Antony Logan’s decline began about five years ago.

“I developed some symptoms, and ended up in hospital in Boston,” he says. “I was diagnosed with cirrhosis…they were unable to find a cause.”

Antony Logan, enjoying life.

After a spell with not too many problems, he experienced a serious decline in 2018 and by the end of the year was on the organ transplant waitlist.

“I was in hospital at least once a week having treatment, I was on continuous medication, bloodtests and monitoring…it was just a slow deterioration of my health.”

“After about a 3 month wait I ended up with a transplant in early 2019.”

Before that, he says, he could barely walk around the block. And now, post transplant, he’s as good as ever.

“I’m able to walk…get back to the gym. I’m back at work full-time. I’m back to doing everything I could previously. It’s a complete change.”

Now residing in Hobart, he acknowledged that the liver transplant had saved his life.

“I wouldn’t be here without the generosity of the family who agreed to the transplant,” he says.

“I know it was a very traumatic experience for them to go through…but looking on the other side you people like me who are able to get on with their lives again.”

Logan describes the organ donation program as a small but important one that gives hope to many, including people like him.

“The more people that are registered to donate, the better access we have to more organs in the right circumstances to give people their second chance.”

He says personally there are no guarantees that his new liver will ‘last him through’ but at least he is hoping.

“You look after yourself with your diet and your health, you take your medication, you do what the doctors tell you,” Logan says. “You live one day at a time, but at least now I can look forward.”

DonateLife Week

This week is DonateLife Week, Australians national campaign to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation

During DonateLife Week all Tasmanians are encouraged to donate life by becoming a registered organ and tissue donor at donatelife.gov.au. It takes less than a minute to register, all you need is your Medicare card.

If you’re already a registered donor, or you register during DonateLife Week, encourage family and friends to register too.

Dr Andrew Turner, State Medical Director for DonateLife Tasmania sees first-hand the impact a single organ and tissue donor can have for people waiting for transplant.

“There are around 1,700 Australians currently on the waitlist for a life-saving transplant, and a further 12,000 people on dialysis that could benefit from a transplant,” he said. “One person’s decision to register as a donor can save many people’s lives.”

“Tasmania currently has about 48% of the population registered as an organ and tissue donor, which is the second highest rate in the country. Whilst this is great, we need more people to join the register, and talk to their family about their decision,” he said.

Dr Turner often hears myths in the community, from people who think they may be too old to donate, or think their health or religion might be a barrier.

“The reality is, age is not a barrier – people in their 70s and 80s have saved the lives of others through organ and tissue donation.

While your lifestyle decisions and medical history will be considered, you shouldn’t assume you are not healthy enough.”

Every potential donor is assessed on an individual basis, there is every possibility a person may be able to donate your organs or tissues. Only a few medical conditions such as transmissible diseases like HIV may prevent someone being a donor.

All major religions also support organ and tissue donation as an act of goodwill and compassion.

“The most important thing you can do during DonateLife Week is to register and talk to your family,” he emphasised.

Although Tasmania has a high rate of organ donation, it was relatively low among young people with just 10% of 16-25 year olds registered as donors.

“People don’t like to think about death, and about things like organ donation…but please, have a think about it. Please make a decision about whether you want to be a donor. We know most people do.”

To sign up to be a donor you’ll only need your Medicare card, and it only takes a minute.

To find out more go to donatelife.gov.au, and follow the DonateLife Week campaign on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.

Dr Andrew Turner & Antony Logan.