Survival tales raise awareness
DELLARAM JAMALI | The Courier, Australia

THE LIVES of four Ballarat residents were turned around thanks to organ donation and now the rest of the country can read their stories.

Lorinda Petrie, Tom Higham, Michael Bishop and Doug Stewart had their stories added to the DonateLife Book of Life, released as part as part of DonateLife Week.

The book is a collection of life-saving and life-changing stories from people touched by organ and tissue donation.

Mr Stewart was diagnosed with liver failure in 2008 and was in need of a liver transplant.

"Before the transplant, I had no energy. I couldn't do anything. I wouldn't have seen Christmas without my transplant," his story reads. "It changed my outlook and I now see myself as a completely different person.

"I still think of the donor and donor family and when the time is right will write to them."

Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital organ and tissue donation nurse Jo Forteath said the book would raise awaren ess about organ donation and the importance of discussing the decision to donate with one's family.

"The book shows everyday Australians that everyone can be touched by organ donations, and reading stories from local residents just brings it home," Ms Forteath said.

Ballarat West MP Sharon Knight said all residents should consider registering as an organ donor.

"An organ and tissue donor can save the lives of up to 10 people. When you get your driver's licence for the first time, it's a good time to consider registering as a donor," Ms Knight said.

DonateLife Week runs until February 27. DonateLife Book of Life can be accessed online at donatelife.gov.au.