Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service staff swapped their scrubs and uniforms for sports jerseys on Jersey Day, sparking conversations about the life-changing impact of organ donation while honouring the legacy of organ donor Nathan Gremmo.
Jersey Day was started by Nathan’s family after the 13-year-old boy from Glenhaven, New South Wales was critically injured in a car accident in 2015. After he passed away, Nathan’s family chose to give the gift of life to others to honour Nathan’s generous personality.
Described by his family as a boy who had a unique sense of humour, a love for animals and an insatiable energy for life, Nathan’s amazing gift saved the lives of six people – including five young adults and a baby.
Because of Nathan's love of sport, his family marks Jersey Day each year by encouraging people to wear a sporting jersey to school or work and, most importantly, have meaningful conversations about organ and tissue donation.
Fraser Coast Organ Donation Nurse Preema John said staff used the opportunity to share information, display awareness resources, and support activities that encouraged people to register as organ donors.
“By coming together in a visible and positive way, we hope to remind our community that one donor can transform and save multiple lives,” she said.
“Every conversation started on Jersey Day has the potential to increase understanding, encourage registration, and most importantly, inspire families to discuss and support each other's donation wishes.”
Preema said one of the key considerations for registered donors is ensuring that families are aware of their decision and have discussed their wishes before a crisis occurs.
“Although someone may be registered as an organ donor, family members are often asked to confirm and support that decision at an incredibly emotional time,” she said.
“Having open conversations about donation helps families feel confident that they are honouring their loved one's wishes and can provide comfort in knowing that their decision may help save and improve the lives of others.”
Preema explained Jersey Day was about far more than simply wearing a jersey.
“Organ and tissue donation is a remarkable gift that can leave a lasting legacy, and every person who starts that conversation is helping to build a more informed and supportive community,” she said.
“Our staff are proud to support Jersey Day and the important message it represents.”
To create further impact on Jersey Day, Bundaberg Donation Nurse Karen Jenner arranged for giant-sized jerseys to be displayed at the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay hospitals.
“We know that community awareness about organ donation is so important and these giant jerseys cannot be missed,” Karen said.
“Whatever we can do to draw attention helps spread the message to talk about this with our families.
“Nathan had watched a documentary on organ donation just months before he died and had spoken with his family about being a donor.
“So tragically when the time came and his family were asked about organ donation, they did not have to decide for him and honoured his wishes.”
Karen said organ failure doesn’t discriminate and currently there are over 2,000 people waiting for that lifesaving phone call - adults and children.
“Sadly, we still have people dying on our waitlist, so have the conversation today and one day, like Nathan, you may be a lifesaver,” she said.
A strong advocate for organ donation is WBHHS employee Shane Salvini who shares his story as a kidney transplant recipient here.
To register as an organ and tissue donor on the Australian Organ Donor Register, grab your Medicare card and visit Join the register | DonateLife.
Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service Fraser Coast staff were spreading the important message of organ donation on Jersey Day.