HIS life was saved by an anonymous liver donor and now Lachlan Wallis has a role showing people the importance of telling loved ones they want to donate their organs.
Last weekend, the Wakerley boy was made the national face of DonateLife, encouraging others to become a DonateLife Family one that discusses and knows each other’s wishes about organ donation.
Lachlan and his parents, Lisa and David, and brother Mitchell flew to Canberra on the weekend to meet Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, himself the recipient of an aortic valve transplant.
``It was a really special day there were only about 20 of us and the Prime Minister made us feel like we were at a backyard barbecue,’’ Mrs Wallis said. ``Lachy and the Prime Minister showed each other their scars and had a good chat.’’
Australian Organ and Tissue Authority national medical director Gerry O’Callaghan urged families to become a DonateLife Family, the first of which is the Prime Minister’s.
``Thirty-five per cent of Australians have not discussed organ donation with their family or partner and we know that families who know their loved one’s wishes are highly likely to uphold them,’’ Dr O’Callaghan said.
``When families are approached (to consider organ donation after a loved one has died) only 56 per cent consent to donation.’’
Look out for Lachlan in his ambassador role on billboards, buses and trains around Brisbane. To become a DonateLife Family, visithttp://www.donatelife.gov.au.
No comments:
Post a Comment