WATCH: Behind the scenes of organ donor Memorial Garden at Durban Botanic Gardens
"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," - Janine Magree.
THE organ donor Memorial Garden, which opened at Durban’s Botanic Gardens during August, sports stunning features which were created to honour organ donors.
A plaque was also erected at the launch on August 21 and the timing was perfect as August was Organ Donor Month.
READ ALSO: Breathing new life into organ donor memorial
Cindy Goldie, transplant co-ordinator at Busamed Gateway Private Hospital said she was extremely proud to be a part of the 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.
It all came together 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 – went in search of a plaque that was erected by the late Vanessa Wentink, who was a transplant co-ordinator 10 years ago.
The plaque was concealed in a bed of Dietes plants and was in need of attention which it certainly received.
The garden now features hand-painted stones with intricate butterfly designs as well as indigenous plants such as gazanias and aloes.
Janine Magree, Hero777 contributor and mother of donor, Bryn Magree, helped with the memorial garden design.
“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.
Make sure you visit the the Memorial Garden and have your photon taken near the huge yellow butterfly to create awareness on organ and tissue donation. Tag @hero777 when posting your pictures on social media.
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