By Fatima Halloum
Point Cook’s Kate Hansen-Cole is alive today because of a decision made by a complete stranger.
A car accident in 2013 left the type one diabetic in a coma, and she subsequently waited seven and a half years on dialysis before receiving a kidney and pancreas in 2019.
“The only reason I’m here is cause a family decided to donate a loved ones’ organs when they passed away, and they saved my life, and now I work tirelessly trying to campaign for organ donation,” she said.
“Have the discussion with your family, at the end of the day it’s your loved ones that make the decision, if your family don’t know what your wishes are, when that time comes, they might say no [to donating your organs].”
To inspire conversation about organ donation, Ms Hansen-Cole will on Sunday, February 5, host a free family fun day.
“We’re having a car show with all vintage and new cars at the back of the venue and so that will run from 11am-2.30pm,” she said.
“Then the kids T20 match is going to be free for the kids, and they can also sign up for free for the next season.”
A ladies luncheon will take place from noon-2pm, with guests speakers and door prizes, and the screening of the the documentary that Ms Hansen-Cole featured in called ‘Dying to Live’, which explores what can be done to improve organ and tissue donation.
“Then the men’s T20 cricket match is at 2pm and the kids will join a guard of honour and we’ve also got a cricket star coming to give out medals,” Ms Hansen-Cole said.
“There’ll be food trucks, and coffee vans, face painting.
“We want everyone to come down and watch the games and raise awareness.”
The fun day will be held at Altona Cricket Club, on Altona Road.
