A gift that keeps on giving

Organ donation requires a precise combination of circumstances, starting with incredible generosity, writes Dr Joanne Ritchie.

- Dr Joanne Ritchie

Last year, 184 New Zealanders received lifesaving heart, lung, kidney, liver or pancreas transplants. Many more received donated tissue, such as heart valves, eye tissue and skin. Even after 20 years of working with potential donors and their whānau in intensive care and, more recently, with Organ Donation New Zealand – our national service for deceased organ and tissue donation – I am struck by the profound generosity and impact of these donations.

For the recipients of donated organs and tissue, that gratitude is something they live and breathe every day.

Although all transplant journeys are unique, they share some things in common. Recipients have had months or years of being severely unwell, often unable to lead an independent life. The call that tells them an organ is available is a memorable and life-changing moment.

For one recent recipient, new lungs have enabled a return to full-time work at a job she loves, and the delight of being a hands-on grandmother.