Jenny Hodges, 50, received a double lung transplant in 2024 after she was diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension, an incurable condition.
She was suffering heart failure after decades of chronic illness, taking 44 tablets a day, and finally doctors told her a transplant was her only hope for survival.
Now restored to health, Hodges says the support of her faith community was vital during her illness and recovery.
“They have followed this journey with me for years, I wouldn’t have got through it all without all their prayers,” she said.
“Miracles really do happen, you know. And that organ donation showed people in a very real way that our prayers are answered.”
This month she rallied her local parish of Holy Spirit in North Ryde to support Jersey Day in the hope of prompting conversations about organ and tissue donation.
The annual event, in which Australians are encouraged to wear the jersey of their favourite sports team, is held each 3 September.
It is inspired by Nathan Gremmo, a 13-year-old Australian whose organs were donated after pedestrian accident that claimed his life in 2015.
“The thing that I want more than anything is for people to start normalising the conversation around it and discussing their wishes should the opportunity arise,” said Hodges.
“It’s not about asking people to become a donor, but just about starting conversations in the home and across the board now, because it is such a hard decision for people to make in the moment.”
“But it is never lost on us that my fortune has come about from the very generous gift from my donor and their family,”
“We are eternally grateful that they said yes to organ donation and that my organ donor’s family knew their wishes. Please talk about it with your family so they know your wishes too.”
Hodges hopes Jersey Day will help remove the stigma around organ donation and make it easier for families to make informed decisions.
“If it’s a definite yes, fantastic. If it’s a no, then your loved ones know it’s a no. They don’t have to stress over making that decision on your behalf during an already distressing time.”
