Newsroom

If you’ve ruled yourself out from being an organ and tissue donor due to past lifestyle or health reasons, it might be time to think again. 🤔

RBWH Donation Specialist Nurse Lorraine urges people to ‘count yourself in, not out’, explaining that there are many misconceptions about organ and tissue donation, particularly around habits like drinking and smoking.

"Many people think they’re not eligible to be an organ donor due to being too old, or having been a drinker or smoker,” she said.

“It’s best to make a decision based on your beliefs and values. Let the medical experts consider all the medical information and decide your eligibility to donate at the time of your death."

“Just because one organ may not be suitable for donation, doesn’t mean all other organs and tissue is ruled out too. We’ve had people in their 80s donate organs, we’ve had people in remission from cancer become donors, as well as many who believe their lifestyle choices would preclude them from donating.”

Lorraine said she feels privileged to support families who are considering donation at one of the most difficult times of their life. ❤️‍🩹

“Donors often tell me this is the one positive thing to come out of a tragic situation, and it gives them a sense of hope. It`s an honour to be able to grant people`s wishes at the end of their life.”

"One organ donor can save seven lives, and tissue donors can help people see again, walk again and return to work and family. For newborns and young children, donor heart tissue saves lives and bone donation may help teens with bone cancer.”

“You can even receive tendons for sport injuries and skin donations for burns patients.”

Find out more at the Donate Life website https://www.donatelife.gov.au/all-about-donation/who-can-donate ...