Only 28 per cent registered as donors, resident receives gift of life twice

A startling statistic has revealed how many people are registered organ donors, as one Toowoomba woman shares her story of receiving the gift of life... twice. Details here.

An alarming statistic has shown less than 30 per cent of residents are registered to donate organs and tissue, an action that could save countless lives.

A survey by The Chronicle found that 87 per cent of readers would consider donating, however according to DonateLife, only 28 per cent of residents over 16 were registered.

“We know this isn’t because people in Queensland don’t support organ and tissue donation – they do,” DonateLife Queensland state manager and nursing director Tina Coco said.

“The problem is … they don’t know how to, don’t think they’re healthy enough or simply haven’t got around to it yet.

“Any Australian aged 16 and over can sign up online.

DonateLife registration steps, QR code

“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.”

Toowoomba resident Kahler Baker was born with Alagille Syndrome – a rare, genetic condition which can affect various organs including the liver, kidney and occasionally the heart.

Kahler Baker, pictured with her husband Michael Baker, has Alagille syndrome and has required a kidney and liver donation. Picture: Kevin Farmer

At the age of five, she received a lifesaving gift.

“In 1994, I had the liver transplant, which was a pretty big thing for such a little person to go through,” Ms Baker said.

“Thankfully in a way I don’t remember much of the trauma side of it, but not a day goes by where I’m not thankful for what that has done for me.”

Earlier this year, Mrs Baker received a third chance at life, with the generous donation of a kidney.

Kahler Baker with mum Leanne Rissman with an article from The Chronicle featuring a five-year-old Kahler. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“We knew that eventually my kidneys would be impacted by (the Alagille Syndrome),” she said.

Mrs Baker was on at-home dialysis for more than four years, which helped prolong the life of her kidneys.

At the time of the transplant, she believed her kidneys were at four to five per cent.

“(Dialysis) was a lifestyle and a half,” she said.

“Its difficult to be in it, but once you have a transplant, its difficult to get it out of your head to know that its not your life anymore.

“I was dialysing from home, so myself, my husband and my parents were impacted by it.”

Almost 2000 Australians are currently on the waitlist for an organ transplant, while 13 million eligible australians are yet to register.

“Take that minute out of your day and chat to your family,” Mrs Baker said.

“Whether its over a barbecue or general catch up … tell them what your wishes are.

“That one minute of your day could save lives.”

Ms Coco said while nine in 10 families say yes to donations of their loved ones if they are a registered donor, the number is halved when the person has not shared their wishes.

“Turning that number around starts with every single person who registers this DonateLife Week,” she said.

Visit the DonateLife to register.