The Important Topic of Organ Donation

I have been a registered organ donor (and a brain donor as well) for many years.  Being AB- I was a blood donor until my veins could no longer cope.  The thought of not being able to donate my organs following a mastectomy due to breast cancer was worrying me.  I would hate my husband to have added hassles at the time of my passing.

 My girlfriend had a kidney transplant which kept her alive for 30 years and another friend’s husband received a donor heart so I appreciate the joy of being able to give when I can no longer use my body.  Even if my (not 100%) corneas can help one blind person see this wonderful world then it will be a job well done !

I contacted donatelife in Victoria.  Their response to me was:-

“In the past we have had organ and tissue donors that at some stage have received a breast cancer diagnosis, but each case is different and accessed very closely by the medical team.

We always tell people to not rule themselves out of being an organ and tissue donor as it may be possible for you to donate.

 If a person is in a position to donate their organs after death, medical staff will do a series of tests and do an extensive follow up on medical history before proceeding with donation.

 Our team will seek specific details about the timing of the cancer diagnosis, how it was treated and the current health of the person as part of these checks.”

 Donors, I hope this information will set your minds at rest.  If you are not a donor please don’t be afraid to have the discussion and register.

 Kind regards to all

 Summer   :-)