Dear 2020 Kerry
This morning I had an incredible experience. A couple of weeks ago I came across the promotion for this year’s Gift of Life DonateLife Walk. I signed up for it before I read the start time was 6.45am!
Peter and I joined around 1500 Canberrans walking around Lake Burley Griffin. This year marks 30 years since my first cornea transplant. My second transplant happened in 1991. My life changed in so many wonderful ways. While waiting for my second transplant I walked down the aisle to marry Peter and without wearing glasses, I could see him waiting for me. For the first time I could remember, I was able to swim at the beach and the pool and see where I was going. My vision was brilliant.
I don’t have my cornea grafts anymore. In 2005 I had some serious problems and my grafts were no longer working. I was nearly blind for a while and a lot of surgery with wonderful surgeons restored my vision. Part of that surgery required removing the grafts and I spent many months grieving their loss.
On a beautiful Canberra morning in drizzling rain, with gorgeous rainbows above us, it was a joy to walk with donor families, recipients and supporters of organ and tissue donation. I was overcome with emotion and tears as Peter and I sat quietly after our walk. I shed tears for my donor families.
Have a chat with your loved ones and Discover, Decide and Discuss what is involved with organ and tissue donation at www.donatelife.gov.au
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