Kumar Siriwardene is urging other families to discuss organ donation after the sudden death of his daughter, Michelle, last year.
By NICOLE WILLIAMS
MICHELLE Parker was a healthy, vivacious newlywed when she died suddenly from a brain aneurism last year.
Her tragic death, and the decision to donate her organs, spurred her father, Kumar Siriwardene, into volunteering with Donate Life and support an upcoming fundraiser for Monash Medical Centre.
On 2 February 2011 in the Dandenong Hospital, as the family thought she would be treated for a migraine, Michelle sensed it was something more serious and told her husband, Ashley and parents, Kumar and Sherryl Siriwardene, how much she loved them.
Within two hours of collapsing at her Dandenong North home, the 29-year-old was pronounced brain dead and transported to the Intensive Care Unit at the Monash Medical Centre.
Michelle spent 18 hours on life support as family and friends said their goodbyes and her new husband and parents were faced with the possibility of donating her organs.
“We had always made it known we wanted to donate our organs if we died but we never thought we’d have to make the decision for her,” Kumar said.
Kumar said that, because of her wedding three months earlier, he was no longer next of kin and although Ashley knew of her wishes, he was in shock and needed some convincing.
Six people got her organs, including her kidney, liver and heart valves.
“We have done it and got comfort from it.”
Ashley and the Siriwardene family have since been told that her organs helped save the life of an infant, a young girl and two men.
The decision highlighted the importance of organ donation for Kumar, who has dedicated much of his time to raising awareness of organ donation through his involvement in Donate Life at Monash Medical Centre.
Kumar is also one of 1600 names on the waiting list for an organ.
He has had heart issues for 11 years but feels Michelle’s death worsened his condition.
He is asking all families to discuss organ donation and be aware of family members’ wishes.
“When it comes to making a decision you are not in a position to make your wishes heard,” he said.
“Make sure your wishes are known by someone and it can make the decision much easier.”
As part of Kumar’s volunteer work with Donate Life, he is supporting an upcoming fundraiser, to raise money to refurbish the ICU family room.
Kumar said the family spent two days in the family room last year.
“That area (the family room) is very basic and it is needed to be a comfort for people waiting for news of grieving,” he said.
The fundraiser will be held at the Clayton RSL on Friday 10 August and will include a performance by cover band Captain Spalding.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from 9544 1035 or online at www.claytonrsl.com.au.
All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards the refurbishment of the family room.
