Geelong woman Naomi Grove is one of hundreds of Australians facing the agonising wait for an organ transplant.
She suffers from a genetic disease which could result in liver failure. The disease claimed the life of her mother four years ago. In the end, she was too weak for an organ transplant.
Naomi’s name has just been added to the waiting list. She’s younger and stronger than her mother, and is hopeful someone will give her life’s most precious gift.
“It’s a stressful and daunting process,” Naomi said.
“It’s also very emotional for me because I spend a lot of time asking myself why I should get an organ when my mother didn’t.
“I’ll always grieve for my mum but I have to remember life is so precious, I have to live for right now.”
Naomi, who works at the Department of Human Services in the Geelong Smart Centre, is using DonateLife Week to urge everyone who can to join the Australian Organ Donor register.
“You’re giving someone a chance to live their life. You can spare a family the grief and trauma of losing a loved one,” Naomi said. Naomi said it’s extremely important to discuss your decision with family and friends, who must also give consent before an organ or tissue donation can proceed. One of the main reasons families decline donation is because they simply don’t know what their loved one wanted.
“If you’re aware of your loved ones wishes you can let them give the gift they want to be known for,” Naomi said.
“Give someone the chance to live on and they will cherish the memory forever.”
With more than 1,400 Australians on the waitlist for a life-saving transplant, every new registration counts.
The Australian Organ Donor Register is the only national register for people to record their decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor for transplantation after death.
You can register to be an organ and tissue donor using your Medicare online account through myGov, the Express plus Medicare mobile app or at donatelife.gov.au – a minute of your time could one day save the lives of many.
