Gold Coast woman Jenny Koenig knew the moment her brother was placed on dialysis, she would do all she could to help save his life.
When her brother Rob's health quickly deteriorated, it was a no brainer for Jenny to do what she thought all siblings would do – donate one of her kidneys.
"Rob was hesitant and really didn't want me to be the donor due to the very small chance of complications, but I assured him I was absolutely fine with it and I had no doubt he would have done the same if the roles were reversed," Jenny Koenig said.
"My children were also reluctant for me to donate, but as soon as I asked them if they would do it for each other, it was like a lightbulb moment. 'Of course we would,' they said."
Jenny, who works at the Department of Human Services in the Palm Beach Smart Centre, is using DonateLife Week to urge everyone who can to join the Australian Organ Donor register.
"You're giving someone a second chance," she said. "You can really make a huge impact not only on an individual's life, but an entire family too."
With more than 1,400 Australians on the waitlist for a life-saving transplant, every new registration counts. While your age and medical history are considered, you shouldn't assume you are too old or not healthy enough. "Seeing Rob living a happy healthy life now, you can't put a price on that," Jenny said.
"Would I do it again? Absolutely. I wouldn't think twice about it."
The Australian Organ Donor Register is the only national register for people to record their decision about becoming an organ and tissue donor for transplantation after death.
You can register to be an organ and tissue donor using your Medicare online account through myGov, the Express plus Medicare mobile app or at donatelife.gov.au.
A minute of your time could one day save the lives of many
