Very few cricketers have touched our hearts in the way that David Hookes has.
There was such an outpouring of goodwill following his death that many Australians felt something tangible should be done to perpetuate the memory of this swashbuckling unique larrikin Australian who never failed to remind us that in the end, above all else, cricket was just a game.
And then this wonderful moment when it emerged that David Hookes' family had complied with his wishes and had agreed to donate his organs. The story and headline, "Champion's Gift of Life", was carried locally and internationally.
There would be few who didn't thrill to the thought that a champion, in death, could give others hope and life. So the thought arose, why not make the enduring memory of David Hookes a practical commitment to the triumph of life through death? And that is organ donation. The awful tragedy which overtook David Hookes led to an idea that will perpetuate his memory in the most positive way. The end of this world for one need not be the end of the world for others.
You can register to become a donor through this website.
Thank you.
What can be donated?
Organs that can be donated are the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and pancreas. Tissues that can be donated are the corneas (the film on the front of the eyes), skin, bone and heart valves. An individual may specify which organs and tissue he or she wishes to donate on the Medicare form.
Are there age restrictions for registering as an organ donor?
If you’re aged 18 years or over, you can register your consent to donate your organs or tissue on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Equally, you can register your objection. If you’re aged between 16 and 17 years, you can register your intention to donate on the Australian Organ Donor Register. Individuals under 18 years can still become donors if a family member gives their consent.
Statistics
At the beginning of 2010, 1770 people were waiting for organ transplants.
The breakdown is as follows:
Kidney - 1310
Heart – 101
Liver - 182
Lung - 141
Pancreas – 32
Intestine - 4
As at 30 November 2009, there were 5,622,362 people on the Australian Donor Register. The national register was established in 2000 by the Federal Government to pull together the data held through state drivers' licences. Only authorised medical personal can access this list.
Download the December 2009 Summary
Australia has one of the lowest donation rates in the developed world but with education and awareness this can easily be change.
Both the elderly and the young can donate – the oldest cornea donor was 103!
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Home Related Files
Ricky Ponting
In this video, Ricky Ponting describes the contribution David Hookes' commitment to organ and tissue donation has made to thousands of Australians.
DHF brochure
The David Hookes Foundation was established to inspire more Australians to register as organ donors and to encourage them to discuss their decision with family and friends. This brochure is intended to help you consider organ and tissue donation, and to help you to talk about it with your familiy and friends.
To download the brochure please use thelink below: DHF Brochure PDF (1,931.0k)
