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Day to consider giving a life-saving gift

Bella KitchenSouth Western Times
Saffron Day ambassador Jason Ringrose encourages all to have a conversation about organ transplant.
Camera IconSaffron Day ambassador Jason Ringrose encourages all to have a conversation about organ transplant. Credit: Bella Kitchen

October 22 is Saffron Day which raises awareness about organ donation and urges all Australians to register for organ donation and discuss with family members their intentions to donate.

Saffron Day ambassador Jason Ringrose received a liver transplant through organ donation in 2017.

It is because of an organ donor that he is alive today.

My wife still has a husband, my two daughters still have a dad, my mum still has a son. All because of that person who donated their organs,

Mr Ringrose said.

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“Donors are amazing, it must be so hard to make those decisions, so credit and recognition to all of them is well deserved.”

When Mr Ringrose’s autoimmune disease became symptomatic in 2016 he quickly became ill and almost died.

“I just got sicker and sicker, I lost a lot of weight and energy, I was very itchy, I turned yellow and couldn’t taste food anymore,” he said.

“Immediately after my transplant the yellowness of my skin went, the itchiness vanished as the liver started working and it was just a wonderful day when I could taste the food again.

“I am back to working full time again, playing volleyball, swimming at the beach with my daughters and living a normal life.”

Saffron Day was founded in 2018 after Deyaan Udani, 7, died on a family holiday in 2016. Prior to this, Deyaan had learnt about organ donation and told his parents he wanted to help save lives.

In memory of his life, his parents decided to donate his organs. and gave four people another chance at a full and healthy life.

Mr Ringrose became an ambassador to offer support to others going through transplant surgery and to give back to a cause that saved his life.

He said it was important for people to follow up with loved ones about their wishes on organ donation.

To become an organ donor, register online at www.donatelife.gov.au

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