Rock solid support for World Transplant Day
Not only did an organ donor save Praveena Vather's life, but she was able to become a mother.
LOCAL organisation Hero 777 commemorated World Transplant Day together with several Durban transplant co-ordinators as they hosted a Donor Tribute Day at Botanic Gardens on Saturday, August 13.
Janet Legemaate of Hero 777 said the event was ‘all about’ honouring organ donors.
“My son is a prime example of the impact a donor can make. In October, he will be five years past a heart and double-lung transplant. He had been given three months to live, and he had accepted the fact that he would pass away when we got the call to say a donor was available,” said Legemaate.
While Legemaate’s son was saved by a donor, Janice Magree’s son saved lives as an organ donor. Magree, a member of the Hero 777 team, helped design a memorial garden which was launched at Botanic Gardens last year. The butterfly-themed garden was damaged by the recent floods before the team could implement the second phase of the project. They are hoping to repair damage to the garden and tackle the second phase to extend the garden soon.
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“Butterflies are a symbol that people use to remind them of their loved ones. The objective of the garden is to sit and remember your donor if you are a recipient or to remember someone who has been a donor. We also installed signs so people can learn more about organ and tissue donation,” said Magree.
The original garden consisted of hand-painted butterfly stones incorporated into a paved section surrounded by flower beds. The garden also features a butterfly sculpture. Those attending the event spent time painting stones and sharing stories.
Not only did an organ donor saved Praveena Vather’s life, but she was able to become a mother.
Vather said she was the first woman in South Africa to give birth after a transplant.
“I had a heart transplant in 1999 and gave birth to my daughter in 2003. I named her Natania, which means ‘God’s gift’,” said Vather.
Vather was diagnosed with viral myocarditis.
“There are so many people who need a second chance in life. By becoming a donor, you don’t just save a life, you can save seven lives,” she added.
Cindy Goldie, heart and lung transplant co-ordinator said many people think their religion will prevent them from becoming a donor.
“Have a conversation with your family. We understand that there are cultural and religious aspects. Go to your religious leaders in your community. Organ donation is usually not ruled out by religion. Would a god condemn someone for saving a life?” said Goldie.
The recent Covid-19 pandemic has impacted organ donation, leaving many in dire straights, especially those in need of cornea donations to restore their sight.
“Before Covid-19, we had 500 people on the waiting list, so 1 000 corneas were needed. Since then, eight sets of corneas have been procured, so we have not even made a dent. During Coovid-19, there were no procurements, so the waiting list is even longer. It’s dire,” said Goldie.
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Carol Tonnesen of KZN Cornea and Eye Association, added that corneal tissue is used to assist patients with corneal dystrophies or injuries.
“There is a shortage of cornea tissue across South Africa. It is critically important that we keep this going. Without [cornea donations], the chance of people having their sight restore is reduced significantly. There are hundreds of people in need of corneal tissue in KZN lone,” she said.
Tonnesen said that it is crucial for donors to discuss their wishes with a family member as corneal tissue will not be harvested without the consent of a a next of kin relative.
Goldie added that there is also a terrible shortage of bone. During Covid-19, elective surgeries stopped, so there were no people having hip replacements,” said Goldie.
She added that people who have a hip replacement surgery can donate their hip bone.
“This is processed to make bone cement and bone chips for someone who is having neck fusion or hip replacement, for example,” said Goldie.
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