World Organ Donation Day means different things to different people.
Right now, 7,203 people are waiting for a kidney transplant in the UK, highlighting just how important organ donation is to so many lives.
Some Kidney Community members may be waiting for a transplant. Some may have received one many years ago. Others may be supporting a loved one through their journey.
Wherever you are on that path, we’d love to hear your story.
What role has organ donation played in your life?
Organ donation certainly can and does change lives. 
Having now received two kidney transplants, I don’t think I could ever truly put into words just how life-changing both have been for me. They have allowed me to live my life, to travel, to spend precious time with family and friends, and to form friendships and relationships throughout my journey that I may otherwise never have had.
The emotions that come with receiving the gift of organ donation are incredibly difficult to describe. There is sadness for my donors, their families, friends and loved ones, alongside an overwhelming amount of gratitude, love and thankfulness for the selfless decisions that have allowed me to still be here today. 
Those two sides of the coin will always exist together for me. I will never forget that the gift of life I have been given came through someone else’s selflessness, and that is something I carry with me every day.
For me, part of honouring that gift and the legacy I have been given is trying to pass it on by making a difference to others wherever I can. Through voluntary and charity work, peer support, raising awareness of the importance of organ donation, and supporting organisations connected to the kidney and transplant community, including the Scottish Kidney Federation, Kidney Care UK, Kidney Research UK, UK Kidney Association, @scottish renal association, NHS Blood and Transplant and Scotland Transplant Active Football — which simply couldn’t exist without the gift of organ donation. And these are just a few; there are so many more incredible organisations and people within our community.
Outside of the renal world, I’m also honoured to be an instructor for @heartstart another charity organisation extremely close to my heart. Those who know me will know why.
Someone made an immeasurable difference to my life, not once but twice, and I can never repay that gift.
What I can do is try to live every day ensuring that, in some small way, I make a difference to the lives of others too.
That, to me, is part of honouring the incredible gift and legacy I have been given. 
Hi @dawn.maclean23!
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt reflection. This really highlights the profound impact that organ donation can have, not just on the recipient, but on everyone connected to them.
I think you’ve captured something that many people in our community can relate to… the gratitude for the opportunities a transplant brings, alongside the awareness of the loss and generosity that made it possible. The way you honour your donors through your volunteering, advocacy, peer support and work with so many organisations is incredibly inspiring.
Thank you for all that you do for the kidney community and beyond.
Brogan