Even 18 years later, Rosana Taylor is still getting the support she needs from counsellors after donating her husband Greg’s organs to eight needy individuals.
Greg Taylor, 48, suffered a brain haemorrhage at their Wentworth Falls home and was airlifted by Westpac helicopter to St George Hospital.
“I was asked by the Red Cross back then to donate my husband’s organs … I saw welfare officers and social workers and thought about it that night. I can still ring the counsellors from the Red Cross if I feel down or want to talk to someone.”
She donated her husband’s kidneys, as well as cornea from the eyes and eye tissues. “There’s eight of him out there,” she told the Gazette.
The 68-year-old widow is playing an important role as a supporter at the Australian Transplant Games [from September 24 to October 1] at the Penrith Lakes and other locations in western Sydney. She’s helped out for many years.
Mrs Taylor will be a volunteer helping out with registrations and also present medals at various events, such as the ten pin bowling at Rooty Hill, the athletics in Blacktown and the popular dragon boat races on the Penrith Lakes.
By sharing her story, she hopes to raise awareness of the benefits of organ and tissue donation, and encourage more Australians to register to become organ donors and save lives.
“I would encourage others to save lives. I didn’t do anything. It was my husband’s organs, but now I’m on the register [to donate] too so whatever happens to me I can donate.”
The transplant games are held nationally every two years and a world games is held the following year.