“I’ve already given my heart to working in aged care. The rest is up for grabs!” jokes Dennis Baluyut.
And during National DonateLife Week from July 24 – 31, the nurse at Uniting AgeWell Camberwell Community Condare Court asks the simple question: “If my organs can allow others the privilege of growing old and living life to the full, then it’s a good outcome.”
That’s the logic behind his mission to sign up this month to be an organ donor.
One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people, and help many more through eye and tissue donation.
While most Australians support organ and tissue donation, only one in three are registered to be a donor. Since 2009, more than 15, 000 people have received life-saving organ transplants from 5,450 deceased organ donors.
Dennis moved from Saudi Arabia and the Philippines for a better life in Australia, and wants to give back to the people in the country he’s now proud to call home.
“Most of the older people I nurse are still feisty! They knit for charity – some of them even dye their hair pink or shave their heads for charity. They exercise, go for walks, sing at karaoke and take up brand new hobbies they’ve never had time for before – like art! They’re purposeful and full of laughter and good cheer!” Dennis explains.
“I look at them and think of all the people who need organs who won’t reach old age; who won’t have the joy of grandchildren or of a life crammed full of memories and magical moments. I know I’d like to grow older one day, we all would!”
“So this year I’ll proudly be signing up to be a donor,” Dennis says.