Whittington kidney transplant recipient urges people to sign up as organ donors
A Whittington kidney transplant recipient has revealed how his life was revolutionised thanks to a generous stranger’s decision to give the gift of life.
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A Whittington kidney transplant recipient has urged the public to sign up as organ donors to give the gift of life.
Robbie Carroll, 53, is one of 11 transplant ambassadors, appointed by Transplant Australia, for awareness event Saffron Day, held on Thursday.
Mr Carroll received a kidney transplant in October 2014, after suffering from hypertension which affected his kidney function.
Prior to the transplant, Mr Carroll said he felt like he was living on the fringe of life, particularly during dialysis, which caused him to feel isolated.
His ill health caused uncertainty and anxiety for loved ones.
He also suffered fatigue and the fear he would not receive a transplant, while his life was full of medical appointments.
After spending five years on the transplant waitlist, Mr Carroll underwent the procedure, which revolutionised his life.
The operation greatly improved his quality of life, opening up opportunities that were limited while waitlisted, including travel, and freed-up more of his time.
The father-of-two has registered as an organ and tissue donor and volunteered for multiple renal health projects.
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Mr Carroll urged the public to educate themselves on organ and tissue donation and register.
“You never know when you may need an organ or tissue transplant yourself,” he said.
“To those who have registered, received or donated: bless you.”
Saffron Day is in honour of Sydney boy Deyaan Udani, who tragically passed away on a family holiday in 2016 aged just seven.
Not long before the trip, Deyaan and his older sister Naisha had learned about organ
and tissue donation at school.
They told their parents they wanted to be organ donors one day to help save the lives of others.
Little did Deyaan’s mum and dad know that a few months later, they would be faced with the decision to donate his organs.
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Their decision to honour Deyaan’s wish saved four lives.
Transplant Australia CEO, Chris Thomas, said Deyaan’s parents committed to honouring Deyaan’s memory by establishing Saffron Day and promoting organ donation.
Saffron symbolises courage and strength, qualities seen in little Deyaan, and orange was also Deyaan’s favourite colour.
The message is that a pinch of Saffron goes a long way, as does the generous gift of organ donation.
Friends and families are encouraged to discuss organ donation as part of the awareness drive.
Visit saffronday.org for more information, or visit donatelife.gov.au/saffronday to register as an organ donor.
Originally published as Whittington kidney transplant recipient urges people to sign up as organ donors