Give the gift of hope these holidays

Victorians are being asked to give the gift of hope this holiday season by registering to be an organ and tissue donor.

As 2023 draws to a close, DonateLife Victoria is issuing a final call for people to register as an organ and tissue donor, giving hope to those currently waiting for an organ or tissue transplant.

There are currently 1800 Australians on the waiting list for an organ transplant, with a further 14,000 undergoing dialysis who could benefit from a kidney transplant.

“During this season of giving, we are urging Victorians to register as an organ and tissue donor, to give the gift of hope to more than 1,800 Australians who are waiting for a life-saving organ transplant,” said Dr Rohit D’Costa, State Medical Director at DonateLife Victoria.

“One minute is all it takes to register as a donor, and one organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.

“For someone who is seriously ill, an organ or tissue transplant can mean the difference between life or death. It is truly the greatest gift,” said Dr D’Costa.

With many people seeing their family during this time, Dr D’Costa also says it is an ideal time to let your family know that you support organ and tissue donation.

“Eight out of 10 families say yes to donation if their family member had registered to be a donor. 

“When the family is uncertain about whether their family member wanted to be a donor, only four out of 10 families agree to donation.

“It makes it harder for families to decide if they don’t know what their family member wanted,” said Dr D’Costa.

“I would like to thank every Victorian who has taken one minute to register as an organ and tissue donor this year.

“I would also like to acknowledge and thank all the donors and their families who have made donation possible. Their generous decisions have changed the lives of many people.”

Anyone over the age of 16 can register as an organ and tissue donor regardless of their medical history, lifestyle, religion, or age.

Register on your Medicare App or online at donatelife.gov.au.