Become a donor

"Why I've chosen to become a donor and how I'm making my wishes known" - Jude Dobson

I went to two funerals within 48 hours recently. The first was for an 11-year old girl, the second a young man in his twenties. All funerals are sad, but those of young people are especially heart-wrenching.

At both services, the issue of organ donation was topical. The young girl had needed a heart transplant but had died, having waited a year with no donor in sight. The young man died in a car crash and his organs were donated and used to save other lives.

My background as a nurse meant I already knew the importance of organ donation. However, those funerals brought it home to me in a far more personal way. I also realised how vital it is for each and every New Zealander to discuss the subject of organ donation and to make their views known to family.

Young girls shouldn't end up in pink caskets in front of a grieving congregation wearing pink in her honour. And that young man has lost his life, a hurt which will be forever etched on the heart of his family and friends. My hope is that they can glean some comfort from the fact that he lives on by giving others a renewed chance at life.

Should the unthinkable happen, I've said to my family I am happy to be an organ donor. The decision of course will be theirs, not mine but if they know my thoughts on the matter, making that decision will perhaps be easier for them. I encourage you all to think about organ donation, make a decision and ensure your family knows what you would want to happen.