What support is available
The contribution of organs or tissues is valued not only by the recipients and their families, but by DonateWest and the wider community. Without the willingness of individuals and their families to donate, there can be no transplantation.
One of our aims is to provide compassionate and appropriate support to donor families during and after the decision making process. The Donor Coordinators at DonateWest remain in contact with the donor family following the donation process. They provide information about the outcome of donated organs and tissues and wherever possible, some information about the recipients. The team at DonateWest can be contacted at any time and offer continued support to donor families.
Rose Lapel Pins
An Australian variety of standard rose has been bred to specifically commemorate the memory of people who have chosen to be organ and tissue donors – the Reflection Rose. Rose lapel pins, symbolising the bloom of the Reflection Rose, are presented to all families of organ and tissue donors in Australia who have affirmed the wish of their loved one to donate. The pins can be worn to recall this unique gift.
Donor Honour Board
DonateWest extends an invitation to all donor families the opportunity to have the name of their loved one inscribed on the Donor Honour Board alongside those who have, in death, given the gift of life to others. Many families have taken the opportunity to openly commemorate their loved ones on the Donor Honour Board located in the beautiful grounds of Lake Monger Reserve in West Leederville. Each year, DonateWest hosts the perpetual launch of the Donor Honour Board, signifying the addition of names and acknowledging their families.
Annual Tree Planting Ceremony
Since 1993, Lake Monger Reserve in West Leederville has played host to the Annual Tree Planting Ceremony each spring. The ceremony is a time to commemorate organ and tissue donors and offer recipients and their families the chance to acknowledge those who have given the gift of renewed life and opportunity to others. Many of the trees in the reserve have been planted by donor families and transplant recipients. The Town of Cambridge supports this event, and selects a mature native tree that is representative of the original flora of this part of the city. Donor families and transplant recipients along with their families, attend this ceremony which symbolises the link between a donor and recipient in a tangible way.
The ceremony was inaugurated by the Liver Transplant Unit at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, and was managed by DonateWest from 2000. In 2005, DonateWest handed over the coordination of this event to the Heart and Lung Transplant Foundation of Western Australia, whilst still being an active supporter.
Anonymous Correspondence between Donor Families and Recipients
Donor families and transplant recipients can write anonymous letters through DonateWest. A “How Do I Write” brochure containing guidelines on writing for both donor families and recipients is available from DonateWest.
Bereavement Counselling
One of DonateWest's important support strategies is the use of reputable, accredited professional bereavement counsellors to support donor families at any time after the death of the donor. Families who wish to use this service will have up to six counselling sessions funded by DonateWest. An open invitation is extended to all donor families to contact DonateWest if there is a sense that the professional, formal counselling offered may provide a level of support.
Annual Ecumenical Service
Kidney Health Australia (Western Australia) hosts an Annual Ecumenical Service to give thanks to organ and tissue donors in June. Donor families are invited to attend this event by DonateWest.