Camille Condon’s life has changed dramatically in the past three years.
The Point Cook resident has experienced health issues since she was just 15 years old.
An underlying auto-immune disease started her woes, with her lung function declining until she was in her 30s.
“I was stuck at home, connected to oxygen seven days a week,” she said.
“I lost my career, and had to move into a disability-friendly house. I struggled to clean, to shower, shop and even dress.
“It was even hard to socialise with friends. When you can’t breathe, you can’t really talk.
“So I’d sort of sit around and listen, but never join in conversation. I was always in and out of hospital.”
But that all changed in February 2013 when Camille underwent a double lung transplant.
“It was a blessing,” she said. “I needed to learn to breathe again, and underwent three months in rehabilitation.
“It was a new way of living.
“Now I’m absolutely fit. I’ve gone back to work part-time and lead a normal life. I travel for work quite a bit, and do what I want when I want.”
Though Camille doesn’t know the donor of her organs, she is very thankful.
“I know it was a female between 30 and 45, but don’t know who it is,” she said.
“But every day I see the scars from the operation and take my meds, and it reminds me of the sacrifice they made by saying yes to being an organ donor.”
Camille now volunteers for the Heart and Lung Transplant Trust raising funds, and has also been involved in organ and tissue donation advocacy with DonateLife Victoria.
Camille urges everybody to consider becoming an organ donor to possibly save somebody’s life.
“Have the discussion with friends and family too. Even if you’re on the register, family can override the decision,” she said.
“If they know about the donation, it’s more likely to go ahead.”
To become an organ donor or to find out more, go online at: donatelife.gov.au/decide
