By Cecilia Nasmith
Following a presentation by Christine Milligan about the special gift her daughter Cassidey Ouellette made, Northumberland County council this week declared April Be A Donor Month.
It's something council does every year, Milligan noted, and the effects are being seen. In both Cobourg and Port Hope, some 48% of eligible potential organ donors have registered their wish to give this life-saving gift.
It’s a gift her daughter made in 2017 when she was declared brain-dead after a motor vehicle accident. She had made clear that was her intention, Milligan said.
“We supported her wishes, as she had signed her organ-donor card, and she was able to save five people through her gift.”
During those first moments after her death, however, at a time she was reeling from grief, a doctor asked her if she wished to go revoke Cassidey’s wishes. She reiterated her support, but later learned that – in one case in four – surviving family members do not follow suit.
“It’s important to talk to your family and let them know what your wishes are so, when that time comes, they don’t revoke your wishes.”
Since then, Milligan has worked hard at creating awareness of organ donation and the fact that one donor can save up to eight lives (and enhance the lives of dozens more).
At any time some 1,600 Ontarians need this support to save their lives – and one dies every three days for lack of it. And while 85% of Ontarians say they support organ donation, only one in three will sign an organ-donation card to that effect.
Milligan has also fundraised in support of local hospitals with an annual colour run in her daughter’s honour. It purchased a piece of hospital equipment for the Campbellford hospital last year, though the COVID-19 pandemic has put this year’s run (which would have supported Northumberland Hills Hospital) on hold.
“I want to thank Northumberland County for being proactive and making April Organ Donation Month. I can’t believe the support we have gotten through the county with signing up,” she said.
