This Sunday (21 November) is DonateLife Thank You Day – an annual day where we ask all Australians to pause, reflect, and thank donors and their families for generously giving the gift of life.
Now in its sixth year, DonateLife Thank You Day provides an important opportunity for people who have received a transplant and their families to say thanks to donors and donor families for saving and transforming their lives. Their stories inspire other Australians to register as organ and tissue donors and talk to their family about donation.
This year, we are saying thank you by focusing on the little things that make a recipient’s life great! Whether it’s the ability to go for a walk again, hang out the washing or to simply spend time with family, organ and tissue donation changes recipients’ lives forever. Here's what some of our transplant community members had to say about the little things they are reflecting on this year.
"The day that I left hospital was absolutely amazing. As I hopped in the car, I read the number plate of the car in front of me, which I'd never done before in my life. It just filled me with pure joy and gratitude and love, and I relish that special moment,” said Sharon, who has had two corneal transplants and donated a kidney of her own.
Courtney, who has had a pancreas and kidney transplant, says she is forever grateful to her donor and their family because she can now stand in line at the grocery store, change the sheets on her bed, have a shower without help and hang out the washing.
“I am grateful that I am a recipient of donated bone tissue. Thank you for enabling me to have freedom and spontaneity in life again,” said Ashleigh, who has had a bone and tissue transplant.
These are just some of the stories we are sharing for DonateLife Thank You Day. You can hear these and more by following us on social media. If you would like to help us acknowledge this special day too, download our poster, email signature block or social media resources and share on your own channels with the hashtag #ThankYouDay2021.
