Donor - Tom, NSW

A Year 12 student with a big future in academic studies, sport and music, Tom, aged 17, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest following a swim with his family near their home.  

But Tom’s story doesn’t end there, Tom and his generous family gifted his kidneys and corneas to improve the lives of others. Tom’s kidneys were successfully transplanted into 2 people. His corneas also went on to restore sight to 7 people. 

For Tom’s girlfriend Caitlin, his death was the end to many plans and dreams but his generous and compassionate spirit lives on.  

The pair had met on the school bus at the end of 2019. Romance blossomed, and they quickly became inseparable. 

After they’d finished school, Tom and Caitlin were planning to travel around Australia in a campervan before buckling down to study at university. 

“Tom was so generous, so compassionate, so funny, and so engaged in life. We just got on so well together,” said Caitlin, who has continued to be warmly embraced by Tom’s family. 

“Tom was one of those incredibly special people. He brought so much joy and love into my life. I just feel so lucky to have met him.” 

It was when Tom was getting his learner’s permit that he asked about organ donation at the dinner table.  

“Tom made it clear that he wanted to support organ donation and it was so typical of him to want to help others in need,” said his father Brad. “In hindsight, we are so grateful that we had the discussion as a family.”.  

Brad and Tom’s mother Karrie did not hesitate following their son’s wishes after he passed away. “It’s what Tom would have wanted; to be able to help others,” said Brad. 

Caitlin was not surprised when she discovered her beloved was an organ donor. 

“All Tom wanted to do was help people, and in his final moments that's exactly what he did. I never knew one person could care so much about the people he loved, and even people he hadn't nor would ever meet.”  

Last year, Tom’s parents wrote a letter to each of the recipients, hoping they were happier and healthier than ever.  

“While losing him was so shocking, and we still feel the pain, he was a blessing to us and we are so incredibly thankful for the privilege of having him in our lives, and knowing he lives through you.”