It never gets easier saying goodbye. Earlier this year, we were saying Bon Voyage to one of our dear friends and their daughter pipes up with “bye bye mommy” in a silent room of already saddened people. That hurt, it hurt a lot and is something I will never forget. Could you imagine your two year old having to say that to you? I’ll never forget her and I’ll never stop telling people why.
Yesterday marked the start of national transplant week and Friday marks 8 years since we lost our best mate Robyn, who was waiting for a double lung transplant.
Sorry, this blog isn’t a business related issue, but one that’s very personal to me and will hopefully encourage those of you reading it, to do something about it…
Some of you that know me well know our story about Robyn and the incredible people I was lucky enough to work with over the years promoting organ donation (Live Life Then Give Life). If not, I’m more than happy to grab a drink with you at some point and tell you all about it!
Over the last ten years or so, I made some incredible friends whose lives had changed by being given a second shot at life. A second shot at living again. A second shot at love. A transplant. (check out the film we made below).
I actually think the decision to donate your organs when you’re gone, is a pretty simple one to make.
When you die, you don’t need your organs. If someone else is dying, but they could live if they had your lungs when you’re gone, they could love again. Simple right?!
Everyday I think not only of those that have had their lives changed due to receiving the most amazing gift anyone could give, but also of those we have lost and those that are currently waiting for their own transplant and extra shot at life.
Through such a simple act, you could so easily help those people live and love again.
This morning I was reading a post from one of my friends who’s life had been changed by transplant. Here’s an extract:
At 25 I had a plan for my funeral
At 25 I had money put aside for my friends and family to enjoy drinks on me and celebrate when I passed.
At 25 I had folders on my computer, one for my parents one for my nieces and nephews and one for my now husband. Folders that contained my goodbyes to them.
Because at 25 I was told twice that the end of my life was fast approaching and my doctors could not do anything else for me.
At 26 the day after my birthday I received that call to say they had lungs for me, and I was able to breathe again. . . . . .
Kirsty is incredible. She is a living, breathing reason that there is hope all because someone gave her a second shot at life.
If that hasn’t convinced you to sign up already, then let’s spin it round to you. If you are laying in hospital after some horrific injury or illness and the only thing that could help you live is a transplant, would you accept it? I know I would and I’m pretty sure you would the same.
So get rid of your preconceptions, and just sign the bloody organ donor register already. https://www.organdonation.nhs.uk/register-to-donate/register-your-details/ It only takes 2 minutes.
Thanks for listening.