A painting to be donated to the Central Australia Health Service by DonateLife NT shares the story of a kidney recipient’s journey through the transplant process.
Andrea Martin comes from the remote community of Yuendumu, 300 kilometres west of Alice Springs, and knows the importance of organ and tissue donation.
She received a life-changing kidney transplant freeing her from hours of dialysis treatment.
Last year Ms Martin painted her experience with kidney disease and organ donation into a piece of art.
It was important to me to raise awareness about donation and help educate Aboriginal people in a way that they respect and relate to,” Ms Martin said.
In 2016, a record 1448 Australians received a lifesaving transplant as a result of the generosity of 503 deceased organ donors whose families agreed to donation at the time of their loved one’s death.
In 2016 there were six Northern Territory donors, which is an increase on 2015 rates, making the Territory the second highest performing jurisdiction in the nation per capita.
The NT’s Medical Director for Organ and Tissue Donation and Internist Physician at Royal Darwin Hospital, Dr Sarah Jones said 18 Australians received life-saving organ transplants as a result of the generous decision of the Northern Territory donors and their families.
“Thank you to every donor family because your loved one’s decision to become an organ donor saved and transformed the lives of people in an extraordinary way and consenting to organ donation in a time of traumatic loss and heartache is such a remarkable act of kindness to people in need,” Dr Jones said.
Of the 1448 Australian transplant recipients, 12 Territorians received lifesaving transplants.
Ms Martin hopes more Territorians, including those from Indigenous communities, learn more about organ donation, talk to their families about it and perhaps one day save or transform the life of a person needing a transplant, and hopes her artwork will stimulate discussion about this very important subject.
The painting was purchased by DonateLife NT and has been donated to the Central Australia Health Service for display in the waiting area of the new Alice Springs Intensive Care Unit.
Media Contact: Gail Liston 08 8951 5111/0476 839 383