Memorial garden pays tribute to organ donors

BUTTERFLIES were in the air at Botanic Gardens on Saturday, August 21 as a memorial garden was launched with a morning of speeches as stakeholders gathered to raise awareness about organ donation.

The garden ‘grew’ out of an existing plaque commemorating organ donors which was organised by transplant co-ordinator, Vanessa Wentink. When Janet Legemaate discovered the plaque, she was determined to make the memorial a more prominent and meaningful place. Her son, Matthew was an organ recipient, after waiting almost seven years for a heart and bi-lateral lung transplant and Legemaate wanted to create a space to show her gratitude. Legemaate is the trustee and projects co-ordinator for Hero777, an organisation which raises awareness for organ and tissue donation.

She said she was elated and devastated when she heard a donor had been found.

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“I had a deep sense of gratitude to my son’s donor and the donor family and I hope the memorial garden will go some way towards showing them how indebted the Legemaate family is to them for their immense thoughtfulness at such a difficult time in their lives,” said Legemaate.

She was joined by Hero777 contributor, Janine Magree, to deign the garden.

“Butterflies are often seen as winged messengers from spirits and are emblematic of hope, joy, change and celebration – precisely the gifts intended through organ donation, which breathes new life into that which was close to being extinguished,” said Magree.

The garden features hand painted stones with intricate butterfly designs as well as indigenous plants such as gazanias and aloes.

Organ donor awareness

Speaking at the launch, was Julie Purkis of the Organ Donor Foundation.

“The foundation’s main focus is public awareness and education. Part of this is sharing the stories of both the donors and recipients. We see the life-changing impact of organ and tissue donation is not only on the recipient but also affects the families, friends and colleagues who support those in need of transplants, who benefit ultimately from the renewed life and improved health after transplant. We are forever indebted to the family members who made the decision to donate during the most difficult time of their lives- how strong they must have been. We thank them for their incredible selflessness,” she said.

Carol Tonnesen, manager of the KZN Cornea and Eye Association also spoke at the event.

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“The KZN eye bank was formed in 2003 to help alleviate the shortage of corneal tissue in KZN. Prior to this eye bank, tissue was coming from Cape Town and they were unable to provide for their own province, so this tissue bank was essential. Our primary function is to acquire and supply corneal tissue for patients who suffer with corneal dystrophies or injuries. That tissue is precious because corneal dystrophies are often progressive disorders which doctors will manage. Most manage these throughout their lives, but there are those that don’t do well and often they are still very young when the cornea perforates,” she said.

Other speakers included Tracey Gibbs, transplant coordinator for KZN Cornea and Eye Association and Cindy Goldie, the KZN heart and lung transplant coordinator at Busamed Gateway Private hospital.