It might be a little shocking to say, but without organ donation, I wouldn’t be alive today.
I was born with a severe kidney condition that defined the course of my childhood. I was in and out of hospitals, battling infections, enduring countless tests, and ultimately losing one of my kidneys at just two years old. But even with one kidney, I fought on until I couldn’t.
By the time I was a teenager, my remaining kidney was failing. I needed a transplant to survive. The gravity of that reality hit hard. There’s something incredibly humbling about knowing that your future depends on another person’s generosity and their willingness to give a part of themselves so someone else can keep going.
That’s what organ donation is. It’s a second chance. A lifeline. A gift beyond measure.
The day everything changed
When my kidney function dropped below 10%, my doctors told me it was time to start planning for a transplant. Luckily for me, my dad – my hero – was a transplant match.
Now, as any parent will tell you, they are used to their kids asking for money or a lift to meet up with friends, but they probably don’t get asked for an entire organ too often.
I said to my dad, “So, you know how you have two kidneys? Can I have one?”, to which he simply replied, “Of course, but you better look after it.”
The lead-up to the surgery was overwhelming, with months of tests, emotional conversations, and preparations. And then, on 1st May 2014, my dad gave me the greatest gift imaginable – a kidney and a future.
I remember waking up from surgery and hearing the words, “It’s working”. Relief washed over me. My body had accepted the transplant, and for the first time in years, I had hope.
For some, organ donation is the difference between life and death. For me, it was the bridge between merely surviving and actually living.
Life after organ donation
People often assume a kidney – or any – transplant is a cure. It’s not. It’s a treatment, not a permanent fix.
I take medication every single day to prevent rejection. My immune system is suppressed, meaning even a minor infection can become a major threat. I have to be mindful of my health in ways most people never think about.
But even with all the challenges, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Because I’m here. I get to wake up every day and keep fighting.
Why organ donation matters
Right now, in Australia alone, thousands of people are either on the waitlist for an organ transplant or are on dialysis and could benefit from a kidney transplant. Only around 36% of Australians are on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR), meaning we need to bring more awareness to organ donation’s life-saving – and life-changing – impact.
Awareness events like World Kidney Day, Kidney Action Week, and DonateLife Week all work to educate and encourage more people to consider becoming organ donors. Organ donation isn’t just about giving away an organ, it’s about giving someone a chance to keep dreaming, laughing, and loving.
How You Can Help
If you’ve ever considered becoming an organ donor, now is the time. In Australia, you can register as a donor at donatelife.gov.au.
Let your family know your wishes. In many cases, families make the final decision on donation.
Share stories, like mine or others you might know about, to help raise awareness. The more people who understand the impact of organ donation, the more lives we can save.
Life isn’t about what you get – it’s about what you give
My dad gave me more than just a kidney. He gave me time – time to build a life, to chase my dreams, to write my book, and to help others facing the same battles I did.
And that’s why I share my story. Because if even one person reads this and decides to become an organ donor, I know my journey was worth it.
If you want to know more about my journey, or how I turned my story into a mission to help others, through my book ‘I Should be F’N Dead!’ visit emmiliaosullivan.com.
About the Author
Name: Emmilia O’Sullivan
Bio: Emmilia O’Sullivan is a renowned author, motivational speaker, and podcaster whose life story is a testament to the human spirit’s indomitable resilience. Battling a myriad of health challenges, including kidney failure, cancer, and countless surgeries, Emmilia has defied the odds and emerged as a beacon of hope for those facing adversity.
Website: emmiliaosullivan.com
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