Natalie – heart recipient, Tas

Natalie – heart recipient, Tas
Natalie often thinks of her donor and their family, and their incredible generosity…

Despite a congenital heart condition diagnosed as a child, Natalie had a fairly normal life until things took a downhill slide when she was in her 20s.

Her heart condition suddenly worsened and she endured numerous surgeries and procedures including open heart repair surgery, a valve replacement and having defibrillators implanted.

With Natalie’s worsening heart failure, the only option for survival was a heart transplant.

Fortunately Natalie received the gift of a heart transplant in 2017, from a donor and their family she is incredibly grateful to.

In the years since then, Natalie’s health and strength have flourished.

She now enjoys regular bushwalking and cycling with her husband John and her friends and plans many new adventures into the future.

Natalie often thinks of her donor and their family, and their incredible generosity which has given her new opportunities and the prospect of a long and active life.

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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