2013
The KDFNL and SDJFL will be more colourful than usual this weekend as all teams in both Leagues don rainbow bootlaces to help spread the word about the Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation organ and tissue donation campaign.
Kim and Allan Turner created Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation in memory of their daughter, Zaidee Turner, who tragically and suddenly died in 2004 at the age of seven after suffering a burst blood vessel in her brain.
“In the year Zaidee died she was the only Victorian child to donate her organs and tissues, and one of only six children to donate from the whole of Australia. However her gift saved or improved the lives of up to seven other people” notes Allan Turner, CEO Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation
“By encouraging parents to speak to their children about organ and tissue donation we hope that those family members currently on the transplant waiting list will have a better chance of receiving their transplant in time.”
“On average around 140,000 Australians die each year but the number of organ and tissue donors is only in the hundreds. In 2012 we had a great result with 354 people giving the greatest gift of all which allowed 1,052 people to receive a transplant and results this year show an increase again. “
“Currently there are about 50 children under the age of 19 years waiting for a transplant in Australia; many of these kids will die in the next 12 months before they receive a transplant due to the lack of donors at the end of life.”
“Zaidee gave the greatest gift of all after she died, her organs and tissue, so others could live a better life and in some cases, get another chance at life.”
Greg Watson, President of the KDFNL said: “This is the second season that we have participated in the program and all clubs fully supported the initiative at our delegates meeting for all footballers and netballers to wear the laces. The KDFNL is a proud community based league and is only too willing to profile the lifesaving importance of organ and tissue donation.”
Chris Thomas, SDJFL’s President echoed the community spirit “This is a very special community program that has already helped to save lives of many people waiting for their transplant. Zaidee was a local girl so its only fitting that our junior League supports the campaign to raise awareness levels.”
For more information about how to register as an organ and tissue donor please click onto the Zaidee Rainbow Foundation website at www.zaidee.org to download a registration form.
Last Modified on 18/11/2016 15:00