Townsville family shares touching story for DonateLife's Thank You Day

Ahead of DonateLife’s Thank You Day this Sunday, one Townsville family has opened up about their unique experience with Townsville University Hospital’s DonateLife team.

Jessie Naumann’s daughter, Oakley, was born with a congenital heart defect, which resulted in multiple open-heart surgeries including a heart tissue transplant.

“Our journey with DonateLife has been deeply personal and emotional,” Ms Naumann said.

“Oakley’s life was saved because of the incredible generosity of another family who made the decision to donate.

“Knowing that someone else’s selfless choice gave Oakley the chance to grow and laugh, and life means more than words can express.”

Sadly, a few months after Oakley’s second surgery, Ms Naumann’s partner and Oakley’s dad, Alex, passed away.

He had just made the decision to become an organ and tissue donor, inspired by the gift of life that had been afforded his daughter.

“Becoming a donor was his final act of kindness,” Ms Naumann said.

“Despite our heartbreak, I knew what kind of person he was and how much helping others meant to him.

“DonateLife supported me through the process, and it brought comfort knowing that even in our loss, Alex was giving others a chance to live, just like someone had done for our little girl.”

For Thank You Day, Ms Naumann wanted to express how grateful she was, not just to Oakley’s donor family, but to the families who have benefitted from her late partner’s gifts.

“Not a day goes by where we don’t think of Oakley’s donor, their family, and the gift they gave,” she said.

“Their decision has forever changed our lives; because of them, Oakley has a future, and that’s only possible because of their courage and compassion during an unimaginably difficult time.

“To the recipients of Alex’s organs and tissues, I want to say how grateful I am that his gift has helped you.

“Alex was such a generous person and knowing that even after his passing he was able to give others a second chance at life brings our family so much comfort.

“It helps me to know that a part of him lives on, and I hope those who received his donation know how loved he was and how proud I am that his final act was helping others.”

Townsville donation specialist nurse Meagan Baldwin said DonateLife Thank You Day was about showing gratitude for the generous gift given by organ and tissue donors and their families.

“Their generosity lives on in young children like Oakley who can return to their lives, school, friends, and grow up normally,” she said.

“Our organ donors truly do transform tragedy into healing and sadness into hope and we encourage recipients to share their heartfelt messages on social media on Sunday.”

Ms Naumann said becoming a donor was one of the most powerful and selfless decisions you could make.

“Our family has seen both sides of donation and I can honestly say it changes everything,” she said.