Sunday 16 November is Thank You Day – an important day in the DonateLife calendar to acknowledge those who make organ and tissue donation possible.
Each year, thousands of lives are saved and transformed through the generosity of living and deceased organ and tissue donors, and their families.
Like Aaron, whose life was transformed dramatically by a kidney transplant.
Aaron was born with polycystic kidney disease, an inherited disorder which causes kidneys to lose function over time. When his kidney function dropped to just 20%, he was told he needed a kidney transplant.
Aaron underwent dialysis 3 days a week for 4-5 hours while he waited for a deceased donor kidney.
‘I’m grateful for dialysis, but it’s a difficult way to live,’ Aaron said.
‘I couldn’t do many of the things I wanted to do – even walking around the block was a challenge.’
Aaron received the call very early in the morning. As he and his wife Bronwen drove the hour-long journey to the hospital, they were filled with apprehension and excitement, acutely aware of the bitter-sweet moment.
‘I quickly realised Christmas and New Year for one family would be spent grieving, while we would have our family around us to celebrate and be happy. It’s such a contrast,’ says Aaron.
Post-transplant, Aaron says he’s feeling fantastic and has so much energy. He’s now enjoying things he couldn’t do for a long time, like running, camping and living an active life with his family.
Aaron says he thinks of his donor every day.
‘It’s hard to find the words to say thank you. I’m going to treat this gift the best I can, each day of my life.’
Join us in acknowledging Thank You Day this year. On Sunday 16 November, share your message of thanks on social media. Don’t forget to tag DonateLife and use the hashtag #thankyouday2025.
We’ve prepared some digital resources to help you spread the word about Thank You Day.
