Save or transform a life today

There are about 2,000 Australians on a waitlist for an organ transplant and an additional 14,000 people on dialysis for kidney failure, many who could benefit from a kidney transplant.

For Police Security Officer, Chris Phillips, it gave his wife Linda another six years of life with her family and the ability to breathe on her own.

Linda suffered from cystic fibrosis which caused her right lung to completely collapse at the age of just 48, she was on the donor list for about 12 months before receiving the call from the transplant team that a double lung transplant was available for her.

The transplant gave Linda a quality of life for the next six years that allowed her to spend time with her family in such meaningful ways, including going to her son’s university graduation.

“Without the lung transplant I don’t think Linda would have lived much longer due to the severe deterioration of her lungs, which also brought about numerous other side effects as well,” Chris said.

Prior to her transplant Linda’s total lung capacity was less than 30 per cent. Post transplant this increased up to 94 per cent and the ability to breathe without the aid of oxygen 24-hours-a-day.

“It reduced the amount of hospital visits and walking around with oxygen bottles for some time. We were able to spend quality time with our son and together with friends and family in those remaining six years and initially reduced the amount of hospital visits significantly.”

Linda was also undergoing dialysis and received a living kidney transplant from her sister in June 2023, giving her enough health to stop the dialysis, which had a huge impact on her mental and physical wellbeing.

Sadly, Linda passed away at just 54-years-old in 2024 but the memories that her lung transplant allowed for are immeasurable to her family.

“We were so appreciative of the donation of the lungs and even though the operation was quite hard with considerable rehab, Linda was able to enjoy another six years on this earth and see our son graduate from University which she was who she was so proud of,” said Chris.

Commissioner of Police, Grant Stevens, said every single person should talk to their loved ones about their wishes for organ and tissue donation.

“Emergency service communities see just how quickly incidents can change a person’s life, but it’s the job of every South Australia to be a part of this conversation,” Commissioner Stevens said.

“DonateLife Week is just the reminder to register if you haven’t already and talk to your family. Every donation can transform or save a live.”

DonateLife SA’s State Medical Director, Dr Stewart Moodie, reinforced this message, highlighting the impact a single registration can have.

“Every registration represents hope for those waiting for a life-saving transplant. It only takes one minute to register, but that small action can have an extraordinary impact,” Dr Moodie said.

“The conversation you have with those closest to you is equally important. Sharing your donation decision with those closest to you means they won’t be left wondering what you would have wanted and registering through the driver’s licence or online ensures your family makes the right donation decision for you.”

Registering is easy and only takes one minute. Save lives, become an organ and tissue donor today.

PSO Chris Phillips with his wife, Linda, and their son