Community
26 July, 2024
Plea to carry donor card
PORT Fairy’s Peter Auld is urging all organ donors across the region to ensure they carry their donor cards at all times.
Mr Auld, who donated a kidney to his brother more than 30 years ago, has spoken out in the hope his story will inspire others to consider organ donation – and for those who have already pledged to do so, to carry their donor card.
“I totally understand that choosing to be an organ donor is a very personal thing; it’s not for everyone and I appreciate that,” he said.
“But for those who have agreed to become a donor, I urge them to carry their donor card with them at all times so that, in the unfortunate event of an accident, others are aware of your wishes.”
The youngest of six boys, Mr Auld said, for him, it was a “no brainer” when his older brother needed a kidney and tests revealed he was a perfect match.
“I didn’t hesitate to put my hand up, my brother was ill and needed an organ and I had two perfectly healthy ones so why not?
“I was healthy, I wasn’t on any medication and I was happy to be a donor. But back then there was very little support or information available and I pretty much went through the whole process with many unanswered questions.
“Fortunately, times have changed and there’s so much information readily available for everyone and the support networks are there.”
While his brother remains on anti-rejection drugs, Mr Auld said he has had no major medical issues since the transplant and maintains a healthy, active lifestyle.
“I always try to keep fit; I did a lot of swimming before I donated my kidney and made sure I was in good health back then and have ever since.
“Organ donation is so important and for those considering it, I encourage them to do so. And for those who are on the organ donor registry make sure you’ve got a card and keep it handy.”
Mr Auld’s message coincides with this year’s ‘DonateLife Week’ which runs from this Sunday, July 28 through to Sunday, August 4.
The nation-wide campaign aims to promote awareness and to encourage more Australians to get behind organ and tissue donation.
Research shows that four in five Australians say they support donation, but only about one in three (36 per cent) are registered to be a donor on the Australian Organ Donor Register.
“Registering as an organ and tissue donor could be the reason someone else gets a second chance at life,” Mr Auld said.
How to register as a donor
IT takes less than a minute to register to become an organ and tissue donor.
With around 1,800 Australians currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants, now is the time to join the registry.
And you could save up to seven lives.
If you want to help, and would like to be added to the donor registry, simply log on to the vicroads website and follow the ‘register online’ tab.
Anyone aged 16 and over can register on the Australian Organ Donor Register and it only takes one minute.
