With Christmas just around the corner, I wanted to take a moment from the normal hustle and bustle of Christmas gift shopping or decorating the tree, to remind us all that there’s always time to give just one more gift to one more person. Maybe that gift could be the gift of life. Have you registered as an Organ donor yet? Here’s why you should:
T’s story:
Until two years ago T had led a busy, normal life. She had been running her own business for ten years and become very successful in her field. In January 2010, the life she knew was changed in an instant.
T was diagnosed with two serious lung diseases… “Organising Fibrosing Pneumonia” and “Idiopathic Pleuroparenchymal Fibroelastosis”. As a result of these conditions, her lungs will deteriorate… making breathing more and more difficult… and a lung transplant will become her only chance of survival.
On diagnosis, T chose to take positive action and rather than letting these conditions define her, she has committed to making a difference to the lives of many in the precious time she has left on this earth.
She now devotes her time to speaking to groups about her campaign… “Save5”… with which she hopes to encourage 10,000 new people to join the Organ Donor Register. So far through T’s efforts, 4,202 people have signed up.
How can you help?
Although Greg and I have registered, I understand that committing to registering as an organ donor is a very personal choice. But if you choose to register, you could make a huge difference to five families should your life tragically end.
I’d like to personally invite you to visit T’s website, read her story and take a few minutes today to consider whether you feel able to register as an organ donor.
If you already registered some time ago, your registration may no longer be valid so please do hop over here and check if you’re still classified as a registered donor.
As a registered donor you could save five lives on your death… hence the name of T’s campaign “Save5”.
If after reading T’s story, you make the decision to register as an organ donor… thank you. Please don’t forget to send T a message if you have registered as a result of reading this blog so she can add your name to her tally of new registrants… it is important that she can see the difference she is making so please do drop her a line if you have taken this step.
Death is taboo and very few people openly discuss what happens when you die… which in turn breeds fear around registering as an organ donor. It’s important to understand that registering does not automatically guarantee you will be able to donate your organs.
Statistically, you are far more likely to need a transplant yourself than ever becoming an actual donor.
You see, it is important that more people register so that those whose lives depend on a transplant have a chance of receiving one. We never know if the life of a loved one may suddenly depend on a transplant… if it can happen to T, it can happen to anyone.
If you feel you’d like to register but have concerns, please do get in touch with T so she can answer any questions to allay your fears. If you are not based in the UK, your registration is still vitally needed so if you’d like to participate, please check how your country accepts registrations.
I urge you to take some time to read T’s story today… she is a real inspiration and has so much positive energy and warmth that I was deeply touched by her story and amazing spirit. She has accepted that she may never receive the transplant she needs but her life purpose is to help save the lives of as many others as possible.
To quote directly from T;
“I now know why I have these diseases… if I hadn’t have been diagnosed, Save5 would not exist and I would not have this chance to transform so many lives!”
Wow. What a beautiful perspective.
If T’s story has touched you too, please share this post widely with your community… let’s see what we can do to help Save5 reach their milestone of 10,000 new registrations in T’s lifetime.
***********UPDATE***********
Since publishing this post we have received word that T sadly passed away this week. Unfortunately no suitable donor organs were available in time to save her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at this very sad time.
Please do take the time to pause and spare a thought for T and the many other people currently waiting for an organ donation. You can help by registering as an organ donor here in the UK, or here in Australia.
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