Everything changed for Terry Carrick after he had a corneal graft in 2002.
A donor’s cornea meant the Riddells Creek man was “able to see” – compared to the “incredibly low” level of vision he lived with before the surgery.
“One of the best days of my life was the day after the surgery – when the patch came off my eye and I was able to see,” Mr Carrick said.
“It’s something which people take for granted,” he said. “But being able to see changed everything.”
Mr Carrick is now determined to give others in need a lifesaving gift.
He has registered to become an organ and tissue donor, and has let his family know that donating is his wish.
“I’m more than happy to give anything someone can use,” he said.
Throughout DonateLife week, the first week of August, the Australian Organ and Tissue Authority is urging Australians to register online to become a donor.
The authority says just one donor can change the lives of up to 10 people – but only 32 per cent of Australian adults are on the national register, despite 69 per cent saying they are willing to donate.
People are being asked to use DonateLife week to make it official and register to become a donor.
Local residents can receive information, have questions about organ and tissue donation answered and get help with registrations at Brooke Street Medical Centre, Woodend, from Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4.
Drop in any time during this week or call 5427 1002 for more information.
Details: www.donatelife.gov.au
