Breathing new life into organ donor memorial

A DECADE ago, under the direction of since-deceased organ transplant co-ordinator, Vanessa Wentink, a fuschia tree was planted at Durban’s Botanic Gardens and a plaque honouring organ donors was unveiled.

But when Janet Legemaate, mother of heart and double lung transplant recipient, Matthew, and trustee and Project Co-ordinator for Hero777 – a non-profit organisation that raises awareness for organ donation – recently went in search of the plaque, it had been concealed in a bed of Dietes plants and was in need of attention.

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Having uncovered the plaque’s whereabouts, Legemaate felt compelled to take action, and has been cracking the whip to get the troops at Hero777 and transplant co-ordinators, Tracey Gibbs, Cindy Goldie and Carol Tonnessen – to help source funding and experts willing to donate their services to entirely revamping and upgrading the memorial.

Saturday, August 21, will see the organ donor Memorial Garden open at Durban’s Botanic Gardens, with stunning features to honour organ donors as well as a newly erected plaque and the timing couldn’t be more perfect as August is Organ Donor Month.

“We at Hero777, are immensely grateful to the Durban Botanic Gardens Trust and its partners for allowing us to bring our vision to life, but also, for suggesting we expand the area we had initially commandeered, and for their incredible know-how,” said Legemaate.

“Their support and enthusiasm has been invaluable to us in terms of turning our whimsical pie-in-the-sky concepts into bricks, mortar, armature and signposts; an overall composition which will hopefully translate into a captivating space to inspire the public into signing up as donors, as well as giving donor and recipient families a memorable place to honour donors,” she added. 

Cindy Goldie, transplant co-ordinator at Busamed Gateway Private Hospital said she was extremely proud to be a part of this project.

“It celebrates the gifts that these amazing donors and their families have given. I’m so fortunate to see the other side of transplant and celebrate the second chances that the donors have given my patients, so they can complete their circle of life. A huge thank you to the dedicated team making this all possible, such a beautiful tribute,” she said.

Everyone is invited to be a part of the event via live stream on the Hero777 Facebook page at 10:30.