Rebecca Allen: Former Sunshine Coast mum, wife dies on organ transplant list

A former Sunshine Coast woman who died waiting for an organ transplant has been able to save three lives since her death, an act her family says would’ve made her proud.

The family of a former Sunshine Coast woman who lost her life while waiting for an organ transplant say they have found solace knowing the “absolutely beautiful” mother and wife saved three lives after her death.

Rebecca Allen, 37, had been suffering from serious heart issues throughout her life, and spent the last eight months waiting for a new heart and two lungs.

On September 12, 2022 Mrs Allen suffered a heart attack and stroke which took her life, dying in the Prince Charles Hospital in Brisbane.

Her sister Rachael said the 37-year-old was the “strongest woman” she ever knew.

Rebecca Allen, Rach Malone and her daughter Matias. Picture: Contributed

“She fought this battle since day one having being born with six holes in her heart,” Ms Malone said

“The doctors back then didn’t think she’d make it to her first birthday, didn’t think she’d have a child either.

“She’s kicked goals for 37 years, and we thought we’d never get those years.”

Ms Malone said Mrs Allen had raised a “beautiful” 15-year-old son Declan and was married to her loving partner Michael.

Rebecca Allen with her partner Michael and her son Declan. Picture: Contributed

She said her sister was aware that it would be tough to get a donor to match for her organs and even if she was to receive those organs it would’ve been a 60/40 chance at survival.

Since her passing, Mrs Allen was able to save three people’s lives by donating two kidneys and a liver as well as eye and bone tissue which went to other patients including cancer sufferers.

“It was what she wanted to do, to be able to help somebody else to have another chance at life that she unfortunately couldn’t get,” Ms Malone said.

Rebecca Allen and her best friend Berlinda Simpson. Picture: Contributed

“We know she’d be so happy that she saved three people’s lives and given those families hope.”

The 37-year-old Brisbane woman, who was raised on the Coast and went to Caloundra State High, will be remembered by her family and friends as someone who “called a spade a spade” according to her grieving sister.

“She was just a beautiful, kind, loving soul who would give the shirt off her back to anybody,” Ms Malone said.

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“Bec never beat around the bush either, we would often call her the ‘mouth from the south’, her language was disgusting sometimes.”

Due to the increased strain on her heart as she grew older, Mrs Allen had dedicated the latter part of her life to her family, particularly her son Declan and her partner Michael.

Ms Malone said all her sister wanted to do was create memories before her time ran out.

A GoFundMe has been created to help with Mrs Allen’s funeral costs and to support her family during a difficult time.

You can donate here.