Donor Heroes' Night
2022
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About Donor Heroes Night
What is Donor Heroes Night about and its History?
Donor Heroes Night is a dedicated event which honours and commemorates the men, women and children of Australia who have given the gift of life through organ and tissue donation.
On May 2020, the inaugural Donor Heroes Night was undertaken. The event was inspired by thousands of Aussies commemorating ANZAC day when they came out of their homes in the early morning to remember our ANZAC Heroes, light a candle or played the last post in their memory. So why couldn't the same be done to acknowledge and commemoration the approximate 10,000 Donor Heroes who gave themselves to save others by providing the "Gift of Life" through organ and tissue donation.
In 2020, leading up to and including Donor Heroes Night on the 18th May 50,000 Australian's through the various social media platforms were involved.
2021 saw this number rise to 123,000, with 15,000 involved on the night posting photos of their Porch Light and Donor Hero loved ones accompanied their comments supported by family, friends and the community at large.
The target for 2022 is to achieve 250,000 participation and more from the Australian community.
Who are our Donor Heroes?
Donor Heroes are people from all walks of life who have donated their organs and/or tissues so that others may live.
In Australia we honour the lives of many thousands of donor heroes who have given the gift of life and or improved life to others. They're our brothers, sisters, parents, friends and children.
You can find a list of Donor Heroes and their stories here on the Donor Families Australia website.
Who and How can I take part in Donor Heroes Night?
Turn on your Porch Light or equivalent:
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for all donor heroes
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if you are a donor family
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if your mate was a donor hero
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if you know of a donor hero
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if you are a recipient
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if you are a recipient family
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if you are in need of a transplant
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if you have signed the National Organ/Tissue Donor Register
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if you support Organ/Tissue Donation
Take a photo of your porch light, and upload it onto your Facebook, Instagram or Twitter page and as well as posting onto DFA's Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/DonorFamiliesAustralia together with your comment. Donor Families are also encouraged to also post a photo of your Donor Hero if you wish.
How to I go about posting my photo?
Once your photo has been taken on your phone, undertake the following steps:
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Download the photo onto your computer (not required if you are posting from your phone,
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Go to the DFA's Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/DonorFamiliesAustralia
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Scroll to the Post Heading "Donor Heroes Night
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Click on "Comment" to provide your comment
then click on camera icon to add you photo. -
To add an additional photo e.g. your donor
hero then on you have loaded your original
posting, click on reply to add your photo
What are we aiming to do?
The goal of the Donor Heroes Night is to:
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Honour and commemorate the lives of our donor heroes, and recognise the lives that they have saved through their generous donations.
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Raise awareness of organ and tissue donation in Australia, and encourage people to have conversations with their loved ones about the importance of being an organ and/or tissue donor.
In 2020, we reached 50,000 participants.
In 2021, we reached 123,000 participants.
In 2022, we aim to reach 250,000 and beyond. Be part of the experience, spread the word, put the 18th May 2022 in your diary and participate on the night.
Who is Donor Families Australia?
Donor Families Australia is a national member-based independent support and advocacy group comprising families who have donated their loved ones’ organs and tissue. It's the only organisation of its kind in Australia specifically dedicated to Donor Families.
Can I give a monetary donation?
As a not-for-profit organisation, Donor Families Australia gratefully accepts monetary donations.
All donations over AUD $2.00 are tax deductible.
For more information, head to our Donation page (www.donorfamiliesaustralia.org/donate)
Media Enquiries & Releases
Co-Organizers:
Warwick Duncan 0478 779 572 warwickdymphna@gmail.com from 13th April 2022
Graham Harrison 0421 697 048 gharrison1953@gmail.com up to 12th April 2022
ACT Barry Mewett 0408 024 110 barry.mewett@bigpond.com
Holly Northam 0412 289 295 holly.northam@canberra.edu.au
NSW Philippa Delahoy philippa.delahoy@pfizer.com
Graham Harrison 0421 697 048 gharrison1953@gmail.com
NT Helen Day 0418 646 389 helen.day1@hotmail.com
QLD Jannelle Colquhoun 0414 385 530 jc@salubriousproductions.com
SA Jackie Robson 0418 369 741 jackie.robson@hotmail.com
TAS Rebecca Free freebeck73@hotmail.com
Karen Garner 0423 876 442 karenandjayse@gmail.com
VIC Leanne Campbell 03 9438 3447 leannercampbell@gmail.com
David Reynolds 0407 460 756 ivydowns@bigpond.com
WA Bruce McDowell 0427 645 262 mcdowellbj08@gmail.com
Anthea Openshaw 08 9795 5388 neill.ant@bigpond.com
Media Releases
21 April 2021
Australians asked to ‘leave a light on’ to support organ and tissue donation
6 May 2021
Australian educators are being asked to ‘leave a light on’ in support of organ and tissue donation at 6pm on the evening of May 18, 2021.
10 MAY 2021
Australia is encouraging Australians to ‘leave a porch light on’ in support of organ and tissue donation for their annual Donor Heroes’ Night on May 18.
FLYER
Donor Hero Stories
Adam (Qld)
Adam was a loving and social man with the biggest heart. He was always willing to help others in need.
Warwick (VIC)
I first contacted my donor family, anonymously through the hospital as you had to in those days, at five months post-transplant.
Kyall (ACT)
Our son Kyall was a popular 22-year-old apprentice electrician when he was fatally injured in a car accident on 20 January 2013.
Karen (TAS)
I still remember the first time my now husband took me out for dinner. He rolled up his sleeve to show me his “buzzing” arm.
Peter (WA)
My name is Philippa Waldron from Perth WA. I lost my wonderful husband Peter very suddenly after 37 happy years of marriage.
Pete (SA)
March 15th, 2016 will forever be etched into our memory as the saddest day of our lives. That was the day we were informed that my husband of 34 years and dad to our 3 children was not going to make it.
Sally (NSW)
Sally McCanna was born in Griffith on the 3rd December 1984, she was our first born and her brother Steven was born in 1988.
Brian (NSW)
My brother, Brian, (Boof) enjoyed everything about life.
Ben (NSW)
My Son
My Mate
My Donor Hero
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Jean (ACT)
In early 2005, Jean, my beautiful wife, and mother of our two sons, died suddenly
Maureen (TAS)
In 2010, we lost our beloved mother, Maureen Kaye. We were a close-knit family of two daughters, their partners and one grandchild at the time of Mum’s passing.
Scott (NSW)
My story is about my wonderful husband, Scott. Scott was a fit and healthy 44-year-old who loved to travel, enjoyed good food, great coffee and even better wine. He was living life to the full.
Tony (NSW)
We miss Tony every day, and we are proud that he was able to save lives by being an organ donor.
Brett (VIC)
Your life reflected that of your favourite Looney Tune, Taz, a whirlwind. As a child you even said to Mum that you felt you wouldn’t be here for a long time.
Stewart (NT)
He lived life to the full and always loved to help people in need. I think it is fitting that he continued to help people as a result of his passing.
Neill (WA)
My beautiful husband and father of our four children, Neill Openshaw, died on 1st January 2014
Alysha (WA)
Alysha (Lee) was 18 years old when she lost her life in a car accident.
Jereme (NSW)
On the 22nd June, 1992 Jereme Andrew Doust fell asleep at the age of 6. Exactly one month prior to his 7th birthday. Jereme was the eldest brother of 3 siblings, Samantha 5, Alicia 3 and Joshua 18 months and dearly loved and missed by all.
Ben & David (NSW)
The saddest day of our lives occurred on the 18th May 1993 when my wife Elayne and I had to say farewell to our 10 year old son Ben for the last time.
Stephen (ACT)
My name is Stephen Williams and at the age of 26 I was told that I have Cystic Fibrosis. Needless to say I didn’t welcome the news from my specialist.
Noah (QLD)
On the 8th of December 2018, Noah had a tragic accident where he fell three stories. After being treated at the scene, he was placed in an induced coma, and taken to hospital.
Donor Hero NEWSPAPER Stories 2021
The Area News, Griffith
A Griffith woman's life-saving gesture is set to be honoured by her family during a national night of commemoration.
The Mercury, Hobart
Rebecca Free's mother's sudden death caused extreme grief for her family, who made a huge decision within hours of the tragedy that who eventually save lives.
The Yarra Star Mail
Donor Families Australia will be commemorating the 10,000 plus donors, who have donated their organs and tissue to continue to raise awareness of transplantation in Australia with a Donor Heroes Night