Hunter – liver recipient, VIC

Hunter and his mother Melissa

“We are so grateful that he did get the liver he so desperately needed.” 

Sports fan Hunter might not remember being unwell, but he knows he was very sick as a baby.  

 

After a few issues from birth, a community nurse suggested Hunter be taken to the Royal Children’s Hospital due to his jaundice; the following day mum, Mel, took him in, and he stayed for six months. It was here they found out he needed a liver transplant.  

 

Hunter’s family had started the process of potentially becoming a live donor, when in a matter of days a donor liver became available.   

  

“When we got the call, we were so close to the end for Hunter that we were so ready for it – he just needed it so desperately at that point,” Mel said. 

 

“We are so grateful that at that time he did get the liver he needed. It’s been wonderful for him and hopefully he has it for many, many years. 

 

“During the month of his transplant anniversary, we have a heightened awareness of the donor and donor family. We talk about it a lot and we think about that family.” 

We want all Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation. If you want to be a donor, make sure you tell your family and friends.

Registering is easy and only takes one minute. All you need is your phone, Medicare card and one minute to register.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are — you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.

The Organ and Tissue Authority acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.

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