LOOKING at 58-year-old David Clune you wouldn’t think twice about his health.
Fit and healthy for his age, the only thing that may give something away is that you are most likely to find him in front of a bright pink sign emblazoned with the DonateLife logo.
The symbol, which promotes awareness for organ and tissue donation, is a logo David in part owes his life to.
The awareness campaign lead to a person generously listing themselves as an organ donor in the hope of saving another.
David owes his life today to the generosity of that person and their family who, in a time of loss and sorrow, upheld the decision to donate.
It meant after decades of health problems David could begin to live a relatively normal life. His health problems began early.
At just 18 years old, he contracted hepatitis, which greatly affected his liver.
“I always had complications and was in and out of hospital for around 30 to 40 years,” David said.
“I had to get on with life and tried to look after myself, but ended up needing to have a transplant.”
At the age of 50, David became the first person in Queensland to receive a double transplant - two organs simultaneously.
Thanks to a registered donor and their family, David received both a liver and a kidney in 2009.
The impact of the donation on his health and his life at times is too hard for him to describe.
“I don’t think I have enough time to explain,” he said.
“It has changed my whole way of living; it has changed all the people around me, my family, my friends, what I eat to my spiritual beliefs.
“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for my donor.”
David doesn’t drink or smoke, lives and eat organically, and keeps physically active to maintain his health.
He has even gone onto a new treatment just recently to try and eradicate the hepatitis.
His dedication to health isn’t just physical. It is mental too. A source of pride and joy for him is his garden; a garden he created and dedicated to his donor. It is a space for him to reflect on everything his donor has given him.
“It isn’t just organs,” he said.
“I’ve been able to see my grandchildren born and grow up.
“For me, it’s funny, I am not quite sure of the words….if I hadn’t gone through this, I wouldn’t be the person I am now,” the 58-year-old said.
“I used to live life in the fast lane, but now I have slowed down in dedication to my donor.
“My donor sits on my shoulder every day.”
As a part of organ donation, recipients are not told who their donors are. David does however know one thing. “I know it was a lady,” he said.
“I wanted to be able to meet the family, but I believe now I don’t need to. “I hope my actions and the way I live my life show how grateful I am.”
DonateLife
JULY 30 to August 6 is DonateLife Week in Queensland.
If you have been to Redlands or island event and seen a pink DonateLife stall, it is more than likely manned by David.
A spokesman for the importance of organ donation, he dedicated his time to sharing his story and encouraging people at car shows, swap meets and markets - basically any community event - to learn more about registering.
Thousands have passed by the stall over the years, and yet sadly the thing he hears the most comes from the mouths of local seniors.
“Every weekend, I have people saying to me: ‘Oh, I’m too old for something like that. No one would want this old stuff’,” he said.
“I get the chance to explain to them that you’re never too old.
“Ultimately, the main thing I say is making the decision, filling out the paperwork and talking to family about it.”
The decision on whether or not organs or tissues can be used comes down to a number of factors including health, family consent, as well as the manner of death.
To put it in perspective, DonateLife Queensland says less than 1 per cent of hospital deaths, roughly 700 each year, are in the specific circumstances needed for organ donation to take place.
Putting your name on the list doesn’t mean it will happen, but it does give rise to an opportunity for someone in need to be helped.
Age doesn’t rule someone out, with people in their 70s and 80s having donated.
For each donation, it means a new lease on life and a second chance for many others.
“I am one of the lucky ones,” David said.
“If I could tell people anything, it would be to live for today.”
He urges anyone who hasn’t yet thought about nominating for organ donation to learn more, make a decision and discuss their choice with loved ones.
