older support organ and tissue donation, yet only seven million are actually registered. The number should be closer to 16 million.
“Your family will always be asked to support your decision before organ donation goes ahead. They are much more likely to agree if they know you want to be a donor.
“One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and change the lives of many more through eye and tissue donation.
“Take a minute this week and sign up at donatelife.gov.au.”
