To Opt In or To Opt Out…That is the question…
Let me first explain a little bit about what I mean. There are two possible systems that the politicians are trying to decide between, for how people are put onto the Organ Donor Register. The first – the one we currently use – is the opt in. This means that each person decides whether they want to be an organ donor, and then they go and sign the register after deciding. Read More »
Why is the #DonationConversation so important?
People have asked me many times, ‘can’t I just sign the register – and my family will know my wishes when the doctors tell them I was on the register?’ People ask this because they feel so uncomfortable talking about their death, or that of someone close to them. As much as I understand this discomfort, I will always tell people that they absolutely HAVE to talk about it! Read More »
In yesterday’s blog, I mentioned that this week – Organ Donation Week – was to raise awareness of all types of donation. I wanted to talk a little bit about why blood, bone marrow and stem cell donation are just as important as organ donation. Read More »
What? A week to celebrate, promote and give thanks to all organ, blood, tissue, bone marrow and stem cell donors. A week dedicated to raising awareness of donations, transplants and the wonderful Gift of Life. Read More »
As National Organ Donation Awareness Week begins tomorrow, (Monday 5th September) we are all busy putting the finishing touches to our Gala Dinner on the 8th (Thursday). We hope you can join us, for what promises to be an amazing night – there will be music from Altagore, wonderful food, exciting raffle prizes, and moving speeches. Read More »
As I come back from a glorious holiday in Sicily, which I had been looking forward to for over a year, I have been thinking about what a journey it has been to get there. There have been many things that have played a part in making this holiday possible. From my family, to my doctors, physios and everyone else who has made sure I was fit and healthy enough to enjoy it. However, the one most important person, is my donor. Read More »
Wow. What an incredible weekend this has been. Exciting, nerve wracking, amazing, humbling, full of thankfulness and gratitude, and very, very emotional. Just some of the ways to describe this year’s Transplant Games. Read More »
A Night of Celebration and Promoting Organ Donation
Who: Live Loudly Donate Proudly will be hosting this event for anybody who wants to come along, just get your ticket and come join in the fun!
What: This is a Gala Dinner, there will be food, music by Altagore, speeches and a raffle. It will be a wonderful night!
When: Thursday 8th September 2016 at 7pm
Where: At the Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena.
Why: We are holding this event in order to promote and celebrate the amazing gift of organ donation. The primary purpose of the event is not to fundraise, but any money that is raised, will be split between the Transplant Sport charity and the Northern Ireland Transplant Association. These are both hugely important charities for recipients and donor families, and it means a lot to have that kind of support, so we wanted to do anything we can to help them give it.
Tickets? Tickets can be obtained as follows:
The very first blog post on the Live Loudly Donate Proudly website! We are so excited and proud to finally be sharing the site with you all, and to be able to spread our message further.
Firstly, some details about the people involved in the campaign.
Live Loudly Donate Proudly is a campaign set up by Lucia Quinney Mee (me!) and a group of ten others. Noelle Hyland, a close friend of mine who is a sales rep, and very passionate about organ donation. Mary McAfee, an organ donation specialist nurse who works hard to promote the cause. Anne Henderson, an artist from Rathlin, who designed the cards and the logo. Jonathan Mitchell, a computer whizz, who works on all technical (and other) areas of the campaign. Alexia and Jeremy McCook, who sadly lost their son Craig, in a road traffic accident and who courageously and selflessly agreed to donate his organs. Karen Acheson, the sister of an Organ Donor who has also found some comfort in knowing that his organs have helped and saved the lives of others. David, Rachel and Alice Quinney Mee, my parents and sister, who feel very strongly about raising the profile of organ donation, and are the biggest and best support I could ever wish for. Which just leaves myself.
What: The Transplant Games is a sporting competition for anyone who has had a transplant. They compete in many different events, at many different abilities. The British Transplant Games happen every year and the World Transplant Games happen every other year, in a different country around the world.
Who: The Games are open for anyone who has had a transplant to compete in, but families and friends, and members of the public can take part in some events such as The Donor Run – a 5k or 3k run to celebrate all donors and donor families. There are over 700 competitors and over 1250 supporters!
Where: This year the British Transplant Games are in Liverpool, and The World Transplant Games next year will be in Malaga, Spain!
When: The Liverpool 2016 Games begin on Thursday the 28th July and finish on Monday the 1st August.
Why: The Transplant Games are an opportunity for transplant recipients not only to compete in sporting events, but also to meet other people who have been in similar situations to them. It is an incredible feeling of togetherness and understanding to meet others who know some of what you have been through. The Games are also – and primarily – a chance to display our immense gratitude and thanks to all the donors and donor families, without whom none of the competitors would be able to do what we do, and the majority wouldn’t be here at all. We can raise awareness of Organ Donation, by showing people what it does – how much it can and does mean to people. It is an incredible weekend of sport, meeting new friends, and being thankful for where we all our in are transplant journey.