‘In Townsville, we have two beautiful brothers who drive maxi taxis, and we can call them directly whenever we need help with transport for a transplant. Even if we ring them in the middle of the night, they will always answer the phone because they know that the call is coming from us. I’m so grateful to belong to a community so full of respect and love’
- Mark Singzon
As told by Mark Singzon, The Organ and Tissue Authority
My interest in organ donation began as a student nurse in the Philippines. My first ever patient was an 11-year-old with Rheumatic Heart Disease, a condition that required a heart transplant. Unfortunately, the healthcare in the Philippines was not advanced enough at the time. When I came back from my break, I saw the room swarmed with people, doctors, and nurses trying to revive her with CPR.
I just couldn't sleep that night. She stayed in my mind for a very long time, and I've always thought about what could have been done better.
It comforts me to know that I can now make a difference to donor families and transplant recipients in Townsville. I’m someone who is there to listen to them, treat them with respect, who can try to facilitate their end-of-life requests. It’s so powerful to make that kind of difference in people’s lives.
Working in a regional area can come with its challenges. My role is shared between myself and another specialist. We work independently, one week on, and one week off. It can be a lot of work to manage on your own. You need to be ready for a potential donation at any time. You need to have taxis available, theatres prepped, and staff ready to make sure that an operation can be successful. However, I'm really lucky to be surrounded by a very supportive community that comes together to make it work.
In Townsville, we have two beautiful brothers who drive maxi taxis, and we can call them directly whenever we need help with transport for a transplant. Even if we ring them in the middle of the night, they will always answer the phone because they know that the call is coming from us. I’m so grateful to belong to a community so full of respect and love.
When I speak with donor families through my work, I see a real need to start the conversation about organ donation before it’s too late. I always encourage others to tell their loved ones they have registered, because I know it's never easy for families to make a decision when the time comes.
My own immediate family aren’t here in Australia, they're back in the Philippines. I care so much about each one of my patients, and after every case, I immediately give my family a call. I want to check on them, just to make sure that they're okay.
They're proud of what I do, and it’s reassuring knowing they’re always there to provide me with comfort and support.
In 2023 I surprised a crowd at the Townsville DonateLife Service of Remembrance with my rendition of You Raise Me Up. Sharing my ‘hidden talent’ is my way of reciprocating the generosity and kindness I see every day in my role. Music can have such an impact, and it allowed me to give thanks to the donor families, recipients, and wider community who have given so much. I’m glad to be singing again at the Brisbane DonateLife Service of Remembrance this year.
Two years into this position I’m still learning a lot. But I'm really proud to be a part of this team and grateful to feel so cared for by my little community in this hospital.
Inspired by Mark's story?
