New Lease of Life

The conspiracy of silence that seems to exist when it comes to discussing anything related to death is a deeply rooted emotional concern. Potentially stemming from actual experience or fear of the unknown or not knowing what to say and where to begin.

I am sure that most of us have heard of and understood the importance of organ donation but few talk about it and even fewer contemplate signing up for it. Fair enough. It is not exactly the most pleasant of topics to discuss over a relaxed family dinner. It obviously has negative connotations.

I signed up to be an organ donor around twelve years ago. As is the usual case I did not consult my family knowing that my parents would immediately change the subject and we wouldn’t get anywhere. But I felt that it was the right thing to do although I admit I did have a number of concerns.

“Would doctors work hard to save my life in case of an emergency or will they make less of an effort so that they can save somebody else?”, “would my body be badly scarred, after my organs are taken?”, “is organ donation against my Catholic faith?”

Doctors are bound, by the Hippocratic Oath, to ethically practice medicine. The doctor’s first reaction is that to save a life and anyway it is unlikely that the doctor in an emergency situation is aware that the patient is a donor. Moreover, prior to ‘pulling the plug’ patients undergo a number of tests to ensure that there is nothing more to be done for them. Whilst one would think that the removal of organs such as the heart, liver, kidney, lungs and corneas might leave a heavily scarred body in reality this is not the case. Only small scars will show and these will be covered appropriately when the body is prepared for burial. Organ donation is a generous and worthwhile decision that can be a lifesaver and does not go against most religions including the Catholic faith.

Where am I getting to here?

The Lifecycle Organisation also works closely with the Transplant Support Group, providing information to educate potential donors and their families about organ donation. Last Friday’s Cyclists and Backup meeting was a case in point.

In order to understand the importance of our cause, a number of people, either waiting for a transplant or those who actually received one, visited us and shared their experiences. All were poignant stories. Stories of people leading normal lives one day only to find their worlds turned upside down in a flash. The one that touched me the most was that of Theresa, who I got to know recently through my involvement with Lifecycle. Theresa is our cook. She will be feeding us throughout our journey and we often joked about becoming firm friends with her. Little did I know what a moving story she had to tell.

It all happened in October 2006, when she received a phone call that was to change her family’s life. Her husband, Antoine, who was only forty four, had collapsed and been taken to hospital in critical condition. So serious was his condition that he was put on life support but never regained consciousness. Three days later he was pronounced dead leaving behind him a young family.

Antoine and his young family in happier times

As is the norm, Theresa was asked whether she was willing to donate Antoine’s organs. A tough call at very sensitive time but Theresa understood the importance of such a question, and the impact the answer would have on a number of people. Bravely she said yes. Organ donation had been discussed by the family as a cousin had required a kidney transplant some years back. Although no-one actually signed up for the organ donor scheme she knew that Antoine, who had a very generous nature, would have wanted her to donate his organs. His donation ensured that seven people were given a new lease of life.

The moral of the story?

It can be hard to think about what's going to happen to your body after you die, let alone donating your organs and tissue. But do stop and think about such a donation.

Please, don't let rumors stand in your way of saving lives. Information is available so don’t hesitate to sign up for organ donation. Inform your family of your decision and spread the word.

Theresa, Antoine's widow with Joanne, recipient of one of Antoine's corneas

Photos courtesy of Theresa Azzopardi