Conversations that make a difference - Jersey Day
Jersey Day will be celebrated on the 2nd September 2022 where many workers and students will be encouraged to wear their favourite Jersey into work and to have a conversation around Organ Donation.
Jersey Day was established by the Gremmo family after a tragic incident took the life of their 13-year-old son. Despite the horrific circumstance, the family chose to create a positive from the situation by donating Nathan’s organs. This organ donation from Nathan Gremmo was able to save the life of six individuals and forever honours his generous personality.
Organ Donation is an extremely important topic that affects many, yet is not often discussed by families. Currently there are around 1,800 Australians on a waitlist for a transplant; while a further 1,000 are on dialysis and could have an immeasurably improved quality of life with a kidney transplant.
Jersey Day is run by the Gremmo family as a Not-for-Profit origination designed to boost discussions and thoughts around Organ Donation. In Australia, simply saying you would like to donate is not enough. The final decision is made by surviving family members at the time of death. Therefore, their understanding and remembrance of your desire to donate is essential. The decision for them is made much easier if you are registered on the Australian Organ Donor Register (AODR), reassuring them of your desire. With only 1 in 3 Australians registered on the AODR, Jersey Day hopes to inspire change, spark discussions and ultimately save more lives.
One organ donor can save the lives of up to seven people and help many more through eye and tissue donation.
Valour Sport recently had Michael Gremmo in their office to discuss Jersey Day and what Organ Donation can achieve. It was a wonderful opportunity to share personal stories and to raise awareness of such a fantastic initiative. Vanna Floros from Valour has been listed as an organ donor for over 15 years. She feels that “in our passing, we have the opportunity to give another human the most precious gift of living. For me, it’s a simple and obvious choice; to be kind and generous. I hope more people register as donors.” Shannon Jaaniste found the talk “very moving and emotional as a parent. It inspired me to discuss the issue with my mum who although she has the information on her license, didn’t realise she had to be listed on the AODR”
Andrew Cochrane felt that having Michael Gremmo into Valour to share the meaning behind Jersey Day was important to provide an “opportunity to share a story that is relatable to our staff, many of whom are parents within the local area. Knowing the Gremmo family personally, I wanted to help share the message behind Jersey Day, so that the meaning isn’t lost. It is a great cause that aligns with Valour’s commitment to help and make a difference within sporting and local communities.”
In the words of Nathan Gremmo, “You only live once, but if you do it right once is enough”
Find out more about Jersey Day on their website: www.jerseyday.com.au and register to become and organ and tissue donor by visiting www.donatelife.gov.au