On Saturday, November 30, Organ Donation New Zealand will celebrate ‘Thank You Day,’ a heartfelt occasion dedicated to recognising the invaluable contributions of organ donors and their families across the country.

This special event brings together organ donation recipients, donor families, and healthcare professionals to express gratitude for the generosity that makes organ donation possible.

ODNZ plays a crucial role in facilitating organ and tissue donation, a complex process that can only occur under specific circumstances and with the support of families during their most challenging times.

In 2023, 64 individuals donated organs after their passing, resulting in life-saving transplants for more than 200 people, including those needing kidneys, livers, lungs, hearts, and pancreases.

Amy Ng-Thomson is a double lung recipient. 

“Thank you to my donor’s family, for their selfless gesture in donating their loved one’s organs. And talk to your loved ones about organ donation; it made yesterday, today, and tomorrow possible for me," said Ng-Thomson.

“I see myself as the kaitiaki/guardian of these precious lungs as a family has very generously donated their loved one's organs, so I will do what I need to protect them.”

In 2006, after noticing shoulder and knee joint pains with her hands becoming puffy and shiny, Ng-Thomson was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare, chronic autoimmune disease that scars the skin and internal organs. She attended many rheumatology clinics and started on a myriad of drugs.

"My swollen hands, AKA my ‘boxing gloves’, started getting in the way of my work as a nurse and then I noticed I couldn’t take deep breaths. I was referred to the respiratory service in 2008 and after numerous tests, I was diagnosed with lung fibrosis," said Ng-Thomson.

"Never in my life did I anticipate having to one day rely on someone else, or on so many other people’s decisions to keep me alive. Let alone having to receive a lung transplant,"

Ng-Thomson's full story can be read here

Thank You Day serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact that organ donation can have, transforming lives and offering hope to countless families.

Megan Green, a spokesperson for ODNZ, is emphasising the importance of this day.

“Thank You Day is our opportunity to acknowledge not just the donors, but also their families, clinicians, hospital staff, laboratory technicians, and everyone involved in this life-affirming process," said Green.

"We invite all New Zealanders to reflect on the significance of organ donation and engage in conversations with loved ones about their wishes.”

ODNZ is urging New Zealanders to discuss their thoughts on organ donation with family and friends, as one organ donor has the potential to save up to ten lives. Open dialogue about organ donation wishes can have a lasting impact, ensuring that loved ones are aware of individual preferences.

For more information about organ donation or to find out how to become a donor, visit donor.co.nz.

Organ Donation New Zealand is committed to providing a 24/7 clinical service for deceased organ and tissue donation, ensuring that the donation process meets the highest medical, ethical, and legal standards.

Integrated into the New Zealand Blood Service in 2019, ODNZ continues to educate healthcare professionals and support donor families, while raising awareness about the importance of organ donation nationwide.