The Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) is encouraging people to register to become an organ and tissue donor this week during DonateLife Week.

Anyone can be a donor and registering online can make a real difference to someone on the organ donor waiting list.

Leanne Maloney knows what it is like to be on that waiting list.

Not only does she work with patients who are on dialysis, but Leanne is a recipient of a donor kidney herself.

Leanne works as an executive administration officer at the CAHS Renal Unit on Flynn Drive in Alice Springs.

She was diagnosed with diabetes when she was 17 and 11 years later was informed that she had to go onto dialysis.

“I started peritoneal dialysis in 2014 and I was put on the waiting list for a new kidney two years later. I also started work at the dialysis unit in 2014, which was a blessing in disguise. The support I received from the staff there was incredible.”

It was during DonateLife Week one year ago that Leanne received a phone call that would change her life forever.

“When I received the call from the doctor letting me know that they had found a donor match for me I was extremely relieved. I had been on the waiting list for about two and a half years.

“I was very lucky that my body accepted the new kidney and the transplant means that I can now live my life without dialysis.

“I now just take pleasure in the simple things that were difficult to do when I was on dialysis like shopping, visiting family and going on walks.

“I wanted to tell my story so that it might encourage people to register as a donor.”

It is easy to register as an organ and tissue donor. All you need is your Medicare card and the internet.

The Central Australia Health Service will be participating in the DonateLife week activities in Alice Springs, which includes the five kilometre Todd River Run on Saturday 4 August.

Donate Life Week is from the 29 July – 5 August 2018.

You can find out more information about registering as an organ and tissue donor at www.register.donatelife.gov.au

Media Contact: Nicole Ogilvie – 0401 114 113