When Zaidee Turner died suddenly in 2004 her organs and tissues continued on to save or improve the lives of others.
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At the time of her death Zaidee’s family had been registered organ and tissue donors and Zaidee, as young as she was, was clear of her own wishes.
As a result Zaidee, 7, became one of the youngest Australians to donate her organs and tissues.
This week, nine years on in Maitland, Milly Hope Soderstrom has done the same.
But Milly never discussed organ donation with her family. As a little girl consumed mainly with football and her skateboard, this concept would have never entered her mind.
However, when Milly died suddenly late last week, her mother made the decision that her daughter would give others the most wonderful parting gift of all.
No matter how many stories we read, or are exposed to, the discussion surrounding organ donation is not one we embrace. So our organ/tissue donation rates remain low and people die waiting for a second shot at life.
Zaidee Turner’s dad will launch a national campaign on Thursday, calling for a new organ/tissue transplant system to be adopted.
As seen in countries like Spain, Wales, Singapore and Belgium, the system puts all adults on a national donor list.
This means all adults would become potential donors in the event of their death unless they decide to opt out of the system, essentially removing the need for uncomfortable discussion and lifting donor rates across the country.
Zaidee and Milly are two little girls who have saved and improved the lives of others. Maybe their legacy should be for us to wish to do the same.
