Art brings focus to life-saving opportunity

Discussing and deciding whether to join the Australian Organ Donor Register is one of the most impactful things many of us can do.

22 Jun 2023

However, despite 4 in 5 Australians supporting the idea of organ and tissue donation, only 1 in 3 (36%) are registered to be a donor.

DonateLife Clinical Nurse Specialist at St John of God Murdoch Hospital, Linda Thomas said registering (and sharing those intentions with family), gave families one less burden during a very emotional and difficult time.

“Most of us are well-intended, but registering is one of those things that we will ‘get around to’ doing,” Linda said.

“It takes just a couple of minutes to register online, and that action can have life-long meaning for another person and their loved ones. The ripple effect is immense.”

Aboriginal art proudly displayed in St John of God Murdoch Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit and Community Hospice is bringing focus to this, literally, life-saving opportunity.

Linda presented the artwork to the Hospital on behalf of DonateLife.

“This beautiful art recognises and thanks those donors and families whose consent has already saved lives. And we hope it will inspire many more life-saving discussions and decisions.”

Artwork: Kurongkuri Kaartdijin (Coming together to learn)

By Turid Calgaret, 2021

This painting represents a community of men and women coming together to discuss and learn about the concept of organ and tissue donation. The colours represent a calming, mutual environment to discuss a serious topic.

Did you know?

1 organ donor can save the lives of up to 7 people, and help many more through eye and tissue donation.
~1,800 people are on the waitlist for a transplant in Australia.
~14,000 additional people are on dialysis – some of whom may need a kidney transplant.

Source: DonateLife, 2022

Pictured: Kurongkuri Kaartdijin (Coming together to learn) by Turid Calgaret, 2021