Sunday 17 November is DonateLife Thank You Day. This is a national day to acknowledge all organ and tissue donors and their families.
Liberal Senator for Victoria, Sarah Henderson said, “DonateLife Thank You Day is a day for all Australians to say thank you to living and deceased donors and their families for saying ‘yes’ to organ and tissue donation.
Lives are transformed through the ultimate gift of organ and tissue donation. Receiving a transplant has far-reaching effects, benefiting both recipients and their loved ones.
“In communities across Australia are those whose lives have been saved and improved through the gift of organ or tissue donation.
“I invite all Victorians to say thank you and join in DonateLife Thank You Day 2019 by sharing a message of thanks to donors and their families on social media using the hashtags #DonateLife and #Thankyouday2019,” said Senator Henderson.
In the last decade, more than 11,000 Australians have had their lives saved as a result of an organ transplant due to the generosity of over 4,000 donors and their families.
People may need a transplant because they suffer from inherited conditions or due to illness, accidents or genetic abnormalities.
With around 1,400 Australians waiting for a life-saving transplant and a further 11,000 people on dialysis, every donation counts.
Senator Henderson said, “Another great way we can all show our thanks to those who choose to donate is to register as an organ and tissue donor.
“Registration is important because it leaves your family in no doubt of your wishes to become a donor”.
DonateLife Thank You Day is an Australian Government initiative as part of the Organ and Tissue Authority’s national Community Awareness Program.
For more information about DonateLife Thank You Day, including how you can get involved or to register as a donor visit donatelife.gov.au
15 November 2019
Media contact: Kerry Ridgeway 0408 316 298