When Oren Klemich lost his teenage son to Meningococcal 16 years ago, he took comfort in knowing Jack was keeping other people alive.
A registered organ donor, five of the 18-year-old’s organs were donated following his death.
“It’s nice to know that a part of Jack is still out there keeping people alive. It’s a good feeling,” Oren said.
“It can be a powerful conversation instead of having to be an awkward one.”
Nicole said she’d like see the conversation normalised in homes across the country.
“My heart was incredibly unpredictable and they called it a ticking time bomb and so that’s when I was listed for transplant,” she said.
South Australia is the only state where the process is as simple as ticking a box.
The state government says the best time to register is when you are getting or renewing your drivers’ licence.
“Simply bring it up during dinner conversations, discuss it when they’re handling their P’s and L’s, and completing their forms. Just tick that box, and then everyone will be aware of your wishes,” stated Dr. Stewart Moodie from DonateLife SA.
More than 1800 Australians are currently on the transplant waitlist.
Each registered organ donor can save up to seven lives.
