Heidi Kraak
Larry Virtue had always been fit and healthy, however, at age 58 developed cardiomyopathy for no apparent reason.
Short of breath and with fluid on the heart, Mr Virtue had two implantable defibrillators inserted for three years.
“I was told I only had six months to live,” he said.
Mr Virtue’s condition began to deteriorate but he received the life-saving phone call to say a donor was available for a heart transplant.
“I’m indebted to whoever the donor was,” he said.
“I don’t really want to know [who it was].”
Fit and healthy again, the now 69-year-old enjoys spending time with his family and riding his bike and participated in the 600-kilometre Tour de Transplant ride from Warnambool to the Alfred Hospital in 2016.
“You just don’t know when your number will come up,” he said.
“There is a great need for [organ donation]. A great percentage of people want to be donors but haven’t put their hand up.
“It could be your sibling or you [who need an organ transplant], so it is important to talk to your family to make sure they are aware [of your wishes].”
On the other end of the equation, Mel Neil and her parents found themselves in the heartbreaking situation of having to say goodbye to their sister and daughter Natalie*, who suffered from four severe seizures that starved her brain of oxygen.
Natalie was declared brain dead at Latrobe Regional Hospital and the family were asked whether they were aware of her wishes when it came to organ donation.
Knowing her wishes, the family did not hesitate and went ahead with the donation which went on to save four lives and change the lives of many more through tissue donation.
In addition, Natalie’s liver was donated to facilitate liver research which aims to improve outcomes for future liver transplant recipients.
Ms Neil said the family couldn’t be prouder of their decision and of Natalie.
Nurse donation specialist for the Gippsland region Kylie Larkin encouraged people to discuss their wishes regarding organ donation with their familes and to register.
“Registration is quick and easy to do online with your Medicare card,” she said.
“It takes less than a minute and is important because it leaves your family in no doubt of your wish to be an organ and tissue donor.”
Since 2009, the lives of more than 10,000 Australians have been saved as a result of a transplant.
In 2017, 1675 lives were saved through the generosity of 510 deceased organ donors and their families and 273 living donors.
Today around 1400 Australians and their families are waiting for a call to say an organ has become available.
For more information about DonateLife Week – which runs from July 29 until August 5 – or to register with the Australian Organ Donor Register, visit donatelife.gov.au.
*Natalie’s real name has been withheld to protect her identity
