Donation stories

Across Australia, tens of thousands of lives have been touched by organ and tissue donation. This includes donors and their families and the lives of people who receive transplants and their families.

We have an inspiring collection of stories that you can read because people are willing to share their personal experiences. You can also access collections of stories in the Book of Life.

Find out how you can share your donation story too.

Tim - tissue recipient, VIC

“I had 90% of my surgery done while I was in an induced coma. I cannot ever remember going to theatre,” says Tim.   

Tim's story

I felt as though I was giving him a gift by agreeing to the tissue donation

To give and to take. To donate and to receive.

My sincerest thanks to the donor and family for this wonderful gift.

To Jo with Love

Do I regret giving a kidney - no way!

Tony's story

I hated seeing him unwell, even after dialysis.

Tony's story

I am also extremely grateful to my donor and the donors family.

Troy

Troy was able to give seven people a better quality of life.

Turia's story

I will be eternally grateful to the three Americans who donated their skin.

Turn a negative into a positive

We know a small part of him is still out there viewing life through different eyes.

Twanny's gift of life after 40 years

Most importantly, this journey would not be possible without the donor family.

Vern, heart recipient

All this with thanks to our wonderful donor family.

Waiting for a transplant has cost me my job

I would really like to have my kidney transplant so I can live a normal life again.

We want all Australians to talk about organ and tissue donation. If you want to be a donor, make sure you tell your family and friends.

Registering is easy and only takes one minute. All you need is your phone, Medicare card and one minute to register.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, your medical history, your lifestyle, what country you’re from or how healthy you are — you can still register as an organ and tissue donor.

The Organ and Tissue Authority acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.

Freedom of information, Privacy, Social media guidelines, Terms and conditions and Accessibility