Let them know

ORGAN donation is selflessly rewarding, with a single donor able to save six lives and improve many more. One young man saved four lives through organ donation, and his family would like to share his story and why it is important to ask and know our loved ones’ wishes.

Mitchell Brennan had just turned 18. He was bright and training to be a paramedic when he was involved in a tragic accident which left him brain dead. “Shortly after being told the horrific news, a doctor entered the room and before she could finish the question, mum knew what they were going to ask,” Mitchell’s sister Melanie Plant said.

“Mum looked up and said, you want to know if we will donate his organs?” Plant added. “The doctor looked at us, unsure what to say next, but sat down and went through what the possibilities would be and asked had we discussed organ donation with Mitchell. We stared at each other – whilst we were all registered organ donors, none of us were sure of what his wishes were, as he had only turned 18 less than two months prior. And what 18 year old has that kind of discussion with their family?”

“Given that Mitchell’s wish to become a paramedic and his caring nature, we decided that it would be something he would have wanted. As mum often says, nothing was going to change our circumstances that fatal day, but if we could help save someone else the grief of losing a loved one, it was worth doing.”

Mitchell was one of 309 donors in 2010, and his donation gave two young fathers his heart and lungs, while a kidney and pancreas went to a middle aged lady and his liver and kidney went to a young girl.

“What makes us most comfortable some days is to know that due to Mitchell’s ultimate gift, other mothers and families don’t have to feel the pain that we carry with us every day,” Plant said. “And that makes our decision worthwhile.”

Many of us find it too difficult to discuss organ donation with our families, but during DonateLife Week (February 19-26), we are all being encouraged to find out what our loved ones want.

Making the decision about organ donation would have been a lot easier for the family if they had known his wishes, Plat said. “Statistics show that most people will never have to make that decision, but why leave it to chance when all it takes is a five minute conversation? You never know when you may need to know the answer.”

Plant said since the family made the decision about a year and a half ago, they have become more involved with DonateLife, especially in Victoria. The family has also organised an organ donation awareness AFL game with Mitchell’s footy club.

Myths about organ donation

SuperLiving would like to help you weed out some of the myths about becoming an organ donor.

I’m too old, too young or not healthy enough to donate

Almost anyone can donate their organs and tissue. While your age and medical history will be considered, you shouldn’t assume you are too old, too young or not healthy enough. There’s every chance that some of your organs and tissues will be suitable for donation. Only some medical conditions may prevent you from being a donor, such as transmissible diseases like HIV.

My family won’t be able to view my body

Yes they will. The removal of organs and tissue is no different from any other surgical operation, and is performed by highly skilled health professionals. The donor’s body is always treated with dignity and respect. The donation of organs and tissue does not alter the physical appearance of the body, and your family will be able to view your body and have an open casket if they wish.

I don’t need to tell my family

You do need to discuss your decision with your family and friends, even if you have registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register (or, in some states, on your driver’s licence). Donation won’t proceed without your family’s consent. Families are less likely to give consent for donation if they do not know the wishes of the deceased. That’s why every family is encouraged to discuss and know each other’s wishes.

I’m not sure if I am registered

You can check and update (or register) your details on the Australian Organ Donor Register at www.medicareaustralia.gov.au, call 1800 777 203 or visit any Medicare office. In Australia you can donate your organs – heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and pancreas – and tissues – heart valves and pericardium, corneal and eye tissue, bone and related musculoskeletal tissue and skin tissue. You record which organs and tissue you want to donate on the Australian Organ Donor Register.

There won’t be any support for my family

The intensive care unit team caring for you and the DonateLife Agency donor coordinator and donor family support coordinator give the family as much support as they need during and after the decision to donate. Families considering organ and tissue donation will also have access to free bereavement counselling. The DonateLife donor coordinator will be the family’s initial point of contact from the time donation is first discussed. They provide the link between the family and the medical team and will help the family after the donation, particularly with arranging a private farewell and/or a viewing of the body, if the family wishes.

The coordinator will contact the donor family with details of support offered in their state or territory. The coordinator can, if the family wishes, provide information on the outcomes of the donation and give details on how to write anonymously to the recipients.

Click here for more information about organ donation myths.

State and Territory Events during DonateLife Week 19-26 February