Ian Jervis, a fire fighter from Albion Park, is someone who is no stranger to
the importance of organ donation, being a recipient of a kidney gave him a
second chance at life.
"I owe my newfound quality of life to the generosity of others … and the
expertise of the Renal Service at Wollongong Hospital and the Renal Transplant
Unit at the Prince of Wales Hospital," Mr Jervis said.
Mr Jervis was away from home when he received the all-important call: a kidney
had become available.
"After waiting for nine years for a donor kidney it was a feeling of
exhilaration and the adrenalin was pumping. I packed a bag and was on my
way to hospital within minutes," he said.
"I don’t really remember much about the operation, but I feel stronger and have
much more energy now. Obviously organ donation is a very personal
decision, but what it can do for someone’s life is wonderful," Mr Jervis said.
This week is Organ Donation Awareness Week (21 – 28 February) and the key
message is "talk to your family" to let them know if you want to be an organ and
tissue donor.
South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health (SESIH) Organ and Tissue Donor Coordinator
Miriam Nonu said that talking to family members about becoming an organ donor
can save lives.
"Talking to your family about organ donation could be a life-saving discussion –
an organ donor can save the lives of up to ten people with many more for tissue
donation," Ms Nonu said.
In 2008, the number of organ donors across NSW rose to 57, compared to 53 in
2007, and the number of transplants performed in NSW also increased to 190,
compared to 175 in 2007.
Although organ donor rates in Australia rose by 31 percent in 2008, only
approximately 50 percent of families consented to organ donation of a loved one.
"It is important to talk to our families about organ donation and then register
as it gives families confidence to support their loved one’s decision at a time
when faced with shock and grief – and it gives hope for those waiting for a
transplant," Ms Nonu said.
You can ‘Register Today’ by signing on to the Australian Organ Donor Register or
NSW RTA register when renewing your drivers licence details. For further
information visit www.organdonor.com.au
or call 1800 777 203.
Media enquiries: South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health
Media Officer Maxine Brennan 9113 2601, 0413 028 776
