Madison - tissue recipient, VIC

Photo of tissue recipient Madison, sitting on grey carpet wearing a pink tutu dress and pink headband
The gift of tissue donation has been life-saving for Madi and precious for our whole family. We have endless gratitude.

Just days after birth, baby Madison – a fraternal twin – was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a serious congenital heart defect. It meant that, along with several other defects in her heart, Madison’s aortic arch was too narrow for blood to flow freely to her heart.   

In her first four months of life, Madison experienced a series of medical emergencies and underwent three major surgeries. During her second open heart surgery – when her heart was just the size of a 50-cent piece – donor tissue was transplanted into Madison’s aortic arch.    

One of many procedures, it was the gift of donor tissue that gave Madison her best chance of survival.     

“Madi’s story is so complex and the situation for our family during that time was very difficult,” Madison’s mum, Hannah said.   

“Madi’s life journey is different to her brother and sister. Despite some other health challenges, she’s living her best life as a 6-year-old. She loves her siblings, she’s going to gymnastics, and she does her very best to keep up with her twin sister. 

“The gift of tissue donation has been life-saving for Madi and precious for our whole family. We have endless gratitude.”     

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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