Jack - donor, SA

Jack in a blue, school blazer
Despite their grief, they were able to say yes to donation without hesitation, because they knew what Jack had wanted.

Jack was the oldest son in a loving family of five. Like many 18 years olds, he was fit and healthy and enjoyed sports like football and cricket. He had his whole life ahead of him – until tragedy suddenly struck. 

After complaining of a headache one evening in 2009, Jack went to bed to sleep it off. However his condition deteriorated through the night, and he was taken to hospital.  

Jack’s parents rushed back to Australia from an overseas holiday to be by his bedside. Tragically, Jack was pronounced brain dead when they arrived.  

Meningococcal disease had claimed the life of their beloved son. They were now faced with the question of donating his organs. 

Jack’s family recalled Jack registering as an organ donor when he got his drivers licence. Despite their grief, they were able to say yes to donation without hesitation, because they knew what Jack had wanted.  

Thanks to Jack’s precious gift of life, the lives of 5 Australians have been transformed.

Currently, you can only register as an organ and tissue donor through your drivers licence in South Australia.  

Many Australians think they’re registered but are not – so it’s important to take the time to check. You can do this on your Express Plus Medicare app. 

Importantly, let your family know you want to be a donor. Every year, opportunities to save lives are missed because families didn’t know what their family members wanted. If you want to be donor, register and tell them, so you leave them certain about what you want. 

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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