A simple yes could save a life

“After six years of dialysis my life was on hold,” kidney recipient Carlo Muscatello said.

“Now, I’m doing things I never did before. I still think about the donor and what it meant for him to say yes.”

Mr Muscatello, from Kings Langley, received a life-saving and life-changing kidney in 2011 at Westmead Hospital’s renal transplant unit, one of only two such units in Australia.

Mr Muscatello told his story as the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) announced its support for DonateLife Week 2017, Australia’s national awareness campaign to promote organ and tissue donation.

WSLHD donation specialist nurse Monica Walker said the week was an opportunity for people to share their wishes with family.

“It’s important people understand exactly what is involved so that people can make their organ and tissue donation wish count,” she said.

“Every family must know each other’s decision, if they are ever asked to confirm your donation wish.

“Registering your donation decision is important because it leaves your family in no doubt of your decision to save lives as an organ and tissue donor.”

Thanks to a new registration process, it is now faster and easier to register your donation decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR).

Monica said there are several people on lists waiting for a life-saving organ.

“With around 1,400 Australians currently on transplant waiting lists, and a further 12,000 people on dialysis, we need to optimise every donation opportunity to save more lives.”

DonateLife week is led by the Organ and Tissue Authority as part of the national DonateLife campaign and supported by community events and activities across Australia.

For more information or to register your wishes: www.donatelife.gov.au